My Old Riding Buddies Won't Ride With me Anymore

[Downhillr]

The way I look at it is this:

• Just because you have an e-mtb doesn't mean you have to ride your friends into the ground. Ride at whatever their pace is
• For me, I've been on mountain bikes since the commercial dawn of the sport in the early 1980's, so as far as I'm concerned: I've been there, done that, paid my dues, don't need to please anyone. Just have fun and ride my bike, so what that it's got assist
• Do I occasionally need more "gas in the tank (think legs/lungs/ heart)? Sure do. I typically ride with people half my age. I need all the help I can get in that scenario. It just is what it is. Do I ride non-assisted also? Sure do, but not with the kids

Finally, if you're being good to everyone (ride at their pace, not a jerk, not riding the strava god into the dust just because you can, overall being a nice guy/gal) and they don't like it? Then they're not the friends you thought they were. Sad but true. Good luck with your group. Hopefully they'll be more open and welcoming. That said, I've found the first point goes a LONG way in gaining acceptance. Again, good luck

Couldn't agree more, been riding since 80's when my son got involved so I've known some of his group for a while now which is a good thing since I find fewer of us in our 70's riding. When I'm with a group I ride at their pace, especially when climbing (lol, on DH I'm not at their pace) and those guys are all accepting and generally cool with me tagging along...
in fact, now that they're in their 40's some, including my son are dual-riders owning an e-bike and regular bike.

 

[Eliadn]

I 100% ride solo (during week, so I don't meet hikers or other riders either), but twice a year when I visit my parents, I go for a group ride with dad and his friends. Us two are the only ones on emtbs so we have to pace ourselves, but I don't mind . One of his friends is a 63y old, absolute beast with unlimited endurance. He does 70+ km rides every few days. He definitely can keep up with our range, however he also thinks riding ebikes is cheating, oh well

 

[Astro66]

I set my EMTB to Eco and don't be the lead rider, unless it's a technical climb. Then I set to Boost and the group knows to let me lead.

Once at the top, I go back to Eco and join in mid pack.

Just don't gloat and show off, and show them you are working hard by keeping your bike turned down.

I have fully integrated into a MTB group. They rarely mention the E-Bike thing. I guess it helps, that 2 others have bought the exact same EMTB as mine, after seeing the benefits.

When it's 35 degrees C and 90% humidity, getting help on climbs makes sense, even to the die-hards.

 

[Binhill1]

I set my EMTB to Eco and don't be the lead rider, unless it's a technical climb. Then I set to Boost and the group knows to let me lead.

Once at the top, I go back to Eco and join in mid pack.

Just don't gloat and show off, and show them you are working hard by keeping your bike turned down.

I have fully integrated into a MTB group. They rarely mention the E-Bike thing. I guess it helps, that 2 others have bought the exact same EMTB as mine, after seeing the benefits.

When it's 35 degrees C and 90% humidity, getting help on climbs makes sense, even to the die-hards.

I've got this paranoia that if I go out with non electric folk my bike will break, they will laugh, then I will start crying and walk home sulking.

 

[Dax]

I've got this paranoia that if I go out with non electric folk my bike will break, they will laugh, then I will start crying and walk home sulking.

Seems rational. At least when that happens with your e-bike friends, they can commiserate about that time the Levo guy had his 4th motor swap

 

[Binhill1]

Seems rational. At least when that happens with your e-bike friends, they can commiserate about that time the Levo guy had his 4th motor swap

Funnily enough you just reminded my 4th motor just turned 3000 miles today. I could probably add another couple hundred at least for all the rides that mission control hasn't worked.

 

[bonescro]

One day my Kenevo SL wouldn't wake up, and my buddy was giving me a hard time. I told him that it wasn't the end of the world, and proceeded to ride ten miles with him, sans assistance. It sucked, but I got a whole new level of respect from him.

 

[Binhill1]

One day my Kenevo SL wouldn't wake up, and my buddy was giving me a hard time. I told him that it wasn't the end of the world, and proceeded to ride ten miles with him, sans assistance. It sucked, but I got a whole new level of respect from him.

Decent buddy would have swapped half way.

 

[Astro66]

Decent buddy would have swapped half way.

I do swap my EMTB out for a MTB when someone looks shagged. I offer regularly but very seldom get an acceptance, as they say that they don't want to experience the benefit too much, as they currently cannot afford an EMTB. They know that riding one too often, will see them visiting the bank manager, or going "Bended Knee" to the wife.

