Group Rides in DC area for Ladies Just Beginning on Road Bikes

[juliemcd]

Hi, all...I recently purchased a road bike, and am looking for information on cycling clubs in the area appropriate for someone at my level. I'm in shape--run and workout daily--but I've been out of cycling for 4-5 years.
I'd like information on groups that aren't too advanced--I'm likely pretty slow and would hate to feel like I'm holding the group up...
Any advice would be great and much appreciated!
Thanks!!

[F8th637]

Welcome, julie!

I've picked up cycling within the last year or so and definitely am not the fastest. I just mentioned to someone on another thread that I've found that the VeloDCity Meetup group is a great place to get your feet wet. I joined them for a couple of rides last year on my hybrid and always found myself pretty much in the middle of the group. The rides are no-drop and it's a good way to introduce yourself to group riding and other places to ride in the area.

You sound like you are in more shape than I am but I'd be up for a ride as well!

[tulip]

Welcome, Julie! Great name (it's my name, too )

Faith and I both are busy giving CindyVA advice in this thread:

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=22533

Sounds like you, Cindy, and Faith should get together for a ride!

[7rider]

Welcome to TE and to the Mid-Atlantic group!

When you say "slow" - how slow is "slow"? Do you noodle along at 10 mph, or can you maintain upwards of 18-20 mph on the flats? What are your goals for cycling? Do you want to become faster? Stronger? Ride longer rides? Climb better? Ride comfortably with a group?

Also...keep tabs on the Mid-Atlantic forum here at TE. We occasionally do group rides - both on and off-road - that are friendly and geared towards casual good times.

Also...a group of women affiliated with MORE (Mid-Atlantic Offroad Enthusiats) have a series of rides called RLAG (Ride Like a Girl). While primarily off-road, they are in 2008 making a concerted effort to include more road rides in the mix to appeal to the broadest possible group of riders. Rides are all generally beginner friendly and in the VA/DC/MD area. I've been on a few and always have a great time. Contact Liz (see the RLAG link) for more info and to get on her newsletter email list.

If your goals are to get up to the point of doing some hammer-time, I do a Sunday a.m. ride with the Bicycle Place - off Rock Creek Park in Silver Spring. http://www.thebicycleplace.com/ride_with_us/index.html
The ride is "spirited" and a heckufalotta fun (and a great way to meet other cyclists)! The ride is broken into 3 groups - A - the stupid fast guys; B - the stupid fast guys who stop to regroup and catch their breath, and C - the rest of us who want to do an aerobic fast-ish ride (16-18 mph over about 28 miles, which is honestly a whole lot easier to accomplish with a group), but not kill ourselves in the process...oh, and have a fun time doing it. It's a great training opportunity for fitness, and includes pacelines and climbing. Talk to the folks at the shop if you're interested or even PM me for the skinny.

[juliemcd]

Thanks everyone--I will check all this information out--I really appreciate the feedback.
When I say slow, I would say around 10mph, at least that's what I was cycling years ago when I had a hybrid. I just bought a road bike, and haven't even picked it up yet, so I'm not sure if I'll be slower or faster than that.
My goals are to get faster and more comfortable tackling hills...

[juliemcd]

ALSO--I would definitely be up for getting together and riding in a month or two, when I get used to being on my bike, the shoes, pedals, etc.