Do I have the guts?

[NoNo]

Had to mail a CD, so I ran to the post office during lunch. Grab a box, go to the table and start packing. I notice the guy next to me with a larger box, packing carton after carton of GU. I commented on the large quantity of gel he was sending, and he said (in that accent that just kills me) it was for a friend in New Zealand. Then he mentioned it's easy for him to get since he works at a bike shop. "I'm into cycling!" The conversation continued, and we discussed my upcoming century and his upcoming Ironman. I would have kept chatting, but my boss was waiting in the car so we could go get lunch (why did I bring him?!). He mentioned which shop he worked at, but I didn't really hear. There are two in New Haven, and it wasn't the one I knew, so I can only assume it's the other one. That's important because he invited me to their group rides on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Do I go? I've never done one of those because I'm afraid I'm going to hold everyone up. Hills just kill me, it's like I hit a brick wall, and I generally average 14-15mph. I suppose at the very least I could learn some riding tips, but who cares about that, the guy was cute!:p It just seemed so random that I chat up a stranger at the post office, and they're into road cycling, too. It was out of character for me to talk to him in the first place, maybe I should follow that trend and see where it takes me:cool:

[Veronica]

You've got nothing to lose for trying. :D

Veronica

[nolemom]

Call the bike shop and get the information on the rides. Our local group has several rides that are officially no drop and all riders are welcome. You would feel more comfortable if you knew what to expect. Having said that - definitely give it a shot. I have met some of the neatest people in the world through group rides. Where else would I make friends that range from 22 to 67 years in age and we all share a common love for cycling.:)

[arielmoon]

Go for it!!!!

And let us know what happens of course!

[AnnieBikes]

GO GO GO!!! Nothing to lose. You will have fun and meet some other people, too. Have FUN! :D:D

[Karma007]

Go!!!!

[NoNo]

LOL! Of course my virtual sisters would egg me on;) Calling the shop sounds like a good idea, just to make sure its no-drop. Don't want to get stranded in certain parts of New Haven:eek: Maybe he'll feel sorry for my slow butt, and hang in the back to coach me (in addition to training for his Ironman, he mentioned he was training several people for their centuries).

Nolemom, I know what you mean about groups. I'm in a car club, and it's amazing the different ages and backgrounds that have come together, all because we had the same car. Some are people I'd never have hung out with otherwise, and several have become like family. I'm always up for increasing that circle!:)

[Zen]

Don't go. It will only lead to heartache when you see his girlfriend there and he was just being friendly anyway.
Stay home, watch Judge Judy and eat chocolate ice cream.;)

[Crankin]

Go for it. If he has a girlfriend, well, it won't go any further.
Or maybe it will... you never know unless you try. I would be more worried about being dropped on the ride.

[NoNo]

Don't go. It will only lead to heartache when you see his girlfriend there and he was just being friendly anyway.
Stay home, watch Judge Judy and eat chocolate ice cream.;)

Holy crap, you can read my mind!:eek:

[Zen]

I'm just the devil's messenger girl.
Go.What have you got to lose?

[malaholic]

Definitely go. It's true that he may be unavailable, so you need to go without getting your hopes up too much. But at least then you'll know, instead of always asking yourself "what if I'd gone?". And besides, even if he's unavailable or if he turns out not to be as great on 2nd glance as he was at first, you'll probably meet some other great people with similar interests and you'll get some training in to boot.

Go! And then come back & post & let us know how it went!

[Geonz]

It's *really* easy for fast riders to invite people assuming that well, their group don't go that fast, really... so I htink I would go, but with a strategy if it's apparent that they get out and do 19+ in their paceline. Though, if you can go 15 by yourself, if you activate your hormones and really focus on round pedal strokes, you may totally surprise yourself. DOn't ask yourself whether you "can" or not... when it seems like you won't be able to keep up say "okay, but I will for another mile or two..." and you just might find a rhythm.

I would, however, know my way back and if I wanted to drop off I'd say "I know my way back, y'all keep goin!"

(I'm coming back from a posted no drop ride that just happened to have strong enough riders that didn't get dropped, but we were doing the posted speeds -- well, after the initial sprint, we did for a little while - into the wind... let's just say I hope some of us with a true no-drop spirit are there when somebody tries to move up from level one to level 2, because the ride leader sort of forgets hers sometimes. )

[jesvetmed]

DH says GO! That's funny. Tell us what happens! And if Zen turns out to be right, well, maybe there is someone more interesting on the ride, anyway! :D

[NoNo]

It's going to have to be next week, I have way too much going on right now. Yes, I should go into this with an open mind and just look to learn what I can. Should anything else come of it, icing on the cake.