grwoolf

The local bike shop in Austin had an organized new year's day ride today, so I decided to give it a go. I've only been cycling for 6 months, but I knew the route (so I could get home after getting dropped).

I've ridden a few times with small groups (<5 people), but never with a group like this. There must have been well over 50 riders and most looked very serious. It turned out to be a great experience. The pace in the front group was a little out of my league (especially on the hills), but I hung in for about 30 miles and learned a lot. I actually spent most of the time in a smaller group off the back of the pack, which was much less scary for me vs. riding in the big group.

There was a guy from the local race team in my group and he taught me a lot about how to ride in a group and particularly drafting in a cross wind. I think almost everyone except me was taking it very easy on the pace, while I was maxing out. The racer-guy was riding up a hill with no hands taking off his jersey while I was doing about all I could to maintain the pace. All in all, it was a fun ride and a great way to kick off the new year. I'll certainly be doing more group rides in 2010.

enjoi07

nice job.

L1NUX

Which shop/ride in Austin was this?

bismillah

Welcome to 90% or road cycling

RacerOne

Yep, you'll always remember your first group ride.

grwoolf

It was bicycle sport shop. The ride started at their south store and then picked up another group at their north store, and then hit the dam loop. There were at least a coouple members of the race team (supersquandra?) that is associated with the store.