Class - should I take it?

[bunny_ninja]

I will decide in 2 hours... :)

http://wheelworks.com/articles/better-cycling-clinic-pg401.htm

It'd be the 101. I am just really nervous about riding with people again. I used to race. I ride with my BF sometimes. There are, of course, other cyclists on the road. At the end of my racing, I was so *done* with the crazy competitiveness. I am competitive enough with myself that it just became overwhelming.

Now that I am riding again -- I have never done any of the area group rides. Partly - it is because I am shy :o I also struggle with the loss of pride, now that I am no way near racing shape.

I have always wanted to take one of these classes. In spite of my anti-social tendencies, I do want to meet other cyclists. I would like to get more serious with my riding.

So - has anyone here taken a clinic? Do you feel you came away from it a better cyclist?

[bunny_ninja]

update:
all signed up. BF seems to think I will want to do both 101 and 102 in the same day. We are the same level of crazy, and he has done that before...

I only signed up for the first 1.

[tulip]

What about if you take this tactic: show up in non-tech bike gear, steer clear of any racing jargon, and just go with a fresh perspective. No one there has to know that you were a racer. Unless you tell them. And if you tell them, then you will set yourself expectations and it won't be fun. I know. I've been in the same situation (at the same shop but a very long time ago).

Go with an open mind and an open heart and have fun and see what you learn.

[lph]

well said, tulip.

[SheFly]

Sound slike a good choice! I know a lot of these women, and you will have a great time. If you raced, never raced, never want to race - doesn't matter. Clinics like these are INVALUABLE in teaching great riding skills.

FWIW - every Tuesday at 6 pm, there is a women's ride that leaves from Lexington Green. Focus is on pace lining, safety and fun. There are groups for ALL abilities (new riders up to a drop group). This is a very safe and welcoming environemnt as well - no cost.

Enjoy the clinic! Hope to see you on a Tuesday ;).

SheFly

[bunny_ninja]

Turns out I can only do the morning one anyway.... I have a bunderground railroad (http://www.bundergroundrailroad.org/) transport Sunday late afternoon. There are 3 bunnies coming up from Maryland to our rescue in Massachusetts. :)

My silly BF told me that 2 years ago he was riding over 200mi/week. Little did he know, that statement gives me a new goal. I am only getting around 100mi/week, what with the rain and being late for conference calls (work). I have tried to take the calls while on my bike, but I tend to have the call dropped in Lexington on a particular road of my morning commute. I need to lose weight anyway -- I am at the proper cycling weight, and with my small frame, I think I should be lower. I am almost up to 130 and I am 5'5" with a fairly small frame.

So... with that 200mi/week goal, I plan to hit the CRW friday night ride. It'll be my first group ride! I don't plan to even attempt to ride with the fast group. I will die on the hills and haven't got recent paceline experience. This will make today close to a 50mile day! yay!

BTW - a CRW guy told me via email about the Tuesday night women's ride. Now, I suppose I have to go :) I ride through Lexington on my way home from work anyway. :o That should grab me another 50 on a weekday. It'll force me to be social too.

Thanks for the encouragement, everyone!

[bunny_ninja]

scratch that. I totally forgot that I have a haircut scheduled for 5pm tonight. No group ride for me today :-(

[smilingcat]

just go and have a good time. Keep your mouth zipped about racing and let others do the talking about technical things related to riding, shifting...

Remeber just go tomorrow and have a good time.

[bunny_ninja]

It was fun and there were slower cyclists than me (I have pride issues). I learned a *lot*. I now want to meet more female cyclists :)