Scott Martin

To be on the group ride, or not to be on the group ride.

That is the question I've seen in online training forums lately. Whether 'tis nobler to suffer the slings and arrows of yon peloton or...

Okay, enough Hamlet. Cycling can only handle one flawed, tormented Dane at a time, and right now we're stuck with Michael Rasmussen.

Anyway, there's lots of web chatter about whether it's better to train by joining group rides or by doing structured interval-type workouts alone.

"Group rides teach pack skills and most closely mimic racing," proclaims HammerDog4Life.

"Intervals are the most effective and time-efficient way to train the key energy systems," argues IluvLact8Thrshld.

"Anybody wanna buy a carbon fork that's only been crashed once?" asks WheelerDealer.

Confused? First, don't buy the fork. Second, consult my handy checklist to see which type of training is right for you :

Training alone
Pro
• Nobody will see you cry with pain.
• You can quit after one interval, go home and watch Facts of Life reruns. No one will know - until you get dropped on your next group ride.

Con
• Nobody to distract you from the pain with stories about riding in awesome places you will likely never have the time or money to visit.
• No chance of chatting with the cute cyclist who doesn't even know you're alive but would love to go out with you if only you could show off your sensitive side.

Group rides
Pro
• One word : wheelsucking.
• Get latest peloton gossip on who's sleeping with whom, and who's probably taking performance-enhancing drugs. Or any drugs.

Con
• "Rider down !"
• When you cry with pain, they will laugh at you.

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