Both blokes in the group who bought an EMTB, succumbed this way. After riding my EMTB, they instantly thought, "Why are we suffering so much on the hills ?"

 

[Binhill1]

I do swap my EMTB out for a MTB when someone looks shagged. I offer regularly but very seldom get an acceptance, as they say that they don't want to experience the benefit too much, as they currently cannot afford an EMTB. They know that riding one too often, will see them visiting the bank manager, or going "Bended Knee" to the wife.

Both blokes in the group who bought an EMTB, succumbed this way. After riding my EMTB, they instantly thought, "Why are we suffering so much on the hills ?"

I was in Finale Ligure in Italy on holiday. I had booked a guide and bike for a half day . But on the day I felt queezy so opted for an Ebike, the rest is history. I did wait another year before getting one which is unusual for me. 2019 I got one.

 

[Adyzakydany]

It’s weird seeing this thread, I’m going though this right now, and I’m actually quite surprised how much it’s gotten to me.

Before my EMTB, I rode with a group of friends that I’ve known for the last 6-7 years, I got to know these guys and mostly ride around Swinley, we use to ride at least once a week and it’s something that made a huge impact to my mental health, in a very positive way.

I’m in tech and was always interested in EMTBs, so when the opportunity presented itself, I got my first EMTB, a Trek Rail, I still keep my analogue bikes but the Rail I just loved, I was finding any excuse to get out on it, when I was with my riding friends I’d run it in the lowest settings and would turn the assist off as much as I could to ensure the group harmony was kept.

Over the weeks I started to notice small changes, and the odd comment here and there, then one ride I turned up at Swinley Forrest with agreement of time etc the day before on WhatsApp as per usual, and when I went to check my phone to see where the guys are, noticed I was kicked out of the WhatsApp group, I thought it was a mistake so messaged one of the guys I’m closer to in the group, and after a 15 minute wait, he replied with “Sorry, last minute plan change, we’re not riding this week”.

That’s the last I heard from him and the group, I’ve kept this from the Mrs. But that really got to me, I didn’t ride for a month or so after that. I thought I had a bond with these guys and was just really devastated I was just thrown away like a piece of garbage.

Since then I ride with the Mrs here and there and otherwise mostly solo. I miss riding with a group of friends, sometimes I do regret getting the EMTB, but quickly snap out of thinking like that.

 

[bonescro]

It’s weird seeing this thread, I’m going though this right now, and I’m actually quite surprised how much it’s gotten to me.

Before my EMTB, I rode with a group of friends that I’ve known for the last 6-7 years, I got to know these guys and mostly ride around Swinley, we use to ride at least once a week and it’s something that made a huge impact to my mental health, in a very positive way.

I’m in tech and was always interested in EMTBs, so when the opportunity presented itself, I got my first EMTB, a Trek Rail, I still keep my analogue bikes but the Rail I just loved, I was finding any excuse to get out on it, when I was with my riding friends I’d run it in the lowest settings and would turn the assist off as much as I could to ensure the group harmony was kept.

Over the weeks I started to notice small changes, and the odd comment here and there, then one ride I turned up at Swinley Forrest with agreement of time etc the day before on WhatsApp as per usual, and when I went to check my phone to see where the guys are, noticed I was kicked out of the WhatsApp group, I thought it was a mistake so messaged one of the guys I’m closer to in the group, and after a 15 minute wait, he replied with “Sorry, last minute plan change, we’re not riding this week”.

That’s the last I heard from him and the group, I’ve kept this from the Mrs. But that really got to me, I didn’t ride for a month or so after that. I thought I had a bond with these guys and was just really devastated I was just thrown away like a piece of garbage.

Since then I ride with the Mrs here and there and otherwise mostly solo. I miss riding with a group of friends, sometimes I do regret getting the EMTB, but quickly snap out of thinking like that.

Man. That really blows. Hang in there. Your future new riding buddies will eventually find you.

 

[ipe]

It’s weird seeing this thread, I’m going though this right now, and I’m actually quite surprised how much it’s gotten to me.

Before my EMTB, I rode with a group of friends that I’ve known for the last 6-7 years, I got to know these guys and mostly ride around Swinley, we use to ride at least once a week and it’s something that made a huge impact to my mental health, in a very positive way.

I’m in tech and was always interested in EMTBs, so when the opportunity presented itself, I got my first EMTB, a Trek Rail, I still keep my analogue bikes but the Rail I just loved, I was finding any excuse to get out on it, when I was with my riding friends I’d run it in the lowest settings and would turn the assist off as much as I could to ensure the group harmony was kept.

