Brought home my baby today...

[IntenseRide]

Happy day, new bike in the stable! I brought my new road bike home a couple of weeks ago and 'she' argues constantly with my two other mountain bikes on the hooks.

[northstar]

Kate,

I live in NE Mpls, about a 5 minute ride from Stone Arch...so it doesn't take me long to get on the river road. We're lucky to live in a city with such great places to ride. Last time I was down there (a couple weeks ago when it was 80), I was on my hybrid, on the path, watching all of these awesome roadies fly by on the road, and I kept thinking, "That WILL be me someday!"

Hmmm, Velo Bellas...(getting nervous) I've never done a group ride. And I'm not into racing. Would that still be a good fit for me, as a beginner?

Molly

[IntenseRide]

Kate and Molly...

I hadn't realized you are both in Minneapolis also! So am I and have no idea where the River Road is since I'm a beginner in riding the road. Can you tell me where this is? I'm on the southwest side of Minneapolis. Also, are there cycling clubs for roadbiking? I'm mainly into mountainbiking, but would sure like some pointers on how this is done and the best places to ride.

[pyxichick]

West River Parkway and East River Parkway are the two roads that follow the Mississippi from downtown to the Ford Dam on the West side, and to Shepard Road on the East (St. Paul) side. It's a great loop to go down one side and back up the other. If you live in Southwest Mpls. you can take Minnehaha Parkway to West River Parkway. The Midtown Greenway also connects to West River Parkway.

Most local clubs have women's rides and/or beginner rides on certain nights.

If you're looking for something really non-intimidating, I'd recommend Hiawatha Cycling Club. It's a co-ed club with moderately paced rides (you'll see recumbents) and it's a good way to learn some local routes.

If you think that someday you may want to race, or just want to ride in a paceline and learn from other riders, I'd recommend an all-women's club, which to me feels more inclusive. You should check out the Velo Bella rides on Tuesday and Saturday from Now Bikes in St. Paul, or the Birchwood women's team new rider night, which is a once a month ride that starts from the Birchwood Cafe, near Franklin Ave. and West River Road. Both teams have websites where you can get more info.

I'd recommend looking up Minneapolis bicycle clubs online and try riding with different ones to see where you feel most comfortable. I tried three clubs before settling on VB, but the people have been really friendly and welcoming at every group ride I've been on. At the least you'll learn lots of good routes, and you may even find some new friends.

Molly, don't worry if you don't want to race. Lots of club riders never race, but still think it's fun to ride in a group.

Hope to see you gals out on the road!

kate

[IntenseRide]

Wow, thank you so much for all this information! I'm clueless on anything road, this will help a lot. I'm way out here in Chaska and I know there are some good rides here, just don't know yet and I'm waiting for the street cleaners to get rid of all this sand.

I hope to see both of you too! If ever you are planning a ride that can include newbies like me, please shoot me a PM. I'd love to break into the Minneapolis road riding scene. Thanks again.

[pyxichick]

You're very welcome. I want to encourage more women to get out on the road now that I know how much fun it is.

And I sure will invite you out for a ride when it finally warms up (those are chattering teeth)

kate

[northstar]

I fell today! I was going down Deming Hill in NE Mpls, riding the brakes because I was scared, and toppled over to the left. Luckily it was just a little blooper!

I said I'd confess, so here it is!

[Starfish]

And, we still want pictures!

[Jo-n-NY]

Kate,

I live in NE Mpls, about a 5 minute ride from Stone Arch...so it doesn't take me long to get on the river road. We're lucky to live in a city with such great places to ride. Last time I was down there (a couple weeks ago when it was 80), I was on my hybrid, on the path, watching all of these awesome roadies fly by on the road, and I kept thinking, "That WILL be me someday!"

Hmmm, Velo Bellas...(getting nervous) I've never done a group ride. And I'm not into racing. Would that still be a good fit for me, as a beginner?

Molly

hmmmm, 80 degrees in MN....the company I work for is home based in Eagan. Well, I am here in NY and it is freezing. We all are under the assumption that you guys have more winter than we do. However, I hear it is a very cyclist friendly state, unlike here. Send some of those warm temps our way!!!

~ JoAnn

PS....your bike is beautiful. What a great color. Don't worry, I have yet to post of my bike and I am on my second bike. I also lack the skills.