dysfunctnlretar

I just took up cycling about 3 months ago and have been riding alone for quite some time and its getting a little boring. I want to join some group rides but don't really know how fast/far the typical group goes. Does anybody have any suggestion on what groups I could join in the Orange County Area (I live in Garden Grove)? I usually ride about 20 MPH, 30 miles is an easy ride, 60 is my longest. I havent raced at all. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Extort

OC Rebels (Irvine)
BCI (Bicycling Club of Irvine)
Gretzky leads a group in HB
Cleave is with Lightning Velo based in Long Beach
OC Wheelmen (OC)


They all have websites which post the routes / elevation gain or hills / distance...

then there are the 'racing' teams... where about 5% of the people actually race and the others are just recreational cyclists...

Pamestique 

Just to add... Saturdays for BCI is an informal day - ie - it's basically open to newer and new riders with the club. The intensity of the rides are not as hard and there is always a coffee spot inbetween.

For more information on BCI go to bikeirvine.org. Rides are open to everyone, not just members. All the route slips are listed so you can see distance and elevation. There are basically 2 groups - medium and long and sometimes (on Sundays) a long plus and (on Saturdays) a short ride. Intensity varies within the group. For instance people doing the long rides will ride between 10 - 25 mph.

Sounds like you would easily fall within BCI's blue group.

Magda003

Join the Orange County Rebel Riders on one of their Saturday/Sunday rides. Here is their website where you can get all the information regarding where we meet, how long are the rides, etc:
www.ocrebels.com. Group rides are a lot of fun and we are a very friendly bunch of cyclists.

Pamestique 

I'll vouch for Rebels as well. Have ridden with them and have lots of friends who ride with that group. There are some really strong riders and there are social riders. You have lots of choices.