First Time Out of the Chute

[Maureen Valley]

Ladies...I just finished my first 'pack' ride.....all I did was 25 miles, but it was exhilarating and very fulfilling. I was awestruck by the sleek bikes (as compared to my John Deere) and the sleek bodies. I saw my first Tri-Bike with two adults and a child in the middle and a total of 9 water bottles mounted virtually everywhere. I saw a Dutch designed aluminum bullet shaped bike that was as aerodynamically correct as its owner. I made a wrong turn so lost a couple of miles....but felt I did 30.....as there are actual KILLER grades in Florida.

I see a 50 miler in my future....and maybe...JUST MAYBE next year a century. Think I can pull this off at 63?

In the meantime, I can't get the smile off my face.

I'd love to hear about your first 'real' ride.

Best to all:
Maureen

[HillSlugger]

Ladies...I just finished my first 'pack' ride.....I'd love to hear about your first 'real' ride.

My first "event" ride was an American Diabetes Association Tour de Cure 25 miler. Before that ride I had only done like 3 road rides with the longest being just short of 20 miles. Although it was June the temperature was only about 55 degrees, with cloudy skies and what seemed like head winds the entire ride. I would also swear that it was uphill the whole way. The whole thing was thrilling. I've been completely hooked ever since.

Nicole

[Bikingmomof3]

Congratulations Maureen!

[Deborajen]

Maureen - Congratulations on your first group ride! Sounds like you had a good time. I think it's fun, too, to look at all the different bikes and the variety of people. Reminds you how cycling can be enjoyed by most everyone.

My first group ride - and my only big group ride so far - was the local club's big annual to-do with a 25-mile, a 50-mile and a century. My husband, teenaged son and I did the 50-mile ride. It was in May with temps only getting up to around 70, a little wind (but not too bad for Kansas!), and some long, rolling hills. We'd done quite a bit of family riding and occasionally met up with a few other riders but hadn't ever done a big group ride. We all had a blast - especially our son who, on his big, heavy mountain bike, finished about 30 minutes before DH and me on our road bikes.

Deb

[jobob]

I see a 50 miler in my future....and maybe...JUST MAYBE next year a century. Think I can pull this off at 63?

Yep.
Ask SadieKate to tell you about her friend (now our friend) Marty.