Getting women to group rides

[SheFly]

I was interested in reading this thread, since I have just purchased my first road bike, and would like to do group rides at some point. Although I have ridden a hybrid for many years, I realize that I will need to improve my road bike skills in order to join a group ride, and determine what sort of speed I would be comfortable with. What is the general protocol for joining a group for the first time..when I see a group zooming along, it seems very intimidating...so how does one "learn the ropes" when starting out? I generally ride solo, however I realize from touring, riding with others definitely pushes ones capabilities. I'd be interested in your initial group experience and how you got started. Thanks!

I see that you are in the Boston area. The ride I listed as a women's only in the area is PERFECT for you. Beginner level rides (and you can progress to faster groups through the season), and the focus is on good pace lining skills and riding with a group. It is really ideal for someone starting out - safe environment, passionate/experienced leaders and a group of women who all share their love of the bike. Check it out: http://nebc.us/rides/tuesday-night-womens-ride/ I think the ride starts the second Tuesday of May this year.

SheFly

[velo]

Excellent! Thank you so much for all of the feedback. Most of what has been said, mirrors what I expected. I used to lead rides, but as I've mentioned before, I took some time off of the bike to start a family. Back at it now, I feel, once again, a strong pull toward cycling advocacy for women. We are trying to get a repeating ride set up that has women-specific needs in mind, but that would, of course, welcome anyone. I've taken note of everyone's input:

- assurance that it will not be above riding ability (don't want to be left behind or struggling)
- clear expectations of pace and distance ("rolling" average or are posted speeds cruising/pacelining speeds)
- some social aspect to the ride
- groups of similar skill levels
- offer different distances
(question here - should shorter rides be slower and longer rides be faster or does that matter?)
... again, I have my own opinion of this, but would like to hear from others
- keep at the published pace
- develop skills together, instruction is important for newer riders
- start on time... if you're late, you have to sprint to catch-up... time is precious
- socialization again... gather together post-ride for libations and talking
- welcoming attitude to group
- be consistent - same loop every week, not necessarily marked but have cue sheets available
- have a sweep and use human arrowing for no-drop
- make the ride NO DROP!!
- address frustrations of being "between" groups (frustrated at slower group, faster group hammers too much)
- talk about hills on route and how it affects pace
- road ride = road bikes... no mt. bikes
- marked routes, no drop (mentioned above)
- low traffic and good road surfaces
- instruction on safe and polite group riding etiquette
- instruction about pacelines (this will hopefully, eventually, apply to us)
- make safety rules known and enforce them
- have some workshops with parking lot practice

I appreciate the input. Please add as you think of things. This has been very helpful.