Is this a good idea?: Club rides.

[Owlie]

I've found out that my university does in fact have a cycling club. They try to do organized road rides every week until mid-November, when impending finals and the weather make it nearly impossible to get out, and they have the email list, so if you want to, you can find a riding buddy. I'd like to be able to get out of the immediate campus area (I've been doing loops) and find some longer riding routes.

I am, of course, apprehensive. Most of them like doing 30+ mi rides, at 14-16 mph. Fine, I can work up to that. I prefer to ride alone, but sometimes having company is nice, especially if they know the roads better than I do. My main concern is that it's mostly (if not all) guys. I don't like riding with DBF, because he insists on trying to coach me. It's well-intentioned, I know, but it annoys me, and I'm a little worried about the club guys trying to be "helpful." I'm also concerned about being dropped, especially in trying to climb back out of the valley. Finally, there's the testosterone-fest atmosphere that I really have no patience for.

So, should I tell them that I'm going on the next road ride, or just avoid the group?

[MartianDestiny]

Is this a "for fun" "everyone included" sort of club, or are these racers that are training to race the collegiate series'?

That will have a huge bearing on my thoughts.

If they are racers they are going to go fast, likely not care if they drop you, likely do sprints and intervals that will take the pace well above 14-16 mph for stretches long enough to drop a rec. rider, etc. They are also far more likely to "coach" you as they'll probably be coaching everyone. Also, at my university at least, the club is NOT known to be the most courteous or best example of cyclists on the road. They are the ones out blowing through the stop signs without looking or signaling, blowing past people going WAAAY too fast on MUTs with no warning, etc. Not to mention they are college aged boys...need I say more?

Not the kind of group I'd particularly want to join, especially as my main group ride.

I'd ask around at local shops, etc. and see if you can't find a mellow, recreation based club (not a race training club). You may be able to find an all women's group, though I don't think that's necessary unless that's what you want to find.

[Owlie]

Is this a "for fun" "everyone included" sort of club, or are these racers that are training to race the collegiate series'?

Having talked to a couple of the guys, it's a mixture of both. Some racers, some recreational riders.

[nolemom]

I would give it a try and see whether it is a group with whom you feel comfortable riding. About the advice, I have found that I am much more receptive to advice from my fellow club riders than my DH (who also rides with the group). It has become a joke because he will hear me listening to one of their tips without any problems when I just gave him an earful for saying the same thing. Also, most people will figure out if you are seeking tips or prefer to be left to try it out for yourself. I hope it works out for you.

[chicagogal]

I ride with a lot of different groups/people, and really enjoy it. I have been apprehensive about joining some groups, but feel like it doesn't hurt to try one ride - if I don't like it, I don't have to ride with them again. And most of my experiences have been positive. So I say give it a try. It really can't hurt. If they drop you, are annoying, etc. you don't have to ride with them again.

[WindingRoad]

You know if they are riding 14 - 16 mph that sounds like a pretty leisurely pace to me. I think you'd be OK to try it.

[aicabsolut]

This is the time of year to try it, because the racers are going to be more willing to do no-drop and slower paced rides to help welcome new people. Don't put it off. Yeah, you might not like riding with everyone, but definitely give the club a try. Be sure you tell them you aren't familiar with the roads.

[Owlie]

This is the time of year to try it, because the racers are going to be more willing to do no-drop and slower paced rides to help welcome new people. Don't put it off. Yeah, you might not like riding with everyone, but definitely give the club a try. Be sure you tell them you aren't familiar with the roads.

True. According to the emails (I'm on their mailing list) they want to get funding to buy a couple of club bikes so that people don't have to make a huge investment to join. Hmmm....