Newbie Needs Help

[Cyclesome]

MDRider, When and where is this road bike course and how did you find out about it? Sounds interesting.

[MDrider]

Thanks to those who had info about my bike. I had no idea it was considered a "comfort bike". All I know is that hills are always so challenging on it. Can't wait to try a true road bike and see how it, or should I say we, do on hills.


Cyclesome, I found it through my local REI store. Check out www.rei.com, then find your closest store. We meet at the store and then I think are taken somewhere to bike. It's a one day course called Beginner Road Biking, or something like that . It runs from 9am - 4pm.

[MDrider]

I found the class through my local REI store (www.rei.com). It's called their Outdoor School.
It's a one day course called Road Biking for Beginners, or something like that. I was just lucky that they happened to have one in 2 weeks. I also tried looking into my local community colleges, but I didn't have much luck.

Thanks so much to everyone who answered my questions. You've been a terrific help!!

[cyclechick314]

I found the class through my local REI store (www.rei.com). It's called their Outdoor School.
It's a one day course called Road Biking for Beginners, or something like that. I was just lucky that they happened to have one in 2 weeks. I also tried looking into my local community colleges, but I didn't have much luck.

Thanks so much to everyone who answered my questions. You've been a terrific help!!

I perhaps ride the same rail trail you do, the NCR trail that originates in Ashland and travels to York, Pa.

I'm looking for others to ride with during the week after work .
I own a trail bike and a road bike and switch off and on depending on how I am feeling and who I might be lucky enough to ride with. I'm not fast, but I can hold my own . I do around 20 miiles or so.....but I'm working up to more after being sick with lyme disease for 2 years. Having a riding companion is definately a better way to go sometimes. As others have said.....it helps to pass the miles and also gives you some company and /or help when you get flat tires .
I'm always looking for riding partners.... so email me if you are interested.

Bonnie

[Zen]

Both of you might want to look into the Baltimore Bike Club

[lyca]

Congrats on your new hobby!! I just bought a road bike back in May and am completely hooked.

As far as gear goes, for the first two weeks or so of bike-ownership I rode in tennies, regular shorts, a running top, no gloves, and a helmet. I wanted to be sure I was REALLY positive about the whole biking thing before I bought a bunch of gear. (and now I stalk steepandcheap.com and search the catalog here at TE for cool bike stuff....so addicting...)

The biggest comfort issue I had in those first weeks was with my "sit bones" and girly parts. Once I got my shorts I thought, oooooh, THAT'S what I'm supposed to feel like! If you expect to be on the bike for a good portion of that 9am-4pm, you might want to consider, as others have said, inexpensive shorts with padding. You might want to check out the thread that begins "kinda personal, but..." for information about what to wear underneath them...and for a good laugh, too!

Gloves might be good, too, in case you take a spill, but I've seen several riders out there without them.

Have a GREAT time!! I grew up in the Baltimore area and really miss it. I love Ann Arbor, but sometimes I miss those Maryland flags!!

[Zen]

I grew up in the Baltimore area and really miss it. I love Ann Arbor, but sometimes I miss those Maryland flags!!

They are kinda pretty aren't they, hun

[lyca]

They are kinda pretty aren't they, hun

Yeah, and I have this vivid memory of coloring a blank picture of one when I was in elementary school.

[cyclechick314]

Both of you might want to look into the Baltimore Bike Club

I am a member of the BBC and like the rides they provide. Thanks for the suggestion. When I see posts from others that specifically ask for help or other riders to join them, or when I see someone from a particular area that rides the same roads and trail that I might, I always try to take it one step more and say hello. You never know who is reading this forum.
I like the more personal and one- on -one responses sometimes. It speeds things up a bit when getting to know others.
Thanks again for the suggestion.
Bonnie