First Club Ride

[TruF]

OK. Got me a new road bike. Time to take my first step into Club Rideville. There's an "A" ride of 32.5 miles that starts at 9 a.m. tomorrow morning. Printed out the ride slip.

Tips about etiquette, what to bring, etc. for that first club ride? Silly things that newbies tend to do that I could avoid with your fine coaching skills? What do I do if I can't keep up?

Thanks!

[Stevie47]

Free advice is worth every cent:

Stay in the back, mostly. Ride a straight line and a steady pace. No sudden moves. And if you get dropped, enjoy the nice day biking by yourself!

[John E]

Start and stay near the rear of the pack until you get calibrated. Leave yourself a safety bubble, particularly on fast descents. In my experience, "A" riders are pretty hard-core, and there is no way I can keep up their pace. If there are "B" and "C" rides in your area, try one of them first to see where you fit. (In San Diego, we have A, B, C++, C, C-, and D -- C works extremely well for me.) Above all else, inspect your equipment before starting each ride. Bring a spare innertube, a pump, and tire levers; I like to bring a bicycle-oriented multitool and a spoke wrench, as well.

[Mojo Slim]

If you were to join one of our club rides, I think it would be OK to ask about the pace and terrain (you may already know the terrain from the route slip). Does the club have a website whereon they talk about their course and pace rating system? Of course, I'm sure they will tell you "it's not too fast" or "it's very doable". Make note now of places you can bail out and return, if the pace is too fast. Be sure to let someone know you are turning around. I like to know if there is a planned stop for food, or do they eat what they brung.

I'm guessing you'll do fine. If it's a good group of folk, they will work to make you feel at ease. Since you know the route, you could drive it today to look for tough hills or other pitfalls.

As far as etiquette, drop to back of the pack before you launch a snot rocket. Don't badmouth anyone's bike. And if it turns out you are the stongest rider in the group --- let them know it without being obnoxious.

Above all, have fun.

[TruF]

Thanks for the advice, everyone! According to the club newsletter, the "A" rides are "relaxed pace; frequent regroups; waits for all riders." This ride has "rolling, easy grades." I'll let you know how it goes!

[TruF]

Question: Do women ever launch "snot rockets?" Or is that a skill set that is comparable to "hawking a loogie?" I've never been able to do either, haven't seen any women doing it, but neither have I felt that anyone really wants the gentler sex to master those techniques. My husband does both well, and they seem to be rather useful skills.

[maddmaxx]

Its something little boys practice out behind the barn untill they get goo at it. Don't worry about it, no one (at least me) will hold it against you if you can't do this.

Have a fun ride on the new bike.

[monk]

The problem with an A group ride that says they'll regroup is that if you can't keep up and they have to wait for you at alot of stop signs, etc. after a while if you're like me you start to feel guilty that you're making everyone wait. I tried to find a B or C ride for your first one if I was you.

[yakmurph]

Question: Do women ever launch "snot rockets?" Or is that a skill set that is comparable to "hawking a loogie?" I've never been able to do either, haven't seen any women doing it, but neither have I felt that anyone really wants the gentler sex to master those techniques. My husband does both well, and they seem to be rather useful skills.

My sister is a pro: I taught her everything she knows about snot-launching on bikes.
She's a rare exception, I'm afraid....

Most women don't need to acquire this skill, as they're naturally blessed with with
actual manners.
Manners and a lack of facial hair:
it helps to be able to hawk those loogies out far enough where they won't hang up in
your beard.

Important disclaimer:
My sister does not have and never has had any facial hair.
My sister has way more manners than I will ever have.

:rolleyes:

[TruF]

The problem with an A group ride that says they'll regroup is that if you can't keep up and they have to wait for you at alot of stop signs, etc. after a while if you're like me you start to feel guilty that you're making everyone wait. I tried to find a B or C ride for your first one if I was you.

Hmmm. Here is what the descriptions are for the various levels:

A: relaxed pace; frequent regroups; waits for
all riders. Over 26 minutes*
B: touring pace; regroups every 30-45 minutes;
waits for all riders. 23-26 minutes*
C: brisk pace; pacelines likely; regroups every
30-60 minutes. 19-22 minutes*
D: aggressive pace; pacelines; slower riders
may miss regroups. Under 19 minutes*

*Times are for official SRCC speed trap: 4.4 mostly
uphill miles on Graton Road from Ross Road in
Graton to summit at Tanuda/Facendini junction. If
you want to know where you fit in on club rides,
time yourself on this section (at your normal riding
tempo) and compare your time to the list above.