Over the weeks I started to notice small changes, and the odd comment here and there, then one ride I turned up at Swinley Forrest with agreement of time etc the day before on WhatsApp as per usual, and when I went to check my phone to see where the guys are, noticed I was kicked out of the WhatsApp group, I thought it was a mistake so messaged one of the guys I’m closer to in the group, and after a 15 minute wait, he replied with “Sorry, last minute plan change, we’re not riding this week”.

That’s the last I heard from him and the group, I’ve kept this from the Mrs. But that really got to me, I didn’t ride for a month or so after that. I thought I had a bond with these guys and was just really devastated I was just thrown away like a piece of garbage.

Since then I ride with the Mrs here and there and otherwise mostly solo. I miss riding with a group of friends, sometimes I do regret getting the EMTB, but quickly snap out of thinking like that.

I'm really sorry to hear this. That said, if you can ride with them, they should be able to ride with you. If they can't, they're not the friends you thought they were. Again, so sorry. That's a real bummer

 

[The Hodge]

It’s weird seeing this thread, I’m going though this right now, and I’m actually quite surprised how much it’s gotten to me.

Before my EMTB, I rode with a group of friends that I’ve known for the last 6-7 years, I got to know these guys and mostly ride around Swinley, we use to ride at least once a week and it’s something that made a huge impact to my mental health, in a very positive way.

I’m in tech and was always interested in EMTBs, so when the opportunity presented itself, I got my first EMTB, a Trek Rail, I still keep my analogue bikes but the Rail I just loved, I was finding any excuse to get out on it, when I was with my riding friends I’d run it in the lowest settings and would turn the assist off as much as I could to ensure the group harmony was kept.

Over the weeks I started to notice small changes, and the odd comment here and there, then one ride I turned up at Swinley Forrest with agreement of time etc the day before on WhatsApp as per usual, and when I went to check my phone to see where the guys are, noticed I was kicked out of the WhatsApp group, I thought it was a mistake so messaged one of the guys I’m closer to in the group, and after a 15 minute wait, he replied with “Sorry, last minute plan change, we’re not riding this week”.

That’s the last I heard from him and the group, I’ve kept this from the Mrs. But that really got to me, I didn’t ride for a month or so after that. I thought I had a bond with these guys and was just really devastated I was just thrown away like a piece of garbage.

Since then I ride with the Mrs here and there and otherwise mostly solo. I miss riding with a group of friends, sometimes I do regret getting the EMTB, but quickly snap out of thinking like that.

That's totally and an extremely brutal & cowardly thing to do ..
It's upset me sitting 400miles away ..and if it hadn't been for the distance I would have invited you into our riding group immediately ..still ..if you are ever up in Northumberland give us a shout out and we would only be too happy to ride with you .
Merry Christmas ...I hope Santa brings you some new riding mates soon ..

 

[Weeksy]

It’s weird seeing this thread, I’m going though this right now, and I’m actually quite surprised how much it’s gotten to me.

Before my EMTB, I rode with a group of friends that I’ve known for the last 6-7 years, I got to know these guys and mostly ride around Swinley, we use to ride at least once a week and it’s something that made a huge impact to my mental health, in a very positive way.

I’m in tech and was always interested in EMTBs, so when the opportunity presented itself, I got my first EMTB, a Trek Rail, I still keep my analogue bikes but the Rail I just loved, I was finding any excuse to get out on it, when I was with my riding friends I’d run it in the lowest settings and would turn the assist off as much as I could to ensure the group harmony was kept.

Over the weeks I started to notice small changes, and the odd comment here and there, then one ride I turned up at Swinley Forrest with agreement of time etc the day before on WhatsApp as per usual, and when I went to check my phone to see where the guys are, noticed I was kicked out of the WhatsApp group, I thought it was a mistake so messaged one of the guys I’m closer to in the group, and after a 15 minute wait, he replied with “Sorry, last minute plan change, we’re not riding this week”.

That’s the last I heard from him and the group, I’ve kept this from the Mrs. But that really got to me, I didn’t ride for a month or so after that. I thought I had a bond with these guys and was just really devastated I was just thrown away like a piece of garbage.

Since then I ride with the Mrs here and there and otherwise mostly solo. I miss riding with a group of friends, sometimes I do regret getting the EMTB, but quickly snap out of thinking like that.

Hey mate. I'm not far from Swinley but don't often head there, I'm at forest of dean a fair bit and happy to ride with anyone and everyone. There's beer and cake at the end too.
Next ride is Sat 4th Jan.

