Cycling in DFW Area

[ChickensWife]

I have been lurking on this discussion forum for the last month or so and have been impressed with the classiness of the participants and the quality of the advice that is given.

About 3 weeks ago, I participated in my first Sprint Triathlon and just loved it, especially the cycling portion of the event. Since then, my husband has watched me read through this discussion forum daily, purchase a new road bike, new cycling shoes, new cycling clothing gear, new cycling books, new cycling maintenance tools, etc. etc. (you get the picture) .

Does anyone know of any groups in the area that have local rides that I can join up with? I have cycled with the DallasAthletes and have heard about rides with BicyclesPlus. Right now, I am cycling alone on the weekends about 20-25 miles, but would love to hear about other groups. Also, do these groups usually charge fees for saddling up with them?

Thanks in advance.

[KSH]

Hello! And welcome to the world of cycling and tri's! Good fun!

I live in the DFW area and I have been cycling here for a good 2 years.

I belong to the Dallas Athletes, and if you are a SERIOUS racer, then they might be a group you want to sign up with.

I only say SERIOUS... because they are all VERY FAST! Even the "no drop" rides are a solid 16 mph average. And, they will drop you, if you can't keep up. Maybe that sounds fun to you... or you know you will fit in perfect with that group... if so, I strongly urge you to check them out. They also run some great Tri 101 and 201 programs starting in Jan/Feb.

Now, for me... riding with them...wasn't fun (aka: getting dropped in the middle of no where on country roads is not fun). I'm a bit more casual about my training and I like to have some rides where I hammer and some where I cruise. I also like being around people of all different skills levels.

I only ride with my cycling club these days:
http://www.greaterdallasbicyclists.com/

They are a really great bunch of people... and you can find rides that cater to all different levels. You have the hammer rides, and the cruising rides.

If you go to the website, you will find the rides listed there. Now, the average they post is what you find on your computer at the end of a ride. It's not your top speed. So, to average around 15-16 mph, you will typically ride 18-20 mph and then slowing down for stop signs/etc. is factored in and drops the average.

For an introduction to the group, I strongly urge you to go to the Sunday Roll ride. It is no drop and a 13 mph average. Very casual and it will allow you to meet some people. You can also ask about other rides and figure out what rides will fit your skill set.

You don't have to be a member to ride with them, but the membership dues are $10 a year. Not a big deal.

You can also look up the Plano Bicycle Association. They have some great rides listed as well.

Once you start looking, you will find that there are tons of cyclists and ride options in the DFW area. GOOD LUCK!

[ChickensWife]

Thanks KSH.

I will check out the Greater Dallas Bicyclists.

[crazybikinchic]

There are also rides leaving out of Plano Cycling and Fitness and all of the Richardson Bike Mart's. (I am partial to Plano). Also, they both offer indoor cycling during the winter months. Again, being partial to Plano, if you are interested, check out www.bikinmike.com. He is who leads the spin classes there. They are actually in the building across from Plano, vs RBM is actually in the shop.