If I understand you correctly, you're saying a more challenging pace with fewer regroups may be better because no one will feel obligated to wait for me? How about if I tell the riders not to worry about me, but still start with the easier ride so I don't feel totally discouraged by not being able to keep up with the faster pace?

And I just noticed that tomorrow's ride is rated A/B.

[BengeBoy]

Question: Do women ever launch "snot rockets?" Or is that a skill set that is comparable to "hawking a loogie?" I've never been able to do either, haven't seen any women doing it, but neither have I felt that anyone really wants the gentler sex to master those techniques. My husband does both well, and they seem to be rather useful skills.

I think this is like belching contests. Mostly a male activity. Women, when they choose to participate, invariably win -- on style points, if nothing else.

Personally, I decided to marry the woman who is now my wife because of the delicacy she employed when vomiting on a plane ride over the mountains in Southern Mexico. The route was so bumpy that the ceiling of the plane was coated with vomit stains from prior trips (I am not kidding). We were all wretching violently during the flight -- except for her...she was gently "coughing" into a little baggy. I decided right then that one day I would marry her.

Same w/snot rockets -- launch one with grace and distinction; make all the other men in the peloton jealous of your husband.

[Beverly]

Hmmm. Here is what the descriptions are for the various levels:

A: relaxed pace; frequent regroups; waits for
all riders. Over 26 minutes*
B: touring pace; regroups every 30-45 minutes;
waits for all riders. 23-26 minutes*
C: brisk pace; pacelines likely; regroups every
30-60 minutes. 19-22 minutes*
D: aggressive pace; pacelines; slower riders
may miss regroups. Under 19 minutes*

.


I think the confusion came because this club's categories are backward from most clubs. The clubs in our area rank the class A as fastest rides and the D as the slowest.

[TruF]

I think the confusion came because this club's categories are backward from most clubs. The clubs in our area rank the class A as fastest rides and the D as the slowest.

Ahh! Now I better understand the comments about starting with a C or D ride! So it looks like I'm in the right ride for my level.

OK, Bev: What's your weigh-in about snot rockets? :D

[TruF]

I think this is like belching contests. Mostly a male activity. Women, when they choose to participate, invariably win -- on style points, if nothing else.

Personally, I decided to marry the woman who is now my wife because of the delicacy she employed when vomiting on a plane ride over the mountains in Southern Mexico. The route was so bumpy that the ceiling of the plane was coated with vomit stains from prior trips (I am not kidding). We were all wretching violently during the flight -- except for her...she was gently "coughing" into a little baggy. I decided right then that one day I would marry her.

Same w/snot rockets -- launch one with grace and distinction; make all the other men in the peloton jealous of your husband.

:p

In high school I knew a gorgeous young woman who participated in another type of contest similar to belching but with the wind coming from the other end. None of us other girls would ever dream of doing that in front of boys, and we were rather shocked by her behavior. But the boys all seemed rather taken with her. Now I understand why!

[Beverly]

Ahh! Now I better understand the comments about starting with a C or D ride! So it looks like I'm in the right ride for my level.

OK, Bev: What's your weigh-in about snot rockets? :D

I never mastered them:( A few of the women in our club pin a hanky inside their jersey near the zipper and whip it out when needed:D

I should practice this skill if I continue to ride with the men. I am able to belch and fart just like them:eek:

[TruF]

I never mastered them:( A few of the women in our club pin a hanky inside their jersey near the zipper and whip it out when needed:D

I should practice this skill if I continue to ride with the men. I am able to belch and fart just like them:eek:

:roflmao::roflmao::roflmao:

[stapfam]

I never mastered them:( A few of the women in our club pin a hanky inside their jersey near the zipper and whip it out when needed:D

I should practice this skill if I continue to ride with the men. I am able to belch and fart just like them:eek:

Thats it- We English are too "gentile" for our american cousins. You are on the back of the Tandem if you come over here.

[TruF]

Thats it- We English are too "gentile" for our american cousins. You are on the back of the Tandem if you come over here.
:o

[Tom Bombadil]

You club riders seem so uncivilized. When I'm out riding trails, the need to blow my nose or clear my throat is simply one more opportunity to stop, stretch a bit, and enjoy the scenery.

I don't think I even want to ask about "bathroom technique" during a ride.

[TruF]

This is all my fault. One mention of snot rockets, and I was off and running. :)

[Bud Bent]

Looks like you have gotten plenty of advice for the ride. I'll look forward to reading your ride report.

[stapfam]

Looks like you have gotten plenty of advice for the ride. I'll look forward to reading your ride report.