Well that's not true exactly as next ride is Dyfi and Bringewood, but they're nowhere near Swinley

 

[Binhill1]

If you're up to Moray coast give me a shout. We may struggle to understand each other but we will have a good ride out and a laugh.

 

[Adyzakydany]

Thanks for the kind messages, you’re all good people, really appreciate it, did give me a nice lift me up when I saw them. Merry Christmas and have a fantastic new year!

 

[Astro66]

That’s the last I heard from him and the group,

So ......... are you saying that a group of friends that you saw every week for 6 years, completely walked away from you, by ghosting you, because you bought an E-Bike, even though you maintained riding the same way with them ? No other reason at all ?

I can't say I'd consider that rational human behaviour. Even just from a friendship point of view.

Can I ask what age group are we talking here ?

 

[Binhill1]

So ......... are you saying that a group of friends that you saw every week for 6 years, completely walked away from you, by ghosting you, because you bought an E-Bike, even though you maintained riding the same way with them ? No other reason at all ?

I can't say I'd consider that rational human behaviour. Even just from a friendship point of view.

Can I ask what age group are we talking here ?

Kind of stuff we got in primary school. It's my ball and we're going home

 

[Astro66]

Kind of stuff we got in primary school. It's my ball and we're going home

I just don't get the ghosting thing with a group of guys who have been seeing each other weekly for 6 years ? How did they not become friends ? Or does friendship mean nothing compared with buying an EBike ?

Makes no sense to me.

 

[Binhill1]

I just don't get the ghosting thing with a group of guys who have been seeing each other weekly for 6 years ? How did they not become friends ? Or does friendship mean nothing compared with buying an EBike ?

Makes no sense to me.

Nothing as strange as people eh

 

[yzf1999]

In 2018 I bought my first Levo and it was the first EMTB any dealer in my area had sold...I never saw another EMBT at the 3 big bike parks I rode. Now in 2024 I ran across 3 guys in one day with EMBT’s

 

[BMP]

People are crazy. Are the A holes so hard core they use pedal cars to get to work on a daily basis? LOL Saying cheating, lazy, not a real bike, etc. is completely ridiculous. E assist gives people that normally wouldn't or couldn't go over 10 miles a chance at a longer ride. Or people that have ailments a chance to get out there.

I have not ran into anyone that had a problem with our ebikes, but there are a ton of them in our area. Class 1's, 2's and 3's. I think it's all about respecting one another. Our Rail 7's are derestricted and we are careful about excessive speed on multi use places. We don't just bomb around people on other bikes or on foot. Sure they will go 35-36 mph on the flat but we only go that fast when nobody else is around or on the street. It makes getting from point A to B a breeze. Like riding from park to park in Bentonville or a 16 mile commute to work without sweating.

Brad

 

[Adyzakydany]

G

So ......... are you saying that a group of friends that you saw every week for 6 years, completely walked away from you, by ghosting you, because you bought an E-Bike, even though you maintained riding the same way with them ? No other reason at all ?

I can't say I'd consider that rational human behaviour. Even just from a friendship point of view.

Can I ask what age group are we talking here ?

As mad as that sounds, yes, even when typing all that out above it just sounds mental to me, I’m in my early 40’s, the rest of them were all younger than me, middle to late 30’s. Still can’t get my head round it dude, it’s something you’d think some 10 year olds would do.

 

[Adyzakydany]

I just don't get the ghosting thing with a group of guys who have been seeing each other weekly for 6 years ? How did they not become friends ? Or does friendship mean nothing compared with buying an EBike ?

Makes no sense to me.

This is what I’ve really battled with, I keep thinking, did I do something? It just made no sense to me, did I put to much emphasis and effort on the friends part? Were we not as close as I thought we were? They knew about my mental struggles, was that it? Was it me?

It just sounds so absurd, it’s one of the many reasons why my other half doesn’t know how this unfolded, as far as she’s concerned we just all drifted apart slowly. Can’t stomach telling her the truth as it just sounds absurd.

 

[Stihldog]

This is kinda heartbreaking. I also can’t understand this.

I recently joined a WhatsApp MTB group for this area/mountian. I’m only interested in the trail building section but I’m keeping my opinions limited at this time. It’s a fairly young group of volunteers with only a few (4-6) eMTB riders. I know most of them and they know me.…or at least heard of me.

