training for longer rides

[spokes]

Hello all!! I've been 'lurking' on these forums for a couple weeks now... It's been very very helpful, so I finally decided to register, because I'm now looking for advice. ; )
I want to join my local cycling club, but a lot of their rides start at 60 km (37 miles). I already commute by bicycle-- 20 km/12 miles/70 min or so each way; I do it 3 -4 times a week; I started in the end of May; I also go out for a nothing-too-serious ride once on the weekend. I would like to able to ride with them, up to 100 or so km (62 miles) but I'm unsure about training for longer rides than I'm used to. I spend a lot of time on the bike already, so I'd like to know: what extra training would I need to do to maintain my dignity riding with them? Also, in your collective expert opinions, what distance could I proably handle, in one continuous trip, without any extra training?
Thanks for your help.
Happy biking!

[tinkerbell]

I don't know the answer to your question ;) but I would say that what seems to be the biggest hurdle for many who join my women's group ride (a no drop ride of about 35 miles) is not the distance, but rather the speed. Most people who think about joining a club have probably already ridden enough to be able to hang in for the mileage. However, the speed they've ridden their mileage at makes all the difference when trying to keep up with a group. My group rides purely for fun, most of us-if not all-are out just for the comraderie and exercise, not to "train", but we do avg 16-18 mph--and sometimes faster depending on how the group is feeling. We'd never leave someone behind, but I know new people are often frustrated trying to keep up when they are used to slower going-- or for that matter trying to slow down when they are used to going faster (darn racers ;)) So, make sure you check out what the group speed will be as well, not just the distance- and train for both--or find a group that meets what you are already doing...good luck, I love my club--without them I'd have given up riding a long time ago. It's a great bunch of women and I hope you find a group that is just as welcoming and fun as the one I have found!! Ride On,

Kristin

[missliz]

When I first joined a club, I found I could ride faster and farther than I thought because I was in a group. I was pooped after, but I got fitter quickly.
What Tinkerbell said about the speed is right, and sometimes you just might have to suck it up and get dropped, that's happened to me. But as you keep showing up, you get better. Take cab fare and a cell phone. Or use your judgement and know when to quit and ride back to the car. Think of it as a transitional thing to another level. And there may be other people there to get dropped with as they make the same transition.
A club will teach you things, like how to spin, that will help you. And in all honesty, you are already over dignity if you wear lycra shorts in public! :p Just join up, keep showing up, you'll get the clubs respect as you get better.
Tenacity trumps dignity. Don't be afraid, just listen to your body and don't get hurt. Have fun!

Lizzy

[spokes]

both very good points, which i hadn't considered. i find in commuting that i often CAN ride faster than i DO, out of sheer laziness (unfortunately, traffic and smog do not inspire greatness from me!). thank god for the cars-- speed-wise, anyway-- i think some part of me tries to keep up with them!! if it was just me and an empty road i think i'd just be crawling along...

the on-line info about the club i'm interested in doesn't really indicate speeds, but i guess i'll just have to see how it goes.

the 'shame' of dropping out is just something i'd have to live with... ; ) although, really, not only do i merely go out in public in spandex (shudder) i also go get groceries, get my hair cut, shop for clothes... i must be shame-proof!! (i almost laughed my lycra'ed butt off when i read your post, missliz..)

hopefully i'll 'click' with this group: i love biking to work but i see it as a chore to some degree. and despite my weekly mileage, i know i could improve. hopefully this will encourage me to do more just'for'fun biking on the weekend... and i'd love to get a century patch, even if it's only metric!'

thanks very much for the help guys!

[missliz]

Miss Spokes you are so funny- you're already part of the tribe if you loiter in your spandex! And even the really good people have a bad day and drop from a ride. In the Tour De France it's called "retiring".
There's probably a contact person for this club, call and ask about speeds and if they have beginner/ intermediate rides. Some clubs do.
As the ad says, "Just do it".

Lizzy