Advice Needed...I'm a 'Fraidy Cat! Help!
Hi,
It's been a while since I have posted. I lurk from time to time though ;)
Thought I'd come here to ask the two wheeled Goddesses for help :)
Anyway, I am really not a beginner cyclist. I have been mtn. biking for 11 years and road riding for 10 years. However, I am choosing to focus on road and road racing these past recent years.
Here's the kicker...I never really have done many group road rides. I have been to road bike camp and rode in groups in races LOL :eek: But, I really realized I have put the cart before the horse so to speak. I have the fitness, but not the group road riding skills.
So, I decided to do a real group ride this past weekend. People were cool to me, etc. I had fun, but I was a bit chicken at times to ride so close to the wheel in front of me. I know about the benefits of drafting and I know I need to learn how to become at ease with this in order to become the racer I want to be, etc.
But, it really scares the bejesus out of me to ride that close!
Does it ever get better? :(
Okay, whew, I feel better admitting this and getting it off my chest.
I also realized I do not like to corner or descend in groups. :eek:
Oh man, I have got some major work to do...I know I can do it, but I would really appreciate any moral support or advice you might be willing to give me...
Off to get ready to do another group ride...It's a beginner one, so you shouldn't hear me scream too much or too loudly :D
Thanks in advance for the help!
-Lisa
Scariness, Safety & Etiqutte
Riding in a group is scary especially when you don't know their "background". Most clubs that cater to many levels of riders (i.e. have A,B, C, rides) offer a class or a series of training rides that focus on bike handling skills. Some of the more "serious" clubs assume the riders know how to stay in line, draft, point/call out obstacles, etc. (they don't necessarily!). The best thing I ever did was take those training rides with the NYC Cycle Club - you had to learn how to ride in NYC traffic and on winding roads with suburban drivers, and bike handling, and safe riding skills were taught. If your local club doesn't offer a class or training rides I'd seek out one of the bigger organizations that offer weekends for beginners/intermediates that teach the basics of safe riding - they are good even for non newbies. Riding with people who are knowledgeable and safety conscious is SO much better!