el dorado county- el dorado hills/rescue

[michelem]

Oh, sorry! I just read your intro in the New Riders forum and didn't realize you are just starting out. I'm thinking this group might be more up your alley, although it looks like they are already 1/2-way through their "fall" training series:

http://www.princesspromenade.com/training2.html

It looks like the Sacramento Bike Hikers are starting a Thursday Night Easy Riders route on September 20.

6:30 PM.............................. Grade: E/D20-30
The series begins tonight and runs through winter. Meet at Five Points Shopping Center (Located in Carmichael, on the southwest corner of Fair Oaks Blvd and Arden Way. Park along the Arden Way side of the parking lot.) We use the bike trail and a few less-traveled streets. Lights required front/rear. Leader: Charlie Archuleta 731-8749

I practiced on my own 'til I got better and then joined the CF "C Group" when they first started up (May of this year). Our first ride was on the ARP and we went from Karen's Bakery (historic Folsom) to Sac State and back at an average 16mph. I could barely move the rest of the weekend! Fast-forward 4 months later and riding the entire ARP loop is nothing. I'm still not that great of a rider compared to others, but I really enjoy seeing my own improvement. I'm not out to compete against anyone but myself!

Yes, you, me, and Sara will need to ride together one of these days.

Here's a link with some rides up in your area: http://www.beautifulvista.com/bike_rides_index.htm