Originally Posted by
Rick_MS
Thank you.
Unfortunately, there are no groups closer than about 40 miles. Work has me getting home right now with just over an hour of daylight.
I'm not having any problems with my current 6.5 mile route. I'm averaging right at 29 minutes over 15 rides. I think it's time to start doing two loops (once my thermal bibs get here).
I would like to get with a group for the advice on bike fit and cadence. I don't have power meters or any other way to keep up with power or cadence.
Maybe next summer.
In my 40s, I was an occasional rider, often doing 5 or 8 miles. The epic ride for me was 10 or 12 miles, with a 250 foot climb in the middle.
Now I'm over 70 and typically do 35-45 mile rides with a group. And usually more than 2000 feet of climbing. (This would have been unbelievable to my 48 year old self!)
Group rides did 4 things for me:
1. a scheduled start time, to get me out of the house.
2. a group for visibility to drivers, and to handle the occasional mechanical failure.
3. The miles go by fast with a group, still a bit surprising to me.
4. The clubs and groups know a lot of good routes! Around here, it appears to be boring farmland when driving on the main roads. The riders know routes that have been refined for years, on scenic, quiet back roads. So many good routes!