Local biking clubs?

[Jenn]

You know, I had to laugh last night after I thought about it. What better way to motivate someone then to refer to them as a "slug"...haha

[ace]

Hi Jenn,

Just another word(s) of encouragement...

I was a brand new rider last season, have a hybrid, not a road bike, am very overweight, hadn't been riding on the road except very occasionally, and it took me a long time to work up my courage to go ride with my local club. But...it was one of the best things I've done for myself in a very long time. They have a "lite" group, no drop, always has two leaders, and they watched us as we rode and gave us little lectures about how to ride safely, how to take hills, how to take care of our bikes. It was really, really fun to have the companionship of a like group of people to ride with, to get to go on routes I wouldn't have known about, and my skills improved greatly by the end of the season. The proof of that was when I was doing the Cindy training rides this year, one of my group leaders was very surprised I'd only been riding for 6 months, because my group riding skills/technique were pretty developed (even though I'm still sluggish ). And everyone was very, very nice! I liked doing something so healthy and fun with a diverse group of people from my community (and you don't get much more diverse than Oakland).

So go have a great time. I am really looking forward to the start of our season on 4/14- we have a picnic and all levels ride the same route together (an easy 20 mile loop). Oakland Yellowjackets rock!

[roguedog]

Ace.. cool review of the Oakland Yellowjackets.

I know when I was researching clubs.. I was hoping to find one like the Yellowjackets. This I just found from their website.. their sense of humor and openness just comes thru.

I'm pretty happy with ACTC though. I like how they mark the rides so you pretty much know what you're getting into. I like how they have all kinds of rides throughout out the week and not just the once a month "slow" ride. I like the peeps.

I was also a bit trepidatious going on my first ride with actc but it was so much fun and there was a enough camaraderie to make it very comfy and social. Makes the miles just go by.

I've even brought.. dragged... a friend of mine out on a couple of their rides. I remember howt amazed she was that enjoying herself so much. She rides but only cuz the fiance rides. Now I think she's enjoying herself more. I've recommended the Yellowjackets to her but she lives in the San Ramon area so it might be a bit of a trek.

Anyway, .. sorry for the long windedness but, Jenn, even if this club doesn't work out there are clubs out there that can fit whatever you're looking for. You just have to keep looking. Don't get discouraged just cuz of one club or as Geonz says, one group of people within that club.

[bcipam]

Does the bike club have a website? If so, I would send a message to their membership or info director and ask what skill level you should have to start the ride. My club (bike Club of Irvine) has a "newbie" ride the first Sat. of each month. The rde is for very new beginning cyclist and there is generally a 1 hour orientation regarding road safety etc. We also have "pink" rides each Saturday but it is assumed that riders who join these rides are fairly experienced and familiar with road rules. Generally a no-drop rides is for new riders.

I have had all sort sof newbies show up. One exmple, a woman who could only ride straight. To turn a corner she had to stop and physically turnt he bike. She also did not like to ride across intersections and would walk. I suggested she practice alittle more on bike paths etc and then come back out and ride with the Club.

Club riding is great but the first experience can be nerve wracking. Another suggestion - youa nd your husband ride over to the ride stage and just watch everyone take off. Will give you an idea of the type of riders etc.

Edited to add: I note you already contacted the leader so good job. I note the ride is 35 miles so in my nbook not a newbie ride. Our rides are between 14 - 17 miles, with a coffee stop in the middle so truly a newbie ride.