Cab

[Pangie]

Last Tuesday I went for my first big (for me) group ride with the bike shop downtown. I showed up with my hybrid (my only bike) and my friend showed up on her performance hybrid (her only bike) and everyone else was there with road bikes, clipless shoes, etc. Right away I knew this was a bad sign. There were discussions on where we should go, and everyone was naming places that I wasn't familiar with. So eventually we took off and went north of town. It was grueling. Once we got outside of city limits, the wind was really bad. Everyone was far ahead of me pretty much immediately, except for one lady who hung back to keep me company. (She said, "It's OK, this is a recovery ride for me." as I'm pushing myself as a hard as I can.) At one point I just wanted to stop, cry on the side of the road, and call a cab. But then I realized: I had no idea where I was for the cab to come pick me up!!

(Humor aside, I did make it. 20.9 miles! Longest I'd ever done before that was about 10, and normally I do around 5. Everyone who was still at the shop clapped when I pulled up. They did say they'd never be able to do a ride like that in their hybrids, so that made me feel a bit better.)

[hvaclu]

Im already in aww of you! I still havent had the guts to do a group ride yet. I normally ride alone or with my husband on the weekends. Everytime I go to the bike shop they always remind me that the ladies have a ride on Tuesday nights and theres an A& B ride that I could choose from. It sounds like fun but I WILL BE STOPPING at every red light and following the rules so if they are the type that blow thru they will loose me shortly. LOL. And like you I will have no idea where I am since I dont live around that area. They actually have there route on "Map My Ride" and I was thinking about riding it by myself first to make sure I know where I am. Then if Im dropped I can get back by myself. LOL.

[Kalidurga]

Where's Monty Python when you need 'em?


Congrats on your first big group ride, Pangie. I know how it feels to have someone talk about doing a casual/recovery/easy ride while you're huffing and puffing. But now that you know you can do a ride like that, you're sure to enjoy the next one!

[sgtiger]

Congrats on your first group ride. And bravo for your longest ride yet! I think it's great that you are able to keep you sense of humor about the situation and see your accomplishment for what it is.

As someone who has been in tears due to feeling overwhelmed partway through a ride, I understand the courage it takes to not bail at that point.

[TrekTheKaty]

Congrats! I've been dropped by my DH and family--but still too chicken for a group ride. You go, girl!

[supercutie]

Congrats on you achievement, that is very admirable! I still remember my early days of riding; started riding with previous boyfriends de jur, first one had an old road bike w/down tube shifters and toe clips. (he rode in gym shorts, T-shirt and a helmet that looked like one of those cheap mimi-mart coolers - all styro foam! ) The second boyfriend de jur had a Trek road bike with Ultegra components and speedplay pedals - all the best gear. I had a free-bee, steel frame, no-suspension Cannondale Mountain bike with nobby gatorskin tires, and flat pedals. I rode to the top of Gate's Pass, Saguaro East Monument and a whole lot of other hills, 'cause I live in the shadow of a mountain, on that bike gasping and wheezing to stay in any kind of proximity to the "boy de jur". ( fully geared boy was actually really kind about staying close, though watching him ride no-hands, big chain ring, no effort up a hill was humiliating )
I look at it as being twice the workout which means I'm twice as tough as they are. Like walking or running in sand.
I eventually bought a rode bike and viva la differaunce! Riding with a group is such a great motivator, skills builder and AVS improver. Finding the right group is the challenge, sounds like the group you rode with was really nice; being there to applaud your achievement! Keep it up!
Oh, and if oyu find a truly good bike mechanic they can fir your hybrid with road wheels, tires and change up your cogs and chain ring sizes to make that bike work like a road bike. So no need to buy a whole new bike unless you are uncomfortable with the fit of the frame of that hybrid.

[Geonz]

What they said

You rock!!!

Ride with your hybrid buddy whenever you can and see if you can find others. Too often people will come out, get dropped, and not come back; and the next week somebody else does it, and they all think they're the only ones.

It's a really good idea to find routes and be able to get back by yourself.

I wouldn't have put this in humor -- I'd have put it in adventure stories and accomplishments

[Tri Girl]

You da man (or da WOman!)

I've been riding for 4 years and still don't have the courage to go to group rides. Mostly, I'm just shy and am nervous about being new/alone/left out at those type of events. Well, that and being dropped like a hot potato.

You know what: you have inspired me. I had thought about this, but now I'm going to go out and do it. Decision made. I'll go to a group ride on Saturday because I'm thinking of joining the Bike MS group for the two day ride in September. I had thought about doing it alone, but it would be even better with a group. Even if I'm dropped, it'll be OK. I'm so used to doing organized events/centuries alone that I know I'll be OK.

[AlwayzOnDaMove]

Awesome! Even if you didn't know where you were it's sounds like you had a great ride. Keep up the great work!

[tulip]

It's great that you took that big first step and tried a group ride. Many cycling groups have rides of varying paces and distances, so perhaps you'll be able to find a ride that is more your pace and distance. It's also a really good idea to have a map or cue sheet regardless of the group. They might not wait for you in the future, or the nice woman on her recovery ride might well want to go faster on the next ride. Ask about cue sheets and different paced rides.