Joining a club - doing it on my own?

ManchesterUK

I finally get to pick up my first ever road bike tonight (Boardman Road Pro from the Halford Cycle Scheme) anyway as I've said some time ago I've never ridden a bike in anger never mind a road bike so it'll be off to the LBS to get a little gear so I can be safe and prepared for things like tyre changes etc.

I've been looking around for a club with a view to maybe joining (one in didsbury seems to be the way forward as it appears to be closest to where i live)

What level do I need to get myself up to before I can turn up and join one of their shorter rides (40-60 miles) I have no problem with getting dropped off the back of a group I just don't want to be a complete numpty and be out of my league 100%. I have doubt I'd be the slowest one on the ride and don't want to hold other riders back.

Should I spend a little time building up to that sort of distance on my own for a few months? Or just get my back side down there and try and keep up? I'm recovering from a broken ankle and have tested it quite heavily in the last couple of weeks so I think I could complete a 40 mile run out but it'd be very very very very slowly I'm sure. What sort of time should I be looking at to complete 40 miles before i turn up at a club ride?

It just to me seems like a club is a great place to get good advice and meet new folks as well as get the motivation to go on a long ride.

Alternativly, if anyone wants to try some shorter run outs I live on Salford Quays and am a complete beginer, maybe you're in the same position as me? I'm patient (have to be when I'm unfit) so could do some leisure rides?

Thanks in advance for any advice, it will be read and appreciated

redddraggon

ManchesterUK wrote:

(one in didsbury seems to be the way forward as it appears to be closest to where i live)

Manchester Wheelers? Go for it, they're a good club.

"Intro rides" are often run for new people, I'd suggest going to one of those.

a_n_t

I'd say for the group B rides if you can do 60 miles in 4 hours then you will be fine. Course thats easier in a group than doing it on your own. Also most of these rides tend to head for the hills so factor that into the equation too No one will get dropped on a B ride so long as you are ok with the 15 mph average and we always wait at the top of hills as the group tends to split. The intro rides are for people starting out. They are 30 miles'ish and as fast as the slowest rider so you'll still need a small amount of fitness! They tend to be every 6 weeks or so but there are none pencilled in at the mo.
There's nothing to stop you joining a B ride and seeing how long you last? You might surprise yourself!

a_n_t

I've just seen you used to row? I'm sure you'll be fine!

ManchesterUK

yeah "used to" being the stand out term here

I've done virtually zip for a year. I'll have a crack at a run out this weekend if not too icy and see how I get on, I'll try make it a decent 30 miles or something. It'll be my first time on a bike trip that long.

I'll keep you posted, I might wait for the first beginner ride as that'll give me a few weeks to start swinging back into shape.

a_n_t

ok, no problem. I'm just in eccles [off with flu at the mo!] so give us a shout when you're ready.

bombdogs

Everyone has to start somewhere. Just get out by yourself and try to hold a decent pace for two hours or so.
You'll find it hard at first out on your own, but as you increase your training, it will get easier.
Then when you turn up on your first-ever clubrun, you'll find it a bit tough but nothing too hard if you've put the work in

ManchesterUK

So a decent pace is the 15mph that was mentioned before?

I suppose I better buy a bike computer

a_n_t

yeah, 15mph average, sometimes slower, sometimes abit quicker.

here's the last clubrun I did before getting ill as an example [was cold and windy too!]

http://trail.motionbased.com/trail/activity/7340229