My first bike ride event

[effy]

This was my first time getting involved in a cycling event. I managed to get my husband (he has 20 years cycling experience) to volunteer with me and it was actually a lot of fun. The main reason I went was to actually experience the atmosphere and see everything in action. I'm so very new to cycling that I wanted to get involved, but I didn't want to be overwhelmed either. I wanted to see things in actions. I would like to actually participating in a few rides this year but I'm nervous, please feel free to give me suggestions on how to start my cycling journey or maybe you have stories of your own riding / racing events.

[redrhodie]

Did you volunteer at a race?

When I started out, I just rode a lot by myself. Now, 5 years later, I just ride a lot by myself :D. If you want to start riding events like centuries or charity rides, see if there's a local bike club in your area that has beginner rides that can teach you tricks of riding in a group, where you can train for the distances you want to achieve. Your LBS should know of some in your area, or you can probably find some riding buddies here.

[Zen]

Your spouse has 20 years experience and you're asking us :eek:!

Trial by fire is an excellent teacher, just pick a short organized ride and do it.
Find a local bike club to ride with.
Go.
Do.
Ride.

[effy]

Yes He does have 20 years in the bicycle arena, but he's a guy, his focus and passion has been Mt biking and did I mention he's a guy. My goal is road biking. He tries to fill me in on things but I find that he down plays things to me, that or I just want to hear from some other experienced people because I can only hear so much from him, lol.

[effy]

So far I'm riding into work which is 11 mile each way. The riding group that i found is really a hard core. I'm still looking and asking about the group rides in my area because I know I need the structured practice. Hubby's skills are so much further ahead of mine, that I feel like a lead weight when I ride with him. I 'm still afraid to get left behind when we ride, what if I get a flat or something.

[Veronica]

I 'm still afraid to get left behind when we ride, what if I get a flat or something.

Learn to fix them. :)

V.

[RoadRaven]

When I began, my partner spent time riding with me, encouraging me and took a real interest in my cycling.

See if you can do a ride a week with him while you are beginning - tell him to make it his active recovery day... it'll be so helpful to you.

[Zen]

I can only hear so much from him...
Heh.
You pushed the right button with that one ;)

Maybe you can find something through this link-
http://www.adventurecycling.org/cyp/list.cfm?s=Minnesota&f=lState



.

[spokewench]

Effy - it is very difficult to ride with a spouse that is way ahead of you - and remember, he always will be; he is a guy. I understand that sometimes it is hard to learn from a spouse. My husband is the worst teacher in the world, but what you need to learn from him is how to be self-sufficient on the bike.

Have him sit down with you in the house in the evening. Have him show you how to take your wheels on and off. Both front and back they are different. then, you need to take them on and off yourself. It is way different to do it than to watch it.

Then, change a tire, take the tire off the rim; take the inner tube out, replace the inner tube, and put the tire back on and put the wheel back on the bike, remember to put your brakes back together and you are ready to ride anytime by yourself. Make sure you have everything to change a tire each and every time you go out.

Most importantly, pump your tires up to the correct air pressure before you go out every time. This will help you not get a pinch flat. It will not help you with glass or debris on the road however. If you see a patch of glass on the road, try to avoid it, but make sure you can move over without being hit by a car!

Good luck.

[effy]

That is very good advice,. I have already asked him to teach me how to change the tires and tubes tonight. I may be riding in to work bymyself tomorrow so I need to know. Ladies, I'm picking up what your all putting down. Learn what I can from hubby and just ride, because experiece is the best teacher.