First Group Ride - Worried!

[Davehateshills]

Well, I have took a couple of brave pills and put my name down for an organised ride. As I am not a club member and don't yet have any riding buddies yet

I have entered the following:

http://www.goskyride.com/Search/Details?eventid=7226

It should challenge me (especially the climbing) however I have been clocking 20 - 30 mile rides on a regular basis over the last 3 - 4 weeks.

I am anxious that I the rest of the group will be quicker/stronger then me and I will end up holding everyone up, I am quite a slow climber, but try to make up for it on the flat and down hill. Is there any help or advice that the more seasoned members of the forum could offer? It would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[Mapster5]

Don't worry about other people just take your time and go at a pace your happy with

 

[Jodee1kenobi]

Don't worry about other people just take your time and go at a pace your happy with

Ditto and have fun!! I love cycling in groups because I also like to chat as well and find the miles just roll by

 

[cyberknight]

Go for it , a member of my club is a ride leader for sky rides and they sound fun and do not sound to frenetic .

 

[MrJamie]

I wouldnt worry too much, the only negative ive seen in Skyride Locals' comments is that theyre usually a bit slower than expected and you'll have the group to spur you on too. You could always take some sweets or a high calorie drink for a little boost Have fun!

 

[Davehateshills]

I wouldnt worry too much, the only negative ive seen in Skyride Locals' comments is that theyre usually a bit slower than expected and you'll have the group to spur you on too. You could always take some sweets or a high calorie drink for a little boost Have fun!

I was thinking of a bag of jelly babies in my jersey pocket, some of that isotonic drink in my bottle and a big slice of cake when we stop at the garden centre.

Thank you all for your comments, I have a feeling that I should be OK for most of the ride, its just those big damn hills!

 

[Mapster5]

Low gears bud

 

[BrumJim]

If you are worrying about keeping up, there will be someone worse than you.

The Lanterne Rouge will be someone who doesn't care how slow they are.

 

[Rob3rt]

11-12mph doesnt even come close to speedy IMO. Where does it mention the amount of climbing? Just so I can be sure that you arent going to be climbing walls when forming my opinion on the pace!

2.5 hours to cover 27 miles? Really shouldn't pose a problem to anyone who is marginally competant.

An hour long break (assuming this based on it saying time taken 3:30, time riding 2:30) is a piss take though! By the time you warm up, you will be stopping for an hour!

 

[Davehateshills]

Well there was nothing to worry about really, a couple of steep climbs that I took my time on however the pace was never really a concern. It did feel very stop/start as the ride leader would pull the group up following every climb/decent or junction where the group was split up. All in all a pleasant day meeting some new folk and heading off in a direction that I don't normally go.

I did record the ride on Strava (apart from the first 5 miles to the meeting point) however the sector times are way out due to the number of stops etc..

http://app.strava.com/rides/22145221

 

[Rob3rt]

Well done

 

[Mapster5]

Top of the pops matey

 

[Ball]

Good on you

 

[Typhon]

Well done Dave! You have inspired me to do a sky ride of my own. I've just booked it now in fact. Like you before this ride, I have never ridden in a group before so it will be a good experience for me and the first step towards joining a club.

 

[Peteaud]

well done