Another Newbie question

[Bueller]

Maybe I should stick to posting in the newbie area; however, I'm hoping someone can help. I have a Trek 7000 that I bought when I lived in Sicily for Mountain biking because I loved LOVED the thrill of eating mud. I moved to San Diego shortly after and continued to love eating mud. Due to a my mother's cancer I moved to Oregon and kept the bike thinking Oregon would be great for mountain biking. It sat in storage for over 4 years because of mother's illness and not finding a group. I decided on a spur of the moment thing to get it tuned up. $140.00 later and still no Mountain biking group to join I just realized I had to ride the stinking bike to justify spending that much money. So, I've been riding to work and doing 20-27 miles on weekends (road only). Anyways, long LONG story short. I love both now but can't afford to buy one for each type. I want to ask to join a road group but don't think I could really keep up. This is where you advanced girls give me advice. I wont be offended if you say no, but would you let a newbie, on a mountain bike at that, join your group???

[redrhodie]

Hi Bueller,

Maybe try posting this in "Northwest", so the riders in your area will see it.

[Irulan]

Oregon is a big state, but you've got Disciples of Dirt in Eugene, PUMP in Portland, COTA in Bend.... your best bet to find a mountain bike group is the Oregon board on MTBR.com. It's very active. Most clubs have beginner rides.

Mountain bikes and road bikes have different gearing - trying to do group road rides on a mountain bike is not recommended as you'll never be able to keep pace with the road riders.

Irulan