Road Cycling - Newbie in Virginia

Hello All,
Well, I'm a total newbie here in Newport News, Va. I just moved here last summer and am finally starting to ride my bike again.
Is there anyone in the Hampton Roads area that is in my *ahem* "caliber"? ;)
I'm just starting out and not in very good shape yet. There is a local cycling club, I'm just to afraid to go ride with them. I'm not sure I'm a "C" rider yet.
Well, just wanted to say "hi" again. I bought my bike used from a guy on here about 2 yrs ago.
Have a safe and happy ride!
Chris :beer:

Well, I'm several hours away in Charlottesville, but welcome to the Old Dominion and to Bike Forums! Since you're concerned, you might email somebody in the club, tell them your situation, and ask if they know of rides for someone of your "caliber." Sounds to me like you really want to hook up with people who are interested in recreational paced rides, or aren't interested in breaking the land speed record. Even strong riders like rest days, and often like to hook up with slower riders on recovery days to help keep them in check. Heck, as long as you know the route beforehand, you can go out with the "C"s. If you get dropped... game over, it's not the group/ride for you. No BFD, keep looking. If not... you're in. Problem solved.

There's a couple in this area that (each) sponsor MS-150 ride teams. All spring, they met twice a week with team members, and anyone else that wanted to ride along. The rides were oriented towards "newbies"... getting them developed and prepared to two consecutive 75 mile rides. (How cool is that?!)

My point in all of this is to ask bike club riders, check at bike shops, etc. There are plenty of other riders out there with the same interests and pace. And almost every bike club has some "nobody gets dropped" rides. Plenty of opportunities, you just have to find them.

Hey Roadbuzz,
Thanks for the advice, I do plan on joining the area club. Just thought I'd throw a post on here.
Thanks,
Chris

Originally posted by threeflys
Hello All,
Well, I'm a total newbie here in Newport News, Va. There is a local cycling club, I'm just to afraid to go ride with them. I'm not sure I'm a "C" rider yet.
Well, just wanted to say "hi" again. I bought my bike used from a guy on here about 2 yrs ago.
Have a safe and happy ride!
Chris :beer:

Hmm, my 10 y/o daughter can keep a C pace of 12 miles per hour for 20 miles. She has only been riding with us a couple of times, but a couple of weeks ago I took her on a group ride at FAT Frogs and she did 21+ miles and hung with the group.

Most group rides will no drop any rider, they will at least keep 1-2 folks back to encourage you.

BTW, I live in Virginia Beach. There are several good rides on my side of the water. Here is a link to the Tidewater Bicycle association: http://www.tidewaterbicycleassn.org/

So, you're saying I'm worse than a 12 year old girl huh? ;)
She's probaly in better shape than me!
I went for a ride the other night and averaged 14.4 mph for about 6 miles with one short climb each way. Just not sure how I'd do on the long rides.
Guess it'll be afew days before I can ride again, it's pouring up here on the Peninsula.
Thanks,
Chris

Originally posted by threeflys
So, you're saying I'm worse than a 12 year old girl huh? ;)


I didn't mean it that way!!:crash: stupid computers take it out of text.

I bet you would be suprised that you average speed wouldn't go down much for a longer distance. 15-20 miles should be no problem if you can ride for 6!!

three,
I have only been in the saddle for just shy of 600 miles. I can still see my improvement, so dont sell yourself short, you'll be faster than a 12 year old in no time! :-P no, really though dont be to concerned about speed, just push yourself and it will happen. I know there are some races in your area, which is quike a hike from Northern Va, and get involved with a club and have fun!!

-Ross

Thanks Guys,
msparks, I didn't take as anything I knew you were just messing around :D
I really want to ride in the Emporia Peanut thing I just think that might be out of my league right now.
Thanks for the encouragement, it really does help!
Chris

In September is the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Ride.

This is where they close one lane of the bridge so walkers and Bike Riders can enjoy this man made wonder.

Here is a link to it: http://www.cbbt.com/cbbtevent.html

Also if you would like to get with other riders, there is an event in September called the Tour of the Eastern Shore:

27th Annual Tour of the Eastern Shore | ^TOP^

The Tidewater Bicycle Association's Annual Eastern Shore Tour will take place the weekend of September 26-28, 2003. There are a variety of cycling routes including 30-70 mile rides on Saturday and the 9-25 mile loops on Chincoteague Island whichever day you choose. There is also an option for the Kiptopeke Century on Friday with an 87 mile return on Sunday (for those ready to "pedal the metal").
The weekend is noted for its flat, rural cycling routes, the quaint island atmosphere, the comfortable social milieu at the Mariner Motel, on the rides and at the Island restaurants, and the early Sunday morning ride into the Assateague wildlife refuge to look for the Chincoteague ponies, deer and other local residents of the refuge.
Cue sheets and maps will be available for rides on Chincoteague Island, routes to Snow Hill and Berlin, MD (the town where Runaway Bride was filmed), a southern route to Wachapreague, VA and a Bay-to-Bay route to Saxis,VA. There will be NO SAG vehicles or TBA rest stops, and the road will NOT be marked), BUT there are NO registration fees.
The Mariner Motel in Chincoteague will be the host motel. Call 1-800-221-7490 for reservations and ask for the TBA rate. We have a block of rooms reserved. For general information call Cindy Meier at 467-2979 or email at cameier@erols.com. Let us know whether you are planning to join us. Carole Taylor will be back in August and will field the general info questions at that time. Until we hear that Carole is back, contact Cindy.