In my hometown, group rides are in full-swing. There is one scheduled every night of the week except Friday. One of the things that I appreciate about them is that it doesn’t matter what level of rider you are, you can always find the right ride for you.
Monday nights are for beginners. The pace is comfortable and allows riders to experience the joy of being out on the bike with others as well as to learn riding skills within a close knit bunch. Even though I’m not a beginner, I enjoy going on these rides to encourage the new ones and to help set the pace.
Undoubtedly, there is one rider who is brand new to the sport and always has that newbie look. You can tell they are excited to ride but hesitant to talk because they just don’t want to sound inexperienced. My main focus is to make them feel welcomed and part of the group. I typically don’t offer advice unless the conversation steers that way. However, if advice is sought, then I stick with the following four things that are sure to make their future rides more enjoyable and comfortable.
1. Purchase Quality Cycling Clothes – If you skimp here, you’ll truly pay later on long rides.
2. Purchase Cycling Shoes — This will improve your pedal stroke and make you more efficient.
3. Bring Energy Bars & Drinks — Your body needs fuel and to be rehydrated, especially with rides that last over an hour.
4. Ride Your Own Ride — There will always be someone stronger, faster and more fit than you. Enjoy the ride at your own pace and, eventually, you’ll build the strength to stay up with the group.
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{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks for the tips. I plan on joining a bicycle club this coming Fall ( a late start in a North American club), but I wanna get involved as soon as possible!
@ John Paul Handrigan — You are welcome! Thanks for stopping by the site and best of luck on finding a bicycle club in your area. It truly is a great place to start and I trust your experience will be positive.
Thanks from me as well. I just started riding a few weeks ago (started as a commuting replacement after my wife’s car was totaled, but I’m seriously hooked). I’ve only ridden alone so far, but after accidentally ending up in the middle of the Pan-Mass challenge on Cape Cod, I’d really like to try riding in a group next. It is a bit intimidating, though.
@eric whitten — Glad you stopped by, Eric! You definitely need to find a good group to ride with. Your local bike shop should keep a list of group rides that vary in skill level. Stick with the beginners group and you’ll have a wonderful time!
Are cycling shoes and clipless pedals that much better than pedals with toe clips and straps? Also, can you recommend a good pair of reasonably-priced cycling shorts ($30-$60). I am having trouble undertsnading all the terminology – 8 panel, etc. Thanks!
@Christian T. — Thanks for stopping by. And, you bring up a couple of very good questions for beginners. Stay tuned because my next post will address them specifically.
You also should make sure to get the right eyewear! I didnt think I needed special sunglasses for cycling, but I changed my mind after a small rock flew into my eye through the side of my cheap glasses…I personally like Oakley, Bolle, or Rudy Project. They all have some pretty interesting designs and all talior to the sports buff. I recently found store called N3L Optics in my local mall, its like no other sunglass store ive seen! its geared totally towards the sportsman and they have all this really cool interactive technology in the store. After trying out the new oakley Jawbone in their wind simulator, I was convinced that it was the glass I needed to keep the rocks out of my eyes. Not to mention, lance is wearing a pair himself in the tour. If you go to their website now you can actually enter to win 3 different pairs of glasses, I signed up myself, I mean why not, a chane to win the top sports performance glasses for free! Check it out! http://www.n3loptics.com/sweepstakes
Great advice, Andrew! Also, thanks for the link to the sweepstakes. I’m sure many readers will appreciate it. Take care!
Thanks for the advice. I live in a really rural area so I’ve only ridden alone thus far ~ I bet it is a lot of fun to ride with some other people. I’m new to the sport and having a blast (it’s one way to get some time to myself and have some silence in a really noisy toddler world lol)
What’s the best way to transport a bike when you drive a Honda civic? just thinking about going to town for a group ride and how to get the bike there.
Hey there, I’m twitter follower of yours and I read your blog every now and then when I remember to check back. I’ve just made a new cycling website, it’s called IronLegs.co.uk, I won’t spam you with the link
The idea is that cycling blog owners can submit links to their latest articles. Also cyclists who find interesting cycling orientated articles online, can submit links to it for everyone else to enjoy.
The idea is that if people subscribe to the IronLegs feed they will get links to all the most interesting cycling articles available on the internet, without searching around google etc.
There are lots of interesting cycling blogs out there, alot are hard to find, hopefully IronLegs will help bring them altogether.
I have submitted this article to the IronLegs site, but it would be great if you submitted your future articles there too
Happy cycling, keep up the blog.