One bit of advise not mentioned here. Group riding can be daunting. If you start feeling uncomfortable with the closeness of the other riders- Start wobbling a bit-ride with your knees out and ride one handed at times. Before you know it- There will no-one within 10ft of you.

[Beverly]

Thats it- We English are too "gentile" for our american cousins. You are on the back of the Tandem if you come over here.

I was planning on bringing my touring bike but the back of the tandem will be okay:)

I'm already checking into the CTC Cycling Holidaysfor next summer. Do you know anything about their tours?

[stapfam]

I was planning on bringing my touring bike but the back of the tandem will be okay:)

I'm already checking into the CTC Cycling Holidaysfor next summer. Do you know anything about their tours?

No- but then I do not tour. Give me more details about dates and possible tours and I'll try to find out for you.

[Mojo Slim]

Question: Do women ever launch "snot rockets?" Or is that a skill set that is comparable to "hawking a loogie?" I've never been able to do either, haven't seen any women doing it, but neither have I felt that anyone really wants the gentler sex to master those techniques. My husband does both well, and they seem to be rather useful skills.

Before I moved I rode with a friend of mine, a female and a Superior Court Judge. She launched 'em often.

[Louis]

Another important piece of advice...show up at least 20 minutes before posted departure time. You're going to need time to sign in, read over the map, get your bottles and shoes sorted, talk to the ride leader etc. etc.

Nothing pisses off a ride leader like folks who arrive just as the ride is starting.

[Beverly]

No- but then I do not tour. Give me more details about dates and possible tours and I'll try to find out for you.

I'm looking at the "Sussex by the Sea" tour. The info is for the 2008 tour and I'm hoping it's available next year.

Click "UK" in the left frame and scroll down to this tour.

http://www.cyclingholidays.org/

[TruF]

Called the ride leader this morning to RSVP. Left her a VM that my husband and I are new to club riding, are interested in joining the ride tomorrow, and told her our experience. She called back and said she looks forward to seeing us tomorrow! We will get there early, for sure.

I just got back from the bike shop. They swapped out that terribly uncomfortable saddle for one that is supposed to be much more comfortable. I'm off for a test ride so I can make any adjustments before the ride tomorrow. Oh, and I bought a new helmet; this time I bought one that actually fits a woman's head! I think the other was uni-sex. What a difference the fit is. And it's black to match my new bike.

I'm very excited. This cycling stuff is totally addicting! I know some people who seem to never feel passion for anything. I wish I could bottle how I feel right now and pass it around! ;)

[Mojo Slim]

I wish I could bottle how I feel right now and pass it around! ;)

You have and you are.

[Louis]

You have and you are.
Indeed. Your enthusiasm reminds me of when I was getting started. There was no internet so I had to rely on books and magazines when and where they could be found.

Enjoy the ride tomorrow.

[big john]

I think you're gonna love it, especially when you find the right people to ride with. I have made some good friends in my road club, and, yes, some of the women do the snot rocket. The double century and extreme century riders seem to do it more than the casual riders. If you're hammering a double and you can't breathe, well.....you just can't keep stopping.

[divingbiker]

No snot rockets or loogie hawking for this woman. The only "guy thing" I can do is whistle with my fingers in my mouth. I can blow your eardrums out.

[TruF]

The ride includes wine tasting at Korbel. I'm really looking forward to it!

[Road Fan]

Called the ride leader this morning to RSVP. Left her a VM that my husband and I are new to club riding, are interested in joining the ride tomorrow, and told her our experience. She called back and said she looks forward to seeing us tomorrow! We will get there early, for sure.

I just got back from the bike shop. They swapped out that terribly uncomfortable saddle for one that is supposed to be much more comfortable. I'm off for a test ride so I can make any adjustments before the ride tomorrow. Oh, and I bought a new helmet; this time I bought one that actually fits a woman's head! I think the other was uni-sex. What a difference the fit is. And it's black to match my new bike.

I'm very excited. This cycling stuff is totally addicting! I know some people who seem to never feel passion for anything. I wish I could bottle how I feel right now and pass it around! ;)

What saddle was bad and what saddle do you like? I'm on the lookout for Mrs. Road Fan's best saddle ever.

[ScrubJ]

Hope you have a good time.

I do find it interesting that your club reverses their ride levels from the norm.

[TruF]

What saddle was bad and what saddle do you like? I'm on the lookout for Mrs. Road Fan's best saddle ever.

Hi Road Fan,
The one I didn't like was the stock Specialized Jett saddle that came with the bike. The new one I'm trying is the Specialized Lithia 143. The jury is still out. The best saddle I ever tried was the Selle-An-Atomica. But that was only about 1/2 hour ride. Saddle preference seems very personal.

