Nervous about my first group ride

[RoadRaven]

Hi there Heather
The gals here have given you some good starting points for starting to ride in groups.
Just want to emphasis again what has already been said: let the others know this is your first bunch ride.
There will be someone there who will give you tips, encourage you and if you drop back will come back with you and support you back to the group or sit at the back of the bunch with you.
The only way to really know is to have a go, just have a go and be open to suggestions and opinions Come back and talk to us about how you found it - we'll be interested to talk with you about it.

[DrBadger]

Hey Heather-
What bike shop are you going to ride with? I was in Houston over the summer and rode with 2 bike shops out in Katy, Sun and Ski, and ACME. Both were great and had a wide variety of levels of riders. I was terrified before I went to my first ride as I didn't know the bike shop or any of the people, and it was my first official group ride sponsored by a shop (had ridden with some women from the boards, but was nervous the first time for that too!) Don't worry too much about the rules and pack stuff. As long as you let people know that it is you first group ride they will teach you what you need to know. And also see if someone will help you start to learn how to draft. I started learning that for the first time this summer, and in those Texas winds it is great, but I am still learning and not entirely comfortable having someone draft off of me.

Good luck, have fun, and let us know how it goes!

Ellen

[hgrill02]

Hey Heather-
What bike shop are you going to ride with? I

Hi everyone, thanks for your support!! You are all right I just need to get over my fear and go for it. I will definately report back as soon as I get home! Thank you all !!

Oh by the way Ellen, it is ACME!

Heather