Group rides for beginners?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by ChrisS on February 27, 2010 at 2:05pm

Richmond you say? Have a look at Mascot's rides:http://www.mascotcycles.com.au/trainingRacing.html

Permalink Reply by Tim on November 2, 2011 at 3:54pm

Jiuliana, if you still wondering about this, you might like to try

http://www.skcc.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=articl..., Keen on starting out with a group myself, as now I have upgraded to a carbon frame.

Permalink Reply by Guav on December 6, 2009 at 1:16pm

Hi Aggie, it depends where you are in Melbourne I guess, but I know that the Bike Hub in Morrabbin\Hampton have an easy ride on Sunday's - try here: http://bayside.bikehub.com.au/Home/LocalRides/tabid/545/Default.aspx

I'm sure other shops will have similar rides, try The Freedom Machine (TFM) - I know they have an "orientation" ride which is squarely aimed at beginners: http://www.freedommachine.com.au/shop-rides.shtml

These are probably good places to start as they are open rides, through these you will meet other people of a similar level who will be able to direct you towards some small friendly groups.

Your next option is to contact some of the cycling clubs around your area, CSV has a listing here: http://www.vic.cycling.org.au/?Page=18823&MenuID=Clubs/20076/33... - they will be able to give you advice on which of their club rides are suitable (I'd personally suggest Hawthorn Cycling Club, but then I'm biased :p)

Another option is Bicycle Victoria - http://www.bv.com.au/bikes-&-riding/10026/, this is probably less helpful, as they will only give you links to other associations to contact, but at least you'll get the lay of the land. They do organise several mass participation events from time to time if that's your sort of thing.

And lastly, you can always just cruise up and down Beach Rd of a Saturday or Sunday morning, stopping in for coffee at Cafe Racer - if you can't find someone up for a chat about where to ride and who to ride with then you're not trying hard enough ;), plus the coffee and service is great. But I'd personally steer you towards heading out to the Dandenongs for some relaxing hill riding.

Good luck!

Permalink Reply by Aggie on December 7, 2009 at 8:24am

Thanks Guav - much appreciated! I will try the shop rides you have suggested.

Just thinking about the hill climbs in the Dandenongs makes me feel a bit weak and wobbly in the legs. ;)

Permalink Reply by ChrisS on December 7, 2009 at 12:54pm

Also, have a look at beginner BUG rides, especially some of the Whitehorse Cyclists & DarebinBUG stuff.

I'm pretty sure the Cog Girls rides are still going, have a chat to Warren at bikenow or post a question on the yahoogroup.

Others you can try:
- Cadence Women's Cycling Group
- Melbourne Cycling Meetup Group

Permalink Reply by AngelaM on November 15, 2011 at 1:38pm

Hi Aggie,

I can't help but I sort of understand. I'm struggling to find any group at all in my area, especially a girls group and i'm trepedatious about not keeping up!

Where in Melbourne are you? I'm South-Eastern. If you are local perhaps we could work together to put some kms in our legs first!

 

Permalink Reply by Alexander Langman Hender on November 28, 2011 at 3:48pm

Hey Angela (and others). My other half used to run a girl's ride in Adelaide before we moved here. Now she and I run the Tenax Ride: http://www.melbournecyclist.com/events/tenax-ride-2

 

It's really aimed at preventing that phenomena of "yeah, it's a beginners ride" and then everyone scorching off at 30+ kph. Aiming to be very predicable and friendly.

Permalink Reply by AngelaM on November 29, 2011 at 6:37am

Awesome Alexander, that sounds great. Unfortunately i can't make it early on a Saturday morning but if you have rides happening at other times i'm in!