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

[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