Sweep wrote:I used to lead lots of rides. One chap, not exactly a mamil but with poseur tendencies came along without water. Can't remember why but it was either because it would spoil the lines of the bike or involve the carrying of surplus weight. Begged me for water half way through the ride. Reader, I refused.
Well, I think that's a bit mean. I guide rides (rather than lead), but I have altered routes to call at a lottery shop or service station when it becomes clear that several of the group were low on water because it had been much warmer than forecast. It's probably not good if a rider suffers from dehydration on a group ride because you wouldn't help.
I've also been given water by another rider, but that was mainly because it was cooler than forecast and they didn't need it, so it saved the group time waiting for me to get a refill from the cafe stop and saved them carrying it home. Give and take... give and take...