SandraL

I have been member of BF for a while but haven't write for more than one year, I also have not been riding since October for different reasons and started again one week ago.
Today I had my first club ride ever.

It was very interesting.

Good things that happened:
- I realized that I didn't feel all the pains that I usually feel when I ride alone. After a couple of miles when I ride alone, my mind gets busy thinking how my back hurts, my legs, hands, etc. There is always something. Today I was so busy trying not fall behind, that I haven't have time for pains
- I still can't believe how fast I was going. (It was rated as a very easy ride, so probably it was slow for the others) I don't think I can keep up that speed riding alone.
- Even if I read it everywhere, I never took it too serious how our mind can affect us. By riding in a group it seems that there is not so much time for weaknesses and giving up so fast.

Things to improve:
- Bring water!!!!
- If I haven't used the bike for a long time, I should have done some maintenance work. The chain was very loose and making noise, the tires are very old. I should change them.
- I also have to replace the brakes before the next ride.

My feelings are divided. I feel embarrassed because of my novice style ride and problems with the bike, not to mention that I forgot the water.
At the same time, I feel soooo good that I could finish the ride. It gives me some encouragement to start a diet and training more and lose weight. Maybe I can lose some weight after all and feel better!

eraven

Good job, yeah group rides are a great way to push yourself beyond what you think you can do.

Bone Head

Well Done !! Group rides can be a great motivatior as well as lots of fun!!

gotls1

Riding with a club really pushes me to do better, go farther and ride faster than I would on my own. Don't feel embarassed though - they were all once the new guy/gal. If they're worth riding with, they'll encourage you and help you out along the way.

1bluetrek

Novice style? Youre in good company! Everyone you see on a bike had that too! We all start somewhere
+ 1 on the group ride thing. Like gotls1 said, They are great for motivation, and networking and tips on riding and maintenance and company! Cyclists are a great bunch! Keep it up!

Missbumble 

Good job - Keep showing up. Look for rides that say No Drop...and you will be fine. Especially rides out of a bike shop as the employess are there to help!! You go girl!

SandraL

Thanks for all the replies!

I couldn't stop thinking all day today on yesterday's ride. I even took my bike to a bike store but they are busy until June. The lady there showed me how to change the chain and the cassette (I looked up the name in wikipedia) and sold me a little tool to break the chain and another tool for the cassette. She also gave me a mini lesson on how to do it. I'll try it tomorrow. I'm so exited that I want to learn everything about bikes and biking.
I'll take a picture before I try it. I'm thinking that I might not be able to put the chain back where it goes.

c_m_shooter

The Park Tools website is your friend. They have step by step instructions on every repair a bike could ever need.

artimus

Sounds like all the reasons why I'm looking forward to my first club ride this weekend.

I agree as well on the Park site. I think that it ranks as one of the top ten cycling sites.

https://www.parktool.com/repair/index.asp

Nighteyez

Congratulations on your first club ride. I am sure it was very enjoyable. It is always better to ride with someone than ride alone. The enjoyment factor doubles.

SandraL

GREAT! Thanks for the website. I didn't know it... I just was looking in wikipedia. Not quite the same

Enjoy your first ride and don't forget the water!

I always bring water when I ride. But I guess I was so exited for this first club ride that I forgot about the water.

youcoming

Riding with a club is great but not always better. I ride with two groups on to socialize and one too ride hard. I like the first group but it does nothing to make me a stronger rider.