Hello all,

This is my first post, although I've been reading for about a year now!

I've been riding for a little over a year - started on my mountain bike, and moved to a Specialized Dolce - which I love. I had been riding with one of my co-workers, but he retired in April, and is starting a cross country tour this week - so I'm without my riding buddy!

I like riding 25 -30 miles, and can average about 14.5 mph. I've ridden up to 55 miles at a time- I was tired at the end...but had a great time.

I'm intimidated by my local cycling club. I've been a lurker on their listserv for a year...just worried I won't be fast enough, won't have the right gear, etc. etc. I just purchased clipless shoes/pedals today - they will be installed when I have a fitting on July 1st. Any tips on joining a club ride for the first time?

Our club, in conjunction with a LBS has women on wheels rides weekly as well - I'm thinking that might be a good place to start?

I'd love to get some of my friends riding with me - but that hasn't happened yet!

Thanks in advance for your responses - and for all the other bits of wisdom I've picked up here over the past year!

-Katherine