Good luck!

[Spokes man]

Saddle preference seems very personal.

It doesn't get much more personal. *L*

I'm going to break down and take part in my first organized group ride later this month, so I'll be interested in hearing how yours goes. My main concern is getting crashed into by someone else in the group; I'm not concerned about my own ability to avoid trouble, but I don't want someone crowding me or rear-ending me because they're distracted.

[Yen]

Tru, you'll have a blast! The memorial ride last month was a turning point for us. We love riding together, but being in that group was really special, especially meeting and riding with some BF members and chatting with them along the way. Just imagine taking a walk with someone and chatting about whatever, but doing that on a bike.

Since it was our first group ride, we opted to start near the back, and just watch. (Needless to say, on our hybrids, we stayed at the back, LOL!) We learned some of the hand signals and verbal calls to signal speed changes or road hazards.

In my opinion, if you just practice the same good manners that we should in other walks of life (arriving on time or early, being courteous and considerate, being willing to take advice, paying attention to others' whereabouts, etc) then you will be fine.

I'll be looking for your ride report and pics tomorrow! :)

[ken cummings]

Hope you have a good time.

I do find it interesting that your club reverses their ride levels from the norm.

The reversal may be due to our having started as a racing type group decades ago then splitting off the speed-at-any-cost types. Those people seems to think speed should come first. We think having fun comes first so we reverse the letter order.

[stapfam]

I'm looking at the "Sussex by the Sea" tour. The info is for the 2008 tour and I'm hoping it's available next year.

Click "UK" in the left frame and scroll down to this tour.

http://www.cyclingholidays.org/

Sussex by the Sea 1

3rd August 2008 (Sun) - 7th August : 5 days £245
Easy
Centre Based : College : Half board
Staying in the historic city of Chichester, explore this beautiful part of Sussex. Pretty villages, old churches, museums and disused railway tracks, all close to the sea. Single en suite college rooms. Easy pace and terrain. Some hills one day. 25-38mpd. Suitable for fit beginners of all ages.
Leader: Roger Nash Ref: 0837


Chichester is an old town and is on the Plateaux south of the South Downs- where you could find some hills if you like. Plenty of History in the area if you like- And if you fancy a decent trip- Take a Mountain bike and go East on the South Downs Way to Eastbourne. Not far from where I live so I can give you lunch- Only about 80 miles away so good possibility of meeting up for a day or so.

Cost of the accomodation is cheap- if meals are provided- If not- then plenty of good restaurants in the area. August should give you warm weather but take a showerproof- and a full wet coat as we do occasionally get some Summer Showers around that time. Will be warm though and not too windy.As it is run by the CTC- there will be no problems with organisation.

[Beverly]

Sussex by the Sea 1

3rd August 2008 (Sun) - 7th August : 5 days £245
Easy
Centre Based : College : Half board
Staying in the historic city of Chichester, explore this beautiful part of Sussex. Pretty villages, old churches, museums and disused railway tracks, all close to the sea. Single en suite college rooms. Easy pace and terrain. Some hills one day. 25-38mpd. Suitable for fit beginners of all ages.
Leader: Roger Nash Ref: 0837


Chichester is an old town and is on the Plateaux south of the South Downs- where you could find some hills if you like. Plenty of History in the area if you like- And if you fancy a decent trip- Take a Mountain bike and go East on the South Downs Way to Eastbourne. Not far from where I live so I can give you lunch- Only about 80 miles away so good possibility of meeting up for a day or so.

Cost of the accomodation is cheap- if meals are provided- If not- then plenty of good restaurants in the area. August should give you warm weather but take a showerproof- and a full wet coat as we do occasionally get some Summer Showers around that time. Will be warm though and not too windy.As it is run by the CTC- there will be no problems with organisation.


This sounds great. I was planning on bringing the rain gear after reading about your rides:) What is your description of "not too windy"?

Meeting up would be great:D

[67walkon]

The A group around here hits 24 to 25 mph pretty consistently. If I see them coming, I can hang with them for a good few seconds. I was really proud one day when there was about a 15 mph headwind and I stayed at the back of their group for 5 or 6 miles.

The B group here runs around 19. I can stay with them. Not bad for an old guy.

It is, however, mildly annoying to get caught up in the middle of one of the groups just when you need to launch what we are gracefully referring to as a snot rocket. Do you blow into your hand? How disgusting, and how slippery. Into your sleeve, if you have one? Maybe its another good reason to wear gloves.

My personal observation is that the fairer sex generally has a hanky or tissue. I, on the other hand, have a finger to block one nostril and a turn of the head to keep it off my body!