Yesterday I mentioned how the social aspect of STRAVA has opened doors for me.
I outlined how I strategically follow men and woman of all ages that live in my neighbourhood (loosely speaking), and cycle regularly (3,500+ km year-to-date) – road cyclists like me that love to train, and race (sometimes).
Yesterday I had an interesting experience. I headed out in the morning to ride a familiar route with a few climbs, and a long gradual descent. 35-40 km in total. I was stopped at a traffic light. When it turned green, a young woman passed me in the intersection. She was keeping a good pace, and I could see she was experienced. She had a smooths, efficient pedalling stroke, and used hand signals regularly. I could tell she was an experienced road cyclist accustomed to riding in groups. I got on her wheel 😃
We kept a good pace for the first 10 km, averaging 25-30 kph to the base of the first long climb. I’m a good climber and thought I would pull alongside her to chat a little. Well, she put me in my place. She dropped me almost immediately. She was strong. She powered up the hill, and I never saw her again ☹️
Later, while going through my STRAVA feed, I realized we followed one another. I messaged her and we had an interesting exchange. We may never share a ride – I fear she is much stronger than me – but I hope to have more cycling discussions with her. I have a lot to learn from her.
This is the strength of STRAVA.
PedalWORKS 
I’m not sure alot of women cyclists would want a guy they didn’t know hanging onto their wheel.
Hi Jean. I don’t think it’s a problem for women accustomed to riding in groups and competing in sportifs. This woman was clearly experienced, and I know from our following discussion, she didn’t mind at all. If the woman was less experienced, I would either not get on her wheel, or talk with her first.