Milwaukee Newbie

[minn]

Thorn, Thanks. I have looked into the two clubs you mentioned and also the Hampshire Cycle Club. Unfortunately I live on the East Side (near UW-M), so it's difficult for me to get to any of the starting points of the club rides. The closest club seems to be Hampshire but it looks pretty intense (not for me)!

I checked out Wheel and Sprocket in North Shore and they offer a Tuesday night "Casual Ladies Ride" that I might be brave enough to check out. Also, on the TriWisconsin website, I came across a Ladies night ride that starts at Lake Park Bistro every other Thursday! I'm really apprehensive about going to any of these organized rides because of my lack of experience. I'm anxious however to ride with others, so maybe in a few weeks I will have enough miles behind me to try a group ride.

Thanks again for sharing your knowledge!!

[Thorn]

Ah, the east side--a great place to live for almost every but getting out and riding varied distance rides. Every time I think about moving back to the east side I remember riding around and around in circles....down the lake front, up by the tennis courts, through the park, down the lake front....

Don't let lack of experience scare you away from a group ride--everyone starts somewhere. I suspect the W&S ride is very low key and people I've talked to from TriWi have been nice. One of the nice things about east side riding is that once you get up off the lake, the terrain is pretty flat. That pretty much elminates getting dropped on a hill climb

Also on Apr 27th, Bay View starts out of Kletsch Park which is just a bit north of you, up the Milwaukee River Parkway. As I was driving home tonight, I realized I should have sent you to Rainbow Jersey (my guess was you were east side)...looks like you already found them. Eons ago they were my favorite shop (now they're too far away). I'd probably ask them if they had suggestions for lower key rides than Hampshire.

But really, jump in and try the group rides. Now is the best time--everyone is out of shape and out of practice. Good luck!

[minn]

You're totally right about the mind numbing circles on the East Side. At least we've got Alterra on the Lake to indulge in post-ride.

I have yet to go to Rainbow Jersey, I've done most of my shopping in Madison. I will definitely check it out!! Let me know if you run across anything in Mke that might be of interest to a beginner. Thanks Thorn

[madscot13]

you say you live in Milwaukee but I can't help but notice the Minn sounds so close to a neighboring great state.

[SJCzar]

Hey Minn,

I have done the Tues. night Wheel & Sprocket women's rides for the past two years. It's a fun ride and there are riders of all abilities so you should definitely plan on coming. It's also a great way to get to know the roads in that area. We usually go up to Thiensville and back depending on the weather and who's riding that day. If anyone isn't up for the whole route there is always someone to do a shorter loop with them. Hopefully we will be starting back up in the next few weeks.

I ride with a few other groups through a ski/social club that I belong to. Feel free to send me a PM if you'd like any information about those rides. I also have a group of friends that will be doing the "Miller Ride for the Arts" together if you'd like to join us. Doing organized rides is a good way to meet new cycling buddies and learn new routes.