Cycling club? Or group rides?

sweetteadrinker2

There's a bike shop in my town, and it has a few rides (one at the beginner no-drop level) each week. I love riding, and I've been watching with envy as the groups go down my road. But I have no idea of the etiquette here! Do I just show up on a Saturday morning, introduce myself as new and go with them? Should I go into the shop first and get my bike serviced? It needs it anyway really, but is it necessary to get it done their before joining a ride-or could I just do it myself to save some cash? It's been a long time since I RODE if you know what I mean. Do I need to do some conditioning beforehand?

brianpperkins

I don't know of a single shop in my area that requires you get your bike serviced there to join their group rides.

Go talk to them ... find out what their planned pace and distance are ... check out the route to make sure it is something you are ready to ride. If it is more than you're ready for, get out and knock out a conditioning ride or two. Then take care of the maintenance so you don't have to worry about a breakdown in the middle of the ride.

Machka9

If it's a bike shop ride, cycle there one day mid-week and ask some questions:

-- ask about the ride distance
-- ask about the ride speed
-- ask what they recommend you do before you join.

Although it is a beginner, no-drop ride, there may be some unwritten expectations ... like that you can cover 25 km and maintain an average speed of 15 km/h or something. Go and have a chat with them and find out.

fullylugged

Beginner rides generally go as slow as the slowest attendee. The idea is welcome new cyclists. As you gain experience and ability, you can start to go with other groups. (Usually by pace and distance, A, B, and C level). You CAN just show up. Be on time ready to go at the stated time. "Pedal at 8:00" means get there by 7:30, get you and your bike ready and get an idea of the route before 8:00. Have fluids in bottles or a Camelbak, a spare tube, a pump, tire levers and a bike tool kit in your saddle bag or elsewhere. Your tires should be aired up (the pressure is written on their sidewalls), your brakes and shifters working and your chain properly clean and lubricated. If you know how to service a bike, you can do it yourself. If you don't, pay people who do. The shop hopes you will consider them when you need help or need to purchase items. I encourage you to shop there when you can, even if the internet is cheaper.