Newbie Ride

[FFX_Hinterlands]

@BruceHankins 55328 wrote:

Hi all, new to bikearlington. I was on bikeforums and was directed over here. I am looking to start/join a new rider/new to group rides ride. For those who haven’t done a group ride before or are new to cycling. I was told about some shop rides in my (Ashburn) area, but most of those go 15-20 miles plus and average from 15-20mph! This is a scary thought for a rider who has never been in a group and averages 13-14mph for a 10 mile ride. So would there be any interest in a newbie ride in NoVA?

I think Green Lizard in Herndon might do some no-drop rides at a more mellow pace. Fairfax Advocates for Better Bicycling aka FABB also has social rides appropriate for all levels. I’ll announce the FABB rides on this forum (advocacy -FABB).

[acc]

Welcome! Glad you found the forum!

Riding in a group is a terrific way to learn about riding in the street, get some exercise, and meet other cyclists. There are resources you can draw upon to make it easier. Potomac Pedalers is an organization that posts a weekly schedule of all sorts of rides in the area. http://www.potomacpedalers.org/events/event_list.asp

I walked into dozens of rides with them. I started with D rides and the pace was moderate, the distance was roughly 10 miles, maybe a little longer, not much. They taught me how to wear my helmet correctly, how to use hand signals to ride in groups, how to drink beer…

Also consider joining WABA, the largest area bike advocacy group. They offer dozens of wonderful group ride events every year. You may start out going ten miles at 13-14 mph, but riding is highly addictive and before long you’ll be looking for bigger challenges.

Finally, FreshBikes in the Mosaic District, Merrifield, Viriginia offers a no-drop ride on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 pm. The course is divided into loops that will make it easy for you to choose how long and how fast you want to ride all the while knowing you will not be left behind.

Again, welcome! You’ll find plenty of rides to join.

Ride safe,
ann

[Brent]

There are lots of groups on Meetup. Check out the Northern Virginia Casual Biking Group.

[fuzzy]

Another one is bicycle space in DC. Group rides every Saturday, Sunday & thursday. Rides are for
Beginners & experienced.

[baiskeli]

Welcome Bruce. You got some great suggestions. If you want to organize your own newbie ride, I’m sure you can get some interest from some riders here. Some are newbies or close to it. And you don’t have to be a newbie to have a 13-14 mph pace and be ready for lunch after just 10 miles.

[Author]

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