Pointers for Beginning Group Riders
It's understandable for novice riders to be unsure about whether or not they're ready to join a group ride. If you're in this situation or if you want to know how best to prepare, we hope that you'll find some answers below. For more information, contact Tyler Welshimer, 466-1818 / 899-9398.
Am I Ready for a Group Ride?
This question generally boils down to two questions: "Can I hang with the group at their advertised speed?" and "Can I ride that many miles?" Read on to learn how you might answer these questions for yourself.
Can I Ride That Many Miles?
This question is fairly easy to answer. Before joining your first group ride, you should have one or two solo rides of similar length and pace under your belt in the couple weeks before the group ride. If you've never ridden near the length advertized, then you're almost certainly not ready for the group ride.
Can I Ride at the Advertized Speed?
Many group rides (ours included) are advertised as "no drop" rides, which means that stragglers or people with mechanical difficulties won't be left behind, or "dropped" from the group. But it's rude to show up for a no-drop ride and expect group members to ride below the advertised speed because you can't keep up.
So what to do? How do you know whether or not you can keep up? If you have a bicycle computer then it will tell you what your average speed for a ride is, but what about those without one? No worries - read on.
First you must map out a course of known distance - five miles might be a good distance for a first test. Internet-savvy users can use Google Maps or similar applications for this. Otherwise use a paper map or just hop in your car and use your odometer to find a route. Remember to pick a fairly level test course - don't cheat yourself by going up a big hill or cheat the other riders by picking a downhill course to test your speed. The group's advertised speeds are meant as an average on level terrain.
Once you've picked your test ride route, hop on your bike and start riding your route, making note of your start time. Ride your test route at a pace that you'd feel comfortable sustaining for an hour or so. As soon as you finish your route, have another look at the time.
Now it's time to do some simple calculations. Subtract your start time from your end time to get your total ride time. Take that time (hours & minutes) and your ride length (miles) and plug them into this speed calculator to find your average speed. If your speed meets or exceeds the range that is given in the group's advertisement, then you can show up to the ride with confidence that you can hang. Don't fret if it's below. Ride a few solo rides over the next couple weeks and test your speed again. You'll see steady improvement if you keep at it.
What Should I Bring to the Ride?
Essential items are:
- A bike!
- Helmet
- Identification
- Full water bottle
- Spare tube to fit your tires
- Energy bar or fruit - something full of carbohydrates for fuel
Nonessential but useful items are:
- A pocket-sized multi-tool for mid-ride repairs
- A tire pump (either a floor pump to keep in your car or a compact one to ride with)
- A couple dollars to buy Dan coffee and a cookie after the ride
How Should I Prepare for the Ride?
If you haven't ridden your bicycle in a while, it would be a very good idea to check it out a couple days before the ride to make sure it's in good working order. Throw that helmet on and take your trusty steel steed for a quick shakedown ride of a mile or two. Packing the items listed above the night before the ride would be a good idea as well. Also eat a good healthy meal the night before the ride and a good breakfast that morning. Oatmeal is the pre-ride breakfast choice for yours truly.
Show up at the ride meeting place in plenty of time to use the restroom, warm up, and stretch before the ride is scheduled to start. Finally, let the ride leader know that you're a novice - you're likely not the only one, and it never hurts even the veterans to review cycling etiquette and communication.
There you have it. We hope this review helps you prepare for a group ride, whether or not it's ours. And above all, have fun!