My First Group Ride Experience

[annielynn]

This morning I rode with my very first charity group ride and I had a blast! We rode for Breast Cancer Awarness and they had over 300 riders to start the 25 mile ride. Thankfully they split us into 3 groups.

First group was lead out by the local TT cycling club. They were riding about 50 people strong and averaging 20mph. Too fast for me!

Second group was lead out 3 minutes later by the Seminole Cyclists (the club my hubby rides with). They were about 100 strong. The average for that group was 16-18mph. I actually thought about it for a little bit but then being that this was my first group experience I was playing it safe.

The third group was also lead by the SC. This was my group! We rode out with 150 riders!!!! It was huge. It was a relaxed ride with and max avg of 16. I started in the back (unfortunately) but quickly and surely made it to the end of the lead group of riders. I just couldn't stay in the back of the pack. The avg speed back there was about 11 and I was having a hard time making it up the grades. Once I got out front I was able to keep an avg speed of 15 for the 23 miles. I was pretty darn proud if myself. I finished in just under 1 hour 40 minutes.

I am ready to do it again and really ready to ride with a group from now on.

http://hphotos-snc1.fbcdn.net/hs205.snc1/7217_174136017118_570162118_3689223_1930361_n.jpg

[Tri Girl]

Congrats, Annie!!!! You look beautiful standing next to your beautiful bike! :) I'm glad it was a good experience for you. Can't wait to hear about your next!

Just curious- what's the picture in your signature: The 25 mile Challenge? Was that the ride you did today?

[annielynn]

Thanks! I couldn't stop smiling this afternoon. It is amazing how fast and hour 40 goes by when you are doing something you love to do!

Todays ride isn't the one in my avatar/siggie. That ride on November 7th. That one will be for the ALS Association Florida Chapter, something that is very close to my heart. My Dad passed away from ALS in 2005 and since then I do whatever it takes to raise money for them. :) Today's ride was Trek Breast Cancer Awareness ride.

[channlluv]

Congratulations, Annie! It sounds like you had a lot of fun, and for a good cause, too. Did they have the roads blocked off for that many riders coming through?

Roxy

[annielynn]

Thanks Roxy! They didn't have ANY road blocked none. The groups had leaders and sweepers and they were "assisting" with the intersections. Our group rolled through several red lights along the way.

[rubywagon]

Woohoo to a successful and fun ride! You look great and very proud standing next to your bike!

[Grits]

Whoo hoo! Great job! I love charity rides with SAG vehicles and rest stops. My you ride in many, many more!

[copperlegend]

wasn't it neat thinking that other riders across the country were riding for the same cause? Glad you had fun!