how would you go about starting a bike club

[DDH]

Okay girls, I have a question. I'm not an everyday biker and when I do ride, I usually have to ride by myself. I have checked around and to my knowledge there are no bike clubs in this general area. I would have to drive an hour everytime I wanted to ride with any of the other bigger city biking clubs so I was thinking. I know dangerous at times, but it does happen. LOL

How would I go about starting a bike club for our area? I don't know the first thing about it, but I know I would like to have a club to go on rides with sometimes and not always have to go on organized rides that you pay for in order to ride with a group. Plus I think it would help me learn more, get faster, and be more motivated. DH doesn't get to go with me very often and when he can, lately he is to tired.
I'm not sure if it something I want to get into or not, but was wondering what the logistics of it would be so I could be prepared if I did decide I wanted to.

I don't know, it's just a thought I am rolling around in my head, because we have nothing around here and I know I see bikers on the road here and there and usually they are alone.

I wasn't sure where to post this, so if it's in the wrong spot, please help me out moderators and fix me. LOL

[F8th637]

I would advertise, advertise, advertise. Hit up your LBSs and any other local jaunts you know cyclists will congregate at and put up fliers. You can have the first meeting at a coffee shop or your local library. Check out sites like www.meetup.com and start your bike club there. Even if it's just to see what the general interest in your area will be like. Maybe then you can find someone who is willing to take on more of a leadership role or at least help you out. Good luck and keep us posted!

[lauraelmore1033]

I don't know if Craig's list is as popular in your area as it is here, but you might try posting for cycling buddies on their "activities" section. Never done it myself, but I peruse it fairly regularly, and I see a lot of people posting that way...

[SouthernBelle]

If a full club seems a bit much, just try advertising around for a women's ride. Then if that is a success, and you want to, you can morph it into a club.

[DDH]

Thanks girls, good idea's. Jumping into starting a club would be a bit much I think. I was in my desperate mode of thinking. LOL

Thanks for the idea's and support.

[Xrayted]

I like SB's idea of just posting a women's ride but maybe make it for every other Sunday or something... get some regulars and then see where it goes from there. If anything, you will meet some other women riders and maybe pick up a buddy or two to cruise with on a more regular basis.

Good luck.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I think X has the right idea. Just advertise for a couple of women biking rides (not a club). Of those rides, see if anyone who shows up would be a good riding companion for you. All you really need is a riding buddy or two. Starting an officiall club would mean you'd be forced to supervise and ride with all kinds of people- some of whom you may not really relish riding with.

[DDH]

See I knew there was a reason I asked, because I knew you girls would talk sense into me. I was thinking that would be a lot of work but didn't even think about having to ride with folks I didn't really want to.
Thanks Lisa