Southern California - How did you begin your research for GROUP RIDES/CLUBS?

Hey guys, been biking for about a couple months now. I want to really start joining a beginner's group ride/club.

How did you guys track down the group that you're currently in? I searched the BF under this SoCal section but can't seem to find what I'm looking for (I could be searching incorrectly)

Thanks

I'm located in the 90703, Cerritos, AREA :)

ask around in shops or on the road.

for local clubs and major group rides check out http://socalcycling.com

Post your area, that'd help. There are rides going on all over the place in this region.

Your don't post where you live - makes a big difference.

In Orange County (but everyone even people from LA and SD are welcome) there are two groups that welcome beginners - they are Bicycle Club of Irvine and Orange County Rebels. The respective websites are bikeirvine.org and OCrebels.com. Both groups have social rides with coffee stops and are very beginner friendly. BCI even holds, the first of every month, a new rider clinic (see the website for dates) where there is first a safety discussion, facts about riding in groups (which can be scary), how to ride in the street, bicycle maintenance etc. For either group you don't have to be a paying member to ride. Everyone is welcome.

Some of the Rebel riders here can give you information on their "Lilac" rides and dates. If you want some more info on the BCI rides, send me a PM.

Once you get use to group riding, then there are many other options such as OC Wheelmen, LA Wheelmen and all the velo groups.

I used the internet initially. As I got more involved, I saw the different club kits and learned a little about them from talking to people.

Saw them out in the area. I'm currently not a member of a bicycle gang but I'm looking at joining one soon.

My wife is the only one that will ride with me so I don't worry about clubs!:D

awww, heck Beanz, we'll ride with ya

wanna go to SD on Sat? Nice easy ride. . . muahahahaaa

awww, heck Beanz, we'll ride with ya

wanna go to SD on Sat? Nice easy ride. . . muahahahaaa

Nah! Been there done that! If I train for a ride, it will be to take an hour off my Breathless Agony time or to break My Big Bear time of 7:40 (2004). Everything else is just a ride after 12 years of riding and organized rides.:D...I did Amtrak back in 98 with a couple of buds. Did 5:30, of course I was young and goodlooking back then! My ugly time might be 6:30 now!:roflmao2:

You might want to try the SCOR bike club. They have rides every Saturday morning at 8 am out of Liberty park in Cerritos. They have an A, B, and C rides. The C ride is beginner friendly and open to anyone. The usual distance can be 24-35 miles with a nice easy pace. We always wait at turns, have a ride leader and sweep, (someone who stays at the rear of the group and makes sure all is well). We stop 1/2 way for breakfast, then return back to Liberty park. Check put their web site. This Saturday though, the club is doing the Solana Beach Century ride, so I don't think anyone will be at Liberty park. However, I believe next Saturday is a ride up to Whittier, a very nice ride for the beginner, or intermediate rider.

Seek and ye shall find.

You might want to try the SCOR bike club. They have rides every Saturday morning at 8 am out of Liberty park in Cerritos. They have an A, B, and C rides. The C ride is beginner friendly and open to anyone. The usual distance can be 24-35 miles with a nice easy pace. We always wait at turns, have a ride leader and sweep, (someone who stays at the rear of the group and makes sure all is well). We stop 1/2 way for breakfast, then return back to Liberty park. Check put their web site. This Saturday though, the club is doing the Solana Beach Century ride, so I don't think anyone will be at Liberty park. However, I believe next Saturday is a ride up to Whittier, a very nice ride for the beginner, or intermediate rider.

Ah thanks blue steal, I'll definitely check out the site! Liberty is not far from me AT ALL

SDBC has group rides, mostly saturday morning with a large amount of diversety, good times all around in the "A" group!

I started with the "Bud's" ride. I didn't know what the internet was and wouldn't have a PC in my home for another 10 years, but there were free weekly cycling mags and of course word of mouth at the bike shop. I got dropped like a rock on the first climb that day, but it did light a fire. Twenty years later, I still make that ride almost every week. I was just out there this evening. I haven't been dropped since that first time so that makes it a little more fun.

Liberty park is a starting area for other bike clubs as well. I think the "adobos" meet at 0730 in the parking area. Come on by some Saturday morning and say hi.