My First Group Ride Experience

[annielynn]

This morning I rode with my very first charity group ride and I had a blast! We rode for Breast Cancer Awarness and they had over 300 riders to start the 25 mile ride. Thankfully they split us into 3 groups.

First group was lead out by the local TT cycling club. They were riding about 50 people strong and averaging 20mph. Too fast for me!

Second group was lead out 3 minutes later by the Seminole Cyclists (the club my hubby rides with). They were about 100 strong. The average for that group was 16-18mph. I actually thought about it for a little bit but then being that this was my first group experience I was playing it safe.

The third group was also lead by the SC. This was my group! We rode out with 150 riders!!!! It was huge. It was a relaxed ride with and max avg of 16. I started in the back (unfortunately) but quickly and surely made it to the end of the lead group of riders. I just couldn't stay in the back of the pack. The avg speed back there was about 11 and I was having a hard time making it up the grades. Once I got out front I was able to keep an avg speed of 15 for the 23 miles. I was pretty darn proud if myself. I finished in just under 1 hour 40 minutes.

I am ready to do it again and really ready to ride with a group from now on.