First road ride!!!!!!!!!!

[khagelberg]

TA-DAH! Yesterday I got the courage to go meet up with a bike club (I didn't know any of the members) for my very first road ride ever.

It was one of those no-drop deals, which saved me as I crawled up a few hills they consider small, but seemed like Everest to me.

The ride leader stayed with me on the tough spots and gave me tips on how to shift. I just kept telling myself, I can't shift into the last gear cause where will I go from there?

We did 13 miles at speeds (I'm told) averaged about 12, but topped out at 18. I had been doing 15 miles on our bike trails here along a canal, but there was NO comparison. I think I will like roads better than trails -- eventually. And it was cool to have other people around. I even got applause for my ascent in the granny gear. Feeling waaay cool, since I can still walk.

It was thrilling, and more importantly it was 24 hours ago and I am still ambulatory.

Just had to tell somebody, and reading you all gave me the nerve to risk embarrassing myself. Thanks all. Now I gotta read the threads on hills.

[SadieKate]

Good for you! You came out of the closet! Group rides are so much fun on so many levels plus the reward of learning. DH is out of town right now so my evening ride is solo. I don't often get to do this and they have been very special, but it means I enjoy the group rides even more so.

[KSH]

Way to go!

Meeting a club for a ride... and be intimidating.. you never know what you will *get*.

I even get fearful sometimes before I go... afraid I won't keep up with the group.

It was brave of you to go... and riding in groups will make you an even better rider!

[AllezGirl]

I remember my first club ride, I was so nervous I was looking for any excuse to bail...but when I finished I was so thrilled! The club I ride with sounds a lot like yours...different speeds, very helpful and VERY encouraging! This evening will be my first ride with them on my new road bike and I'm pretty nervous about that...the usual stuff, what if I can't keep up, fall, do something stupid, etc. But I'm sure once I get there that will go away.

[drplasma64]

That's great! Sounds like a good ride!

[bouncybouncy]

WAY TO GOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!

what a thrill...i remember my first group ride, i pulled it off but i can not express how nervous i was i went on a group ride for the first time without my fiancee (i have never ridden without him) and AGAIN...nervous wreck i got a flat towards the end and a very nice gentleman helped me change it while a couple other riders waited...i felt like a boob until i realized how many times i had waited for someone with a flat (at the beginning of the same ride in fact) and it is really NO big deal

I LOVE this sport!!!!

[caligurl]

way to go!!!! woo HOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

i wish we lived close enough that i could join a club the closest one is way too snobby and elitest and the next closest one is too far for weekly, nightly rides

and yes... hubby and friends have talked about starting a club in the area.. but it would be hubby's friends... who are all guys.. who all ride faster than i do! i think we need to move!!!!

doncha just LOVE riding!!!!!!!!!!?????????????????

[latelatebloomer]

Congrats to you, especially for trying it when you didn't know a soul there. That part seems REALLY brave! I eye the local club website but don't think I'm ready yet physically or mentally. I really admire you for taking the plunge.
Did you give yourself a nice little reward?

[caligurl]

especially for trying it when you didn't know a soul there. That part seems REALLY brave!

AMEN! i don't think i could ever go to a club ride alone... the only thing that "allows" me to go to organzied rides is being there with hubby! even if he doesn't stay with me to ride... at least he is there for the beginning and end! ya... i'm kinda shy on my own....

[bikerchick68]

what great news!!! you get a standing ovation from me!!!! it takes nerve to go to your first group ride, especially solo... and this sounds like a great group! How wonderful that they maintain their no drop policy and were all congratulatory... kudos to both you and them!

[CorsairMac]

khagel: congrats hun! what a wonderful story. As someone who lives alone I know sometimes how intimidating it can be to try something not only brand new to you but with ppl you have never met! and what a great group......how lucky for you! I too am one of those that can't seem to find a club around there that isn't made up of racers so I get my "club rides" from everyone elses posts! and don't fret the hills my friend, you'll get better in time and one day You'll be the one hanging back to "help" with the newbie!!


Goodonya!

[RoadRaven]

So great to hear about "good" cycling clubs. There have been a few "bad" ones discussed here and I was beginning to think that Ramblers (my local one) was one of the very few in the entire cycling universe that cared and made efforts to encourage and support new riders!
I'm so pleased for you, khagel, that you have found such a great club.

[khagelberg]

Hey girlies: I'm so happy to be part of this group, and have you all make a fuss over my small victories.
Showing up for that ride, and not knowing a soul, was just about terrifying. I walk right up to strangers every day on my job, but real life is waaaay different. I got divorced about five years ago, and it's not easy to get out among people you don't know. Ditto if you're worried about being the slowest slug at the end of the line.
However, I would encourage anyone who is thinking about it to beat the shyness of being the new kid and give a group a try.
My reward was six new friends, some pretty good biking advice, kudos from youall and beer and food after the ride (double bonus!). And even if these folks had been snooty or aloof, the next road would have been easier.
I finally just decided to pretend I was someone who wouldn't be shy about doing this (Katherine Hepburn!).
I've spent the last few days taking shorter, hillier rides for stamina, and I actually feel like I'm getting somewhere. Wooooohoooo! --Kymberli