first group ride

[Barb]

I'm finally gonna try a group ride. I do not know a sole and I'm sorta shy So here are my questions:

1: I usually ride on my own with a camelbak and trunk on my rack. Should I par down for the ride? I'm not sure which is worse, being smirked at or wishing I had brought my....(what ever it was that won't fit in my wedge).

2: I'm still riding in cross trainers with toe clips. I don't plan on doing anything about that until next month when I can afford it, but I would like to know how these people might react to me!!!!!

I know I can do the distance and keep up just fine. I just don't think I will look like the rest of them and don't want to get psyched out by their reactions.

[Trek420]

Barb wrote: "I'm finally gonna try a group ride. I do not know a sole and I'm sorta shy So here are my questions:"

1: I usually ride on my own with a camelbak and trunk on my rack. Should I pare down for the ride? I'm not sure which is worse, being smirked at or wishing I had brought my....(what ever it was that won't fit in my wedge)."

dehydration is worse than anything ;-) trust me, nothing worse than bonking in public

is there a stop on the route where you can get fresh water? how many bottle cages on your bike? what the heck's in the trunk anyway? ;-)

you could end up saving the day because you're the only one with flares and an inflatable liferaft in your trunk ;-)

just kidding.

> 2: I'm still riding in cross trainers with toe clips. I don't plan on doing anything about that until next month when I can afford it, but I would like to know how these people might react to me!!!!!

I wouldn't ride with a group that laughed at my gear/set up ;-) You're getting used to group riding which is its own skill set. Don't change anything yet is my advice unless there's a sound reason. You'll be fine, have fun!!

> I know I can do the distance and keep up just fine. I just don't think I will look like the rest of them and don't want to get psyched out by their reactions.

All the more reason to keep your trunk and toe clips, go, dust them with the extra gear then when you show with toe clips imagine "she kept up with toe clips, rack and a trunk .... now what?"

Have fun!

Now back to watching the Olympics, fencing, coolness!

[Squirrel]

Go with the gear that you're comfortable with and just have a good time. I stayed with clips a long time, I was nervous about going clipless. I did my first group ride in clips and no one said anything. How long is the ride?

squirrel

[Barb]

I just got back from the ride. Those folks were GREAT. We had a wonderful time and I joined their bike club. Only 5 of us rode today. We were supposed to do 30 miles (5 miles longer than my longest ride). We wound up doing 41 miles and I kept up the whole time. I feel great. Ok, I feel hungry and a little tired, but mostly great! This group is more into touring than racing and they are very casual. I felt really comfortable. I'm riding with them on Wednesday.

[snapdragen]

Congrats and good for you Barb! Isn't it great to discover you had nothing to fear?!

[Trek420]

yeah, Barb!!!

I just got back from a 30 mile group ride, only 8 of us showed to do the 30, a few other gals did the 50. I was asked to lead since few knew the 30 mile route. That was a first time leading for me.

I'm hungry, tired, going to veg and watch some Olympics ;-)