I did it. My first group ride. And I survived to tell the story. 🙂
I’ve ridden quite a bit this summer on the roads by myself, and with one other person, and even with 4 people. But I’ve been scared to actually go to organized group rides from the club.
Why?
- Because I don’t do group classes and in my mind a group ride is a bit like a group class.
- Because I get nervous clipping in and out around others and in traffic
- Because I worry about being so slow and holding the group back or struggling to keep up and over-exerting myself.
- Mostly because new things are scary.
But I’ve been thinking about those New Year (not New Years) Resolutions that I blogged about last December after my separation, and one of those things was to quit being so afraid – to try new things – be more adventurous – experience life. So I decided to try a group ride. I picked the ride today because one of the ride leads has been teaching me about cycling and riding with me on my own, and I trust what he says. And he said that he thought I was ready for his Thursday group ride, in terms of skill and confidence. And he promised to make sure I didn’t get left behind.*
So I went. And it was scary. But it was also exhilerating. I’m glad that I stepped way out of my comfort zone this morning. I’ll do another group ride again soon.
*I should have made him promise that I wouldn’t fall. Though it wouldn’t be fair to blame my stupidity at forgetting that I was clipped in on one foot when we’re at a complete standstill at an intersection on him. I get full credit for that!
Fall #4 in my 4 month cycling career! (My knee is much worse!)
Pingback: It’s Official: I’m a Klutz | Runnin' From The Law
Pingback: True Confession | Runnin' From The Law