Friday, March 16, 2012

Bicycle Club Speed Dating

As a tool to get me to ride more I've decided to try out a few of the rides that are put on by the local bike clubs. I have four clubs near me that post rides but the challenge is interpreting the paces of the various groups. Pacing, as we all know, is an inexact science.

I don't normally ride with strangers. I ride with my "regulars" and we understand each other's strengths and weaknesses. We ride our normal routes and no one needs cue sheets or anything. Riding with strangers brings its own challenges. What if they are idiots (not so common in the bicycling community but it does happen)? Will they start on time and ride or it is a mosey type of deal?

Tomorrow I'm trying a group ride that advertises as a C+ relatively flat 36 miler. I spoke to the ride leader and I'm probably a little strong for this group. Sunday has some other ride options that I'll try but I'll see how Saturday goes first. I view this as each ride as a speed date (pun intended) for each bike club/ride. I also expect to continue this experiment during the next few weeks.

Of course, all riding this Saturday must be finished before I go to the bar for some St. Patrick's day festivities. Then again, those festivities may make Sunday's rides a little more challenging for me. Need to keep that in mind during and after the riding.

Erin Go Bragh.

8 comments:

Unknown said...

Hmm, more like internet dating, I think. You set up the date with one person/group at a time.

Speed dating would be more like if you're trying to match up with one particular person on the ride, so you hang with each person a few minutes to see how it will work.

Have fun!

Big Clyde said...

What about your regular cyclists?

I hope you find a good and challenging group.

TriMOEngr said...

Good luck finding your perfect match! Happy St. Patty's Day! Erin go Bragh!

Unknown said...

Best wishes, the right cycling group would be a good thing, right?

Ewa said...

I was very nervous when I starter training with my current group but I got lucky. Ladies I ride with are great and I am not the last of the pack.
Good luck to you!

Kate Geisen said...

I think it's probably a good thing to get out of your regular comfort zone, too. Hopefully you find some groups to add to the mix.

Lora Abernathy said...

That sounds like a great idea. Have a great ride.

Shelly said...

Hope you find a group that challenges you just a little so you can be even more of a rock star. And (in my experience) bike clubs have great parties