When I first started riding a bike, I did so with my family and friends. I do enjoy riding with people I know and occasional stops at the playground make me and my kids happy.
Would like to be a part of something bigger once in a while?
Would you ride love to ride for cause with a group of other people that care?
Do you want to race with others or maybe just ride in a bigger group?
I am whispering “yeeees” to each of these really quite. I get shy around groups of people I don’t know. Believe me, I can easily find an excuse not to to attend event I was excited to go to, if I have nobody to go with. Am I alone in this? Anyway, I am trying to re-work my attitude toward the group events. However, I need help convincing myself and Teresa Robbins, the Director of Venus de Miles women bike ride, is here to show me and you why I group events are so awesome.
I get intimidated by other bikers. They look so professional. I don’t think I will fit in.
We all have a weakness for something – and some cyclists have one for the fastest looking bike or apparel. When I first got started riding, I used to wear my husband’s jerseys before I bought my own, and for awhile I was riding on his team bike, which had his name on it (that I barely knew how to operate.) There’s nothing more rewarding that nurturing a newer cyclist and supporting them with a sport we all love – so go ahead, even though they may look ‘professional’ chances are, their are either A) borrowing someone else’s gear or B) just as nervous as you are. I’d bank on B.
I like riding a bike, but what are the benefits of group rides/events?
It’s true that showing up at your first group ride can give anyone a case of the jitters, although I can assure you that it’ll be well worth it! When I was living in the Bay Area, I joined the Velo Girls, an amazing Club dedicated to empowering women both on and off the bike. I’ll never forget the first time I went from riding the 25 Mile Weekly Route, to the 55 Miler. I was SUPER nervous, and my fellow new gal pals encouraged me to tackle a big climb in the area, Old La Honda, which has an average grade of 7% and a max of 15%, and go for the extra mileage. I rode all of that climb by myself, and pulled over for a gel break mid-way, walking up parts of it, but those that encouraged me waited for me at the top, and gave me a new sense of accomplishment that was priceless. I’ll never forget that day – it’s the day that I started referring to myself as a cyclist.
- Unbeatable camaraderie: There’s nothing better than huffing and puffing up a climb together, and encouraging one another along the way.
- Social Prowess: Expand your social network by joining a cruiser ride, or similar Club Ride. Most Clubs have rides that are open to the public where you can try out the Club to see if it’s the right fit, and, they also have social events – cocktail hours, and other mixers, both on and off the bike.
- Mystery: I plan cycling events for a living, so truthfully, sometimes I just want to show up and ride – not worrying about where to go or key logistics pieces along the way. Club Rides often offer written route cues, and they typically always have a lead that is in the front of the pack, and a sweep (someone at the end of the group), so you are never left behind. Speaking of, making sure that the Club Ride you choose is a no drop ride, meaning you all leave together and come back together.
- Resources: Most Clubs offer Clinics, discounts to bike shops, apparel, and other perks.
- Trips: Before you know it, you’ll be riding events in other cities and states with your Club Members!
- Gumption: Riding with others pushes you outside of your comfort zone, enhancing your skills, and therefore becoming and more confident rider.
- Goals: Events are a great exercise in goal setting, and riding socially. If you are riding an event solo, I encourage you to strike up a conversation with fellow cyclists – comment on their clothing, and ask them how they got started and why they are participating in the event.
Formerly the Senior Accountant for Greenhouse Scholars’ affiliate Greenhouse Partners, Teresa recently made the switch to the Greenhouse Scholars team to become the full-time Director of Venus de Miles. Since its inception Venus De Miles, Colorado’s first all-women’s road ride, which is orchestrated by and benefits Greenhouse Scholars, has raised $380,981 for the organization, and expanded to Illinois in 2012. When Teresa is not dreaming up the next quirky idea for Venus, she’s enjoying what inspires her most, spending time with her husbanding, Mo, and their sons, Myles and Nico.
I think group events and activities help keep me motivated – plus, if I’m struggling to complete the group exercise, you KNOW someone else is. So, I’m not the only one!!
I don’t bike but could apply alot of those points to running in a group. I loved the post, great tips.
Oh, I would love to find a group like this one near me. I do bike rides with son and hubby, but most times they do not want to do it. Having a group that motivates me would be great.
I’m the same way! I sometimes want to do things but I get intimidated if I don’t have a friend to do it with me. I’ve been working on getting over this fear though and I’m learning it’s really not as scary as I think!
I remember my first group ride. It was the 25 mile leg of the Apple Cider Century and I was still in Middle School I think (or maybe a freshman in High School). It was terrifying… all these adults with their racing bikes and biking gear. But I was with my dad, and friends of his, and soon learned that EVERYONE was friendly, helpful, and encouraging. It was great, and it made me so excited to do the next event, and so willing to help, encourage, and be friendly as I continued my first ride, and did more events.
I love group activities! It makes me follow through when I know other people are going to be there too! If it’s just me, I may back out. I’d love to ride more and do some group rides!
I am a bit skid-dish about group activities as well. I’m not one who likes to be 2nd best, I always strive for perfection and sometimes that can actually get in the way of getting better.
I think a group bike ride would be an awesome way to challenge yourself!
Occasionally, I will join a group endeavor (especially one that involves bowling) but I’ve always preferred solitary activities. I’m a hopeless loner. 🙂
The only “group” I ride with is my husband and kiddos… I can’t imagine gasping for breath climbing hills with a group of other people who are flying by me! #UltimateFear
I shy away from group events if I don’t know people, but yet I find a way to make new friends and some of those are my closest groups of favorite people now..know what I mean? hehe. I love that you have found this passion and I can’t wait to get a bike again because of your journey.
I don’t ride a bike anymore simply because there is no place to ride as I live in the forest. I do think a group like this would make me feel safer by riding in a group rather than myself.
I’m not a biker or runner, but I really enjoy working out in a group I feel like I am motivated by others around me to keep going even when I feel like giving up
I think tackling a group ride, or any group event, is very intimidating for most. It’s even more intimidating when you factor in safety issues, you have to be aware of yourself and those around you- but it’s great for building confidence and pride!
It’s a lot harder for a car driver to hit an entire group of cyclists – I know too many single riders who have been hit!
Doing group biking, helped me really to start biking! Working out as a group keeps me motivated!
I don’t bike anymore. It’s been years. My butt is just too big for those little seats.
This sounds like SERIOUS BIKING
I get the same way when it comes to group activities & if there is no one there that I know. But, like you once I finally talk myself into going to said group event I am happy that I did!
Oh I am so intimidated by others that are more fit, more professional looking but it is also a way to motivate me to be both of those things. When I see others working hard and getting results, I want to do it too. I have never done a group ride but it sounds fun and inspiring.
I am also a very shy person but as I get older I try to get over it.