Newbie wannabe

[gotmlk]

So I’ve been lurking around this forum for a while. I don’t currently have a road bike but I am seriously considering a purchase! I always enjoyed riding although didn’t get much of an opportunity when my daughter was young. Well my daughter has one more year before she’s off for college. It’s time for me to find a hobby or activity.

Here’s my question…I am alone and a bit on the shy side. I know that I can ride alone but I would like to find new friends that enjoy the same thing I do. Should I join a bicycling group? I’m very nervous to arrive at a group starting point that very first day alone and not knowing anyone…especially having never ridden in a group before! So should I just jump in…buy a bike and join a group? Any advice?

[mayanorange]

Welcome! Where in Mass are you? There's a good number of us on here in Mass, so I'm sure you could hook up with some of us for rides. There are a few group rides available, but I think starting out, it's best to hook up with one or two patient people. You're welcome to come out with me sometime if you're nearby- I don't mind cruising along.

As for bikes- location will help us recommend some shops to send you to to try out some bikes. I really like Belmont Wheelworks, for example, and they have some used and last years models in Wheelworks Too around the corner. Do you know what kind of riding you want to do? That would help us recommend what to try for bikes and if you give us an idea of your size, someone might have something you can try.

[brodymom]

Although I don't live near you, my experience in Atlanta as a new rider has been great. I ended up finding a class for beginners that had some experienced riders also and initially met people that way - including someone who introduced me to this forum.

Since finishing the class, I have participated in group no-drop rides (run out of local bike shops) and have met a lot of people that way. If you are lucky enough to find a no-drop with a patient leader, you will find that you will meet so many people quickly.

I am not a fan of riding alone for a number of obvious reasons (problems, getting hit, etc.) and by connecting with people on cycling boards and at rides, you would be amazed at the new world of people - experienced and new riders who want to meet you and ride with you.

Good luck and don't be shy!

[gotmlk]

I should have provided a bit more info in my original post. I'll get the hang of this eventually! I'm actually in Dracut, MA...very close to the New Hampshire border. I am interested in riding for fitness, being outside in the fresh air, meeting new people, and seeing the sights. I am 5'5" tall and could use to lose a few pounds.

mayanorange...I see that you're in Wellesley? That's not too far away. How often do you ride?

brodymom...thanks for the advice on being a new rider.

[CyborgQueen]

Another thing you can check out first is go check for Spinning Classes. There's often a group of Spinners that converted to road bikes or they do both. Spinning class is a nice way to get you to learn what's riding is all about. At least you won't be spending hundreds of dollars on a new bike and find out you don't like it.

I have not yet tried Spinning classes, but I've heard they're great!

It took me over a year to get the courage to get my butt moving and start meeting people and rides. It's becoming so much fun! You'll be surprised on how much more confident you will be.

Have your daughter join you if she wants.

[mayanorange]

I haven't been riding too much the last couple weeks after the MS150. We could meet up on a saturday at some point- send me a private msg.

You also might want to check out massbike.org- they have some good bike safety classes that are good starter classes for getting used to the road again.

I've heard good things about Cycle Loft in Burlington, but other than that don't know shops up your direction. You should probably be looking at something like a less aggressive road bike- something like a Jamis Aurora is popular for the kind of riding you're talking about. A good shop should be able to help you figure out what kind of bike would be best and they should provide a full fitting as a part of the purchase. There's lots of threads on first bike hunting. I unfortunately didn't find this place until I already bought, but happened to get a bike close enough to the right size that I could modify the fit and get where I belong.

[Crankin]

I second Cycle Loft. They are big enough to provide you with a lot of choice. There is an OK shop in Chelmsford, on Rt. 110, but it's small.

You should check out Bike Rides for Ordinary People... the leader, Bruce does rides at a very moderate pace. Most are closer to Boston, though. Also, AMC has "easier" level rides on Tuesday nights through the summer. They leave from various points in the western suburbs each week. Check out www.outdoors.org, go to the Boston chapter and then click on bicycling.