I ride solo and avoid scheduled meetups even though I ride each day. The retired eMTB group usually starts at 7:30am and leaves by noon or 1:00pm. I don’t think I’m anti-social because I stop and chit-chat to everyone (especially the Phone Gazers who are new or lost)…I’m like a social-butterfly …for less than 5 minutes.

My enjoyment is riding alone or with my sweetheart.

 

[cozzy]

It’s weird seeing this thread, I’m going though this right now, and I’m actually quite surprised how much it’s gotten to me.

Before my EMTB, I rode with a group of friends that I’ve known for the last 6-7 years, I got to know these guys and mostly ride around Swinley, we use to ride at least once a week and it’s something that made a huge impact to my mental health, in a very positive way.

I’m in tech and was always interested in EMTBs, so when the opportunity presented itself, I got my first EMTB, a Trek Rail, I still keep my analogue bikes but the Rail I just loved, I was finding any excuse to get out on it, when I was with my riding friends I’d run it in the lowest settings and would turn the assist off as much as I could to ensure the group harmony was kept.

Over the weeks I started to notice small changes, and the odd comment here and there, then one ride I turned up at Swinley Forrest with agreement of time etc the day before on WhatsApp as per usual, and when I went to check my phone to see where the guys are, noticed I was kicked out of the WhatsApp group, I thought it was a mistake so messaged one of the guys I’m closer to in the group, and after a 15 minute wait, he replied with “Sorry, last minute plan change, we’re not riding this week”.

That’s the last I heard from him and the group, I’ve kept this from the Mrs. But that really got to me, I didn’t ride for a month or so after that. I thought I had a bond with these guys and was just really devastated I was just thrown away like a piece of garbage.

Since then I ride with the Mrs here and there and otherwise mostly solo. I miss riding with a group of friends, sometimes I do regret getting the EMTB, but quickly snap out of thinking like that.

Try forty something mtb Facebook group. A few on there are "ill buy an ebike when im 90 and my legs drop off" but its a fairly normal group, as most 40+ have an ebike!
There is a swinley ride tomorrow (Thursday). I dislike swinley plus dont like mixed rides,but will be at the rogate meet on Friday. Less of an issue with mixed rides at a bikepark.

 

[Adyzakydany]

Try forty something Facebook group. A few on there are "ill buy an ebike when im 90 and my legs drop off" but its a fairly normal group, as most 40+ have an ebike!
There is a swinley ride tomorrow (Thursday). I dislike swinley plus dont like mixed rides,but will be at the rogate meet on Friday. Less of an issue with mixed rides at a bikepark.

Thank dude, where is that meet listed? Would love to keep an eye out for any future meets. Out of the UK at the moment so can’t make the one tomorrow.

 

[Adyzakydany]

Think I found it, Fourty Something MTB Riders, thanks dude, just joined, pending approval.

 

[KnollyBro]

It’s weird seeing this thread, I’m going though this right now, and I’m actually quite surprised how much it’s gotten to me.

Before my EMTB, I rode with a group of friends that I’ve known for the last 6-7 years, I got to know these guys and mostly ride around Swinley, we use to ride at least once a week and it’s something that made a huge impact to my mental health, in a very positive way.

I’m in tech and was always interested in EMTBs, so when the opportunity presented itself, I got my first EMTB, a Trek Rail, I still keep my analogue bikes but the Rail I just loved, I was finding any excuse to get out on it, when I was with my riding friends I’d run it in the lowest settings and would turn the assist off as much as I could to ensure the group harmony was kept.

Over the weeks I started to notice small changes, and the odd comment here and there, then one ride I turned up at Swinley Forrest with agreement of time etc the day before on WhatsApp as per usual, and when I went to check my phone to see where the guys are, noticed I was kicked out of the WhatsApp group, I thought it was a mistake so messaged one of the guys I’m closer to in the group, and after a 15 minute wait, he replied with “Sorry, last minute plan change, we’re not riding this week”.

That’s the last I heard from him and the group, I’ve kept this from the Mrs. But that really got to me, I didn’t ride for a month or so after that. I thought I had a bond with these guys and was just really devastated I was just thrown away like a piece of garbage.

Since then I ride with the Mrs here and there and otherwise mostly solo. I miss riding with a group of friends, sometimes I do regret getting the EMTB, but quickly snap out of thinking like that.

Wow.... I am glad you got over the realization that when you get a Full powered emtb that your riding group may change, especially if you are a douchebag about showing up the alpha riders in the group. It blows my mind how fragile the male ego is but letting it get to you makes you come across as a victim instead of someone who found a new lease on life with an emtb. There must be other emtb riders in your area if you are interested in riding with others.