natebrr

Ok I have signed up for my first cycling event. It is the Tour de LADR in mobile, al. I am only doing the 16 mile ride, but I have a few?’s. I haven’t been a part of a group ride yet, so I was planning on trying to get at the back of the group for the start. Hopefully this will keep me out of other people’s way. Also a little unsure of what to expect as far as checking in; I signed up through active.


I guess my questions are. What to expect that morning as far as checking in, is there a generally followed format or is it up to the event? The other is starting at the back a good idea? I shouldn’t be trouble for anyone else; I can keep the rubber side down.


Also just to let everyone know. I have said good buy to 300 pounds.
Started the year of at 314 this morning the scale showed 288. Wahoo.
I have been waiting to post this untill I felt safe that I wasn't going back up.

Thanks everyone,
Nate

justin70

Awesome job with the weight loss so far, keep up the good work.

ronjon10

Good stuff. Tough to say about that ride since different rides do different start techniques. Some do register and roll where there is no group up and you roll whenever you like. Some do the bunch up starts of the entire field or bunch up starts based on the distance you expect to go.

These rides are a lot of fun. If there several of them in your area, and you go a lot, you'll start to recognize people as you see them again and again. Generally speaking, people are very friendly and you can chat to pass the miles away.

If it's a really crowded pack start, just take it easy, keep your line and you should be ok. The tight pack usually breaks up in short order.

Good luck and have fun!

ModelT

Just keep to the right, and watch the riders in front of you.

flip18436572

First off. Great job on the weight loss and keep up the good work.

For the event, you might look it up again on the internet, and email the director of the event. They will usually get back with you with your answers very quickly as they have probably been asked them before and are more than happy to help you out.

Neil_B

Nate,

First, congratulations on the weight loss. Secondly, I don't see the need to be concerned about your starting position. It's a ride, not a race, correct? If so, it doesn't matter where you start. The faster riders are going to pass you anyway. As long as your riding remains predictable, then they should have no trouble passing you. Just go out and have fun. That's what it's about, isn't it?

natebrr

Thanks everyone.
We have some people in our area that think they are too good for the Tour de France, but I am not really worried about them.
I really just didn't want to break any everyday group ride etiquette, since this will really be my first group ride. That is my plan though, just hold my line.

I would like to say again; Thank you to this group. Everyone here has been good insperation to keep me headed in the right direction, as far as my weight lose.

Nate

Edit: they think they are too good