Would like to train for 50 mile rides - can't find a group at my level?

[gabriellesca]

Hi everyone - I've been MIA since last August when everyone here was so great and supportive during my breakdown in the weeks before my first Century. I did finish my ride, Mad River in Vermont, with Team in Training. And loved the experience so so much.

Due to illness (mono and other fun stuff), I've been off my bike and out of the gym since November. I've put on 10 or 15 pounds and actually intimidated to get back on my bike.

The cycle-team I rode with (MA Team in Training) will be recruiting for their summer ride again in a few weeks and I'm trying to weigh my options. I'm quite worried about raising the money for the ride this year since it would be my second year (novelty is gone), and tough times for everyone. I also think the experience of training that hard was very tough on my body and I'd like to enjoy the summer a bit more (rather than training and obsessing so much). So I think I'd like to do a few 50-mile rides. (Also volunteering to drive the SAG for the season for the team.) But I would like to train with a group/team.

I've gone on-line and everything I've found in my area are teams that train for races etc. and though one or two say 'all levels welcome' I feel VERY worried about joining a team that I couldn't keep up with and that is not supported.

Any advice for finding riding buddies/group so I could train for a few 50-milers this summer?

Thanks!

[SheFly]

Where are you located? I assume, from your post, somewhere in New England. If so, there are many groups with whom to ride and train. If you give me at least a state with which to start, I can try to point you in a direction.

SheFly

[gabriellesca]

I'm usually much more savvy at finding things like this - but I think my worries about my ability and keeping up with a new team are getting in the way. I feel as though I really need a beginner group to ride with (even though I've already done a century).

But thanks - yes, I'm in Quincy, Massachusetts.

THANKS!

[ny biker]

Have you looked for local cycling clubs, rather than teams?

Clubs have group rides at various levels of ability which are led by club members. So they're casual group rides, not races.

[SheFly]

I'm usually much more savvy at finding things like this - but I think my worries about my ability and keeping up with a new team are getting in the way. I feel as though I really need a beginner group to ride with (even though I've already done a century).

But thanks - yes, I'm in Quincy, Massachusetts.

THANKS!

I thought you might be in MA.

There is a weekly women's ride for ALL abilities on Tues nights beginning in May. The only thing is that it leaves from Lexington Center.

NYbiker was right - most of the clubs around here (mine included) offer rides for racers and non-racers alike. Our club, for example, has over 100 women members and the "teams" ride together once a week in addition to leading/participating in the Tuesday rides. You don't have to be a racer to join the rides.

Other clubs in the Boston area are the same. International Bike has a shop/club/team that rides. Quad Cycles in Arlington is the same. There are also the CRW rides that are often multi-level and usually most weekends. You can check them out here.

I'd be happy to hook you up with a club near you - just need to find the right one . Do you work in the city? Can you make it out to the burbs for an evening ride?

SheFly

[gabriellesca]

Thanks so much SheFly and NYbiker ... I did contact someone at CRW and he said they have a New Member Ride coming up in May so I may try to make that. I have looked at clubs - I think I'm feeling very worried that even on a slower ride I wouldn't be able to keep up. I'm seeing most clubs list rides in the 15 to 17 mph range and I think that would be tough for me to keep up for hours.

Some of this is my own fear of venturing away from the safety-net of the Team in Training set-up where rides are supported and coaches are there to help newbies and you never get dropped. But I'll try to get over that.

Yes - I'd be happy to drive to the burbs on a weeknight - for sure!!

THANKS!

[gabriellesca]

Sorry - yes, I work in the City, live in Quincy but could easily drive to Lexington or another area after work or on weekends!