First club ride

This is for all the new/old cyclists who are contemplating joining a club. DO IT!

I started cycling last year and as a newbie I cycled on my own. But now I am eager to become a better cyclist, not just speed, distance, but to learn how to pack ride. I joined this club not knowing a soul and showed up to see a bunch of guys who looked like hammerheads. But how quickly first impressions can quickly fade on the bike.

Was I intimidated? You bet. Was I scared? Sure. Did I feel out of place? Oh yes! But once we all started riding and introductions were made, I felt very welcome. This was a no drop ride but it really catered to everyone. We were allowed to rip it up a bit but always slowed down for everyone to keep up. Some say cycling isn't a team sport, I realized today, it sure is. There is a great feeling you have when you pull up front knowing you are blocking wind for your "team" and even better when other riders want to shelter you.

For my inagural club ride, we covered 75km and better yet, I was smiling and eager to do more at the end.

I guess what I'd like to share with you is that if you are thinking about joining a club, you should really really consider it!!!

Your ride sounds wonderful. I am so happy that you found such a great club. Enjoy, and keep the stories coming! :)

Awesome, Bluerider! You've discovered one of the major reasons I love cycling. I consider the people I ride with to be my best friends, like close family members, really. Some of them I went to high school with (and I'm in my 30's!), some are like father figures, others like brothers and sisters. The thing is, we can all have our own personalities and even irritate the heck out of each other (I DID say like family...:p ), but we'll always have that common bond that is cycling.

Congrats on your first outing....may you have many, many more! :)
~BikeMomma

Thanks Lise and BikeMomma!

I couldn't wipe the smile from my face the whole time. I love pack riding! It was really fun and I can't wait for next Saturday!

You're right BikeMomma, there are a lot of personalities. But at the core is a group of people who are bike-obsessed!!! I've met crazies just like me who would rather go for a 3 hour bike ride than sleep in. Ya!!!!!

I soooooo understand you!!!!!!!!! :D I did my frist club ride this weekend too, well two of them. And my first ride on sat was just amazing, actually in the end of the ride my cleat broke, and I had to ride cleatless for about a mile, so i was pedalling with one foot. But even then, i was riding with a grin on my face, and thinking wow finally i feel i am doing something that i enjoy and its healthy and good for my body and mind. I am glad you feel the same way. Hope you have many more rides like that to come


Cheers!

I just sent in the paperwork to join the local club. I haven't ridden with them yet because the weather here has been miserable, but I'm looking forward to joining in on the group rides. Sometimes, it's great to ride alone, but sometimes I could use some company for motivation.

All of you new club members and about to be members have just joined a wonderful network! AND you will indeed become better riders for it. I use my club rides as a way to challenge myself and to be with other like minded people. We never talk politics, don't gossip, but have a great time together. Yes, some of them are just like family to me. We even have names for some of us as multiple Joes presented a problem as to who was who! So Tall Joe, Sugar Joe (he works at C&H sugar), Jersery Joe (he's from New Jersey), etc. Oh yes, then there's Artic Bill (he wears shorts in the winter), and Phat Bar Bob (he's one of the multiple Bob's who has a flat bar bike he rides from time to time), etc. This just adds to the humor of our rides together.

Enjoy your new friends. They will take good care of you!:) :) :)