Would like to train for 50 mile rides - can't find a group at my level?

[gabriellesca]

Hi everyone - I've been MIA since last August when everyone here was so great and supportive during my breakdown in the weeks before my first Century. I did finish my ride, Mad River in Vermont, with Team in Training. And loved the experience so so much.

Due to illness (mono and other fun stuff), I've been off my bike and out of the gym since November. I've put on 10 or 15 pounds and actually intimidated to get back on my bike.

The cycle-team I rode with (MA Team in Training) will be recruiting for their summer ride again in a few weeks and I'm trying to weigh my options. I'm quite worried about raising the money for the ride this year since it would be my second year (novelty is gone), and tough times for everyone. I also think the experience of training that hard was very tough on my body and I'd like to enjoy the summer a bit more (rather than training and obsessing so much). So I think I'd like to do a few 50-mile rides. (Also volunteering to drive the SAG for the season for the team.) But I would like to train with a group/team.

I've gone on-line and everything I've found in my area are teams that train for races etc. and though one or two say 'all levels welcome' I feel VERY worried about joining a team that I couldn't keep up with and that is not supported.

Any advice for finding riding buddies/group so I could train for a few 50-milers this summer?

Thanks!

[SheFly]

Where are you located? I assume, from your post, somewhere in New England. If so, there are many groups with whom to ride and train. If you give me at least a state with which to start, I can try to point you in a direction.

SheFly

[gabriellesca]

I'm usually much more savvy at finding things like this - but I think my worries about my ability and keeping up with a new team are getting in the way. I feel as though I really need a beginner group to ride with (even though I've already done a century).

But thanks - yes, I'm in Quincy, Massachusetts.

THANKS!

[ny biker]

Have you looked for local cycling clubs, rather than teams?

Clubs have group rides at various levels of ability which are led by club members. So they're casual group rides, not races.

[SheFly]

I'm usually much more savvy at finding things like this - but I think my worries about my ability and keeping up with a new team are getting in the way. I feel as though I really need a beginner group to ride with (even though I've already done a century).

But thanks - yes, I'm in Quincy, Massachusetts.

THANKS!

I thought you might be in MA.

There is a weekly women's ride for ALL abilities on Tues nights beginning in May. The only thing is that it leaves from Lexington Center.

NYbiker was right - most of the clubs around here (mine included) offer rides for racers and non-racers alike. Our club, for example, has over 100 women members and the "teams" ride together once a week in addition to leading/participating in the Tuesday rides. You don't have to be a racer to join the rides.

Other clubs in the Boston area are the same. International Bike has a shop/club/team that rides. Quad Cycles in Arlington is the same. There are also the CRW rides that are often multi-level and usually most weekends. You can check them out here.

I'd be happy to hook you up with a club near you - just need to find the right one . Do you work in the city? Can you make it out to the burbs for an evening ride?

SheFly

[gabriellesca]

Thanks so much SheFly and NYbiker ... I did contact someone at CRW and he said they have a New Member Ride coming up in May so I may try to make that. I have looked at clubs - I think I'm feeling very worried that even on a slower ride I wouldn't be able to keep up. I'm seeing most clubs list rides in the 15 to 17 mph range and I think that would be tough for me to keep up for hours.

Some of this is my own fear of venturing away from the safety-net of the Team in Training set-up where rides are supported and coaches are there to help newbies and you never get dropped. But I'll try to get over that.

Yes - I'd be happy to drive to the burbs on a weeknight - for sure!!

THANKS!

[gabriellesca]

Sorry - yes, I work in the City, live in Quincy but could easily drive to Lexington or another area after work or on weekends!

[Crankin]

Hi,
I missed your post the other day, but I would be happy to go on a couple of 50 mile rides with you; I live in Concord and have several routes that could leave from this area. Probably not doable after work, but I could do a Saturday.
You wouldn't have to worry about me dropping you....
PM me if you are interested.

[SheFly]

The Tuesday Women's rides our club runs have all different speed/ability levels, starting with beginners in the 12-14 mph group. We also have a 14-16 mph group, and up from there. Many women come and progress through the groups as the season progresses.

I just heard from the ride leader that this will be starting again for the season on May 5. I urge you to come out and join the fun - we usually have about 7 different groups going out, with between 30 and 40 women total! It's a fun ride, and you'll get to meet other women who have similar abilities to yourself, whatever they may be. A couple of the TE women have come out for this ride and enjoyed it. Very welcoming and non-intimidating.

Keep your eyes open in the Northeast section here - I usually post there once the ride is announced.

CRW is the other really good option locally, and it sounds like you are already connected to them.

SheFly (NEBC president - so apologies for the shameless plug )

[gabriellesca]

Is now the time to admit that I actually haven't been on my bike since August?

Crankin - THANKS so much - maybe if I get my bum on the bike and work myself up to it - I figure I could be ready for a 50-miler by mid-July. I think.

SheFly - I just checked out your website! Really cool! I will definitely try to come to the Tuesday night ride. That's EXACTLY what I'm looking for and I could easily make it there. I learned alot about riding with a group but I can use so much more practice!!! Do I have to let someone know I'm coming?

It means I MUST get on my bike this weekend. Last year I jumped in with no riding experience on a hybrid for TNT's first 15 mile ride and it took me an hour and 45 minutes. Hoping I'll snap back into riding this year.

THANK YOU THANK YOU!

[mayanorange]

I'm also in the area and would be up for getting together. I don't always plan ahead, but if you're a plan ahead type person and want company, let Cranklin and I know!

And if you're up for 30miles, you should join us next weekend (details) I promise you won't be the only one towards the slow end of the group. I'm a proud 13.5mph avg myself!

[mayanorange]

Oooh- I just looked at the NEBC ride info- sounds great! So they start in May? And is there a place near the start I could change? I work in Worcester, so would have to come from work.

[SheFly]

SheFly - I just checked out your website! Really cool! I will definitely try to come to the Tuesday night ride. That's EXACTLY what I'm looking for and I could easily make it there. I learned alot about riding with a group but I can use so much more practice!!! Do I have to let someone know I'm coming?

...

THANK YOU THANK YOU!

You don't have to let anyone know you're coming - just show, sign a waiver, and go! We run the ride weekly with whomever shows up on the green. And, you're welcome .

Oooh- I just looked at the NEBC ride info- sounds great! So they start in May? And is there a place near the start I could change? I work in Worcester, so would have to come from work.

The green is right near the Lexington Library. Lots of the women use that for the bathroom, so I imagine you could change there.

Note to all - these SHOULD be starting May 5. I will announce them in the Northeast section when that happens. I hope to meet some more TE'ers this year! I've met a couple of you on this ride already.

SheFly