Yesterday I went on my first group ride. There were only two other people which was kind of a bummer, but it was still fun to get out and meet new people.

We rode about four miles through downtown Indianapolis to get some amazing tacos at an authentic taco cart. We ate there, and then road back to the start. Not a particularly fast ride, nor was it very difficult. I met the group via meetup, and they require you ride in at least one "bronze" level event before you can sign up for the longer/faster events.

In any case It was good to get a chance to ride in a group. Looking forward to the next one, which will hopefully have a few more riders.

I remember my first group ride ... 40 miles from here to Rhode Island. Especially hard ride up some huge hills because a few riders were training for a race. Bonked at the end and embarrassingly needed to be picked up by car.

Gotta start somewhere. Sucks that you took in more calories than you burned though.. Was this considered a "bronze" ride?

CIBA has a variety rides every week that attract well more than 3 folks: https://www.cibaride.org/images/stori...desAug-Oct.pdf

Haven't seen any taco carts on rides, though.............mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm..........

The local club here in town holds various organized rides (DUH!); one such is called the "UORE" (Urban Off-Road Exploring). It's held every Thursday evening, and I was finally able to join in! The ride is open to the public, and the only requirement is a bike and a helmet. (Lights would be good, wish I'd known that a week ago.)

The ride was STUPENDOUS! I saw parts of my hometown I never knew existed! Neighborhoods, trails, a local park that has XC race trails, some purely empty land that has old old OLD jeep roads largely grown over... challenging, fun, a workout! I discovered I was able to scale and descend grades I'd never thought of before!

I'm sitting here in a pile of achy bones, trail rash, and sore muscles, and I will cherish the memory of this evening for a LOONG TIIIIME!