Australia - New Zealand - Melbourne - Where to start?

Hi all,

This is my first post here. I have finally decided to bite the bullet and get a proper road bike. Am looking at a few this weekend and hope to pick one up ASAP. I have been riding the old MTB along the Bay and whilst it's been good to get out and enjoy the air, the old girl is a heavy bike and hard work up and down hills....... I knew I was kidding myself when I was passed the other day and the guy on the Roaddie stopped pedaling downhill and I was in top trying to match his pace.

So to my question. I'd like to get involved in a group. Can anyone recommend where to start? I live in Cheltenham if that makes a difference.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Cheers

There's 3 times as much local Melbourne chat here: http://www.cyclingforums.com/f126-australia-and-new-zealand.html , and 50 times more local chat here: http://www.bv.com.au/forums/

I think there's now a waiting period to register on the Bike Vic forum, coz too many peanuts were getting on there and trolling.

Check out the "plan a ride" sub-forum. Apart from that, there are a bazillion groups on Beach Rd on Sat and Sun mornings, and I'm sure it would take you literally only minutes to find a group would be happy to have you join in

Also, chat to the shops in your area that sell fancy stuff -- they'll know what's going on. Omara Cycles and the Mentone Bicycle Superstore will know about it, and they also have there own groups, but they might be 'exclusive'. :p There are also 3 shops almost right next to each other on Beach Rd, Black Rock


Having said all that.....GENERALLY, the strongest and fastest guys I see around here do most of their training alone http://www.musicianforums.com/forums/images/smilies/thumb.gif

Hey, thanks for the info. Unfortunately I am definately not one of those faster stronger guys. Although I do ride alone.........

I just went into Omara's today. Having a test ride on a Trek 1.7 on Sunday. So I might see if they can point me in the right direction as well.

I will have to check the other websites you mentioned as well.

Cheers

The best group ride to start with is the hell ride. It rolls at 7am from Black Rock on a Saturday. Its perfect for guys starting out. Nice easy pace and lots of friendly guys with no egos. Enjoy.

Yeah, ask the Omara guys about the Hell Ride :)

Would a ride be referred to as "hellish" is it was easy? :)

Yeah, ask the Omara guys about the Hell Ride :)

Would a ride be referred to as "hellish" is it was easy? :)

Shhhhhhhhhhhh you bloody spoil all my fun ozman :mad::p

Look up the St Kilda Cycling Club website, it lists several group rides in the are (Beach Rd, Nth Rd, Alpine tour etc)

Hey KH1, how did you go with the new bike? I am selling my near new Giant TCR C2 and dont live far from you. Did you find a group that suits you?

Nice easy pace and lots of friendly guys with no egos. Enjoy.

That's about how I'd describe it:)

Hey KH1, how did you go with the new bike? I am selling my near new Giant TCR C2 and dont live far from you. Did you find a group that suits you?

Hey BBoomer,
I ended up buying a Giant OCR Comp Alliance. Fantastic bike. I test rode a TCR C2, it was a little too twitchy for me. Yours, wasn't the one on ebay by any chance was it?
I haven't found a group yet. Just got back from 2 weeks in the US and 2 weeks in Sydney before that so I haven't had time to scratch myself.
Going to start looking into it properly.
Cheers

No KH1, mine was on Trading Post Online,and sold quickly. Have picked up my dream machine. A Specialized Roubaix Pro from Total Rush in Richmond. A beautiful bike and rides like a dream.
One group that might suit you is the Bandidos. Probably one of the more organised groups as they have formed a club for insurance purposes etc. You have to be nominated to join but you can ride with them anytime. Call Alistair Murray (I think thats right) He is the manager of Ronstan Marine in Sandy. Good luck and happy spinning!

No KH1, mine was on Trading Post Online,and sold quickly. Have picked up my dream machine. A Specialized Roubaix Pro from Total Rush in Richmond. A beautiful bike and rides like a dream.
One group that might suit you is the Bandidos. Probably one of the more organised groups as they have formed a club for insurance purposes etc. You have to be nominated to join but you can ride with them anytime. Call Alistair Murray (I think thats right) He is the manager of Ronstan Marine in Sandy. Good luck and happy spinning!

Lovely looking bike and plenty of good write ups on it as well. Congratulations.
I'll give Alistair a ring next week and see if they won't mind me tagging along.
Cheers