Newbie needs advice on playing with others

YouRang87

YouRang87

Active Member
So my goal for the spring/summer is to get more involved with fun group rides and to slowly work my way into the competitive racing scene. I have zero experience riding with others for all my friends are bums. It doesn't take an expert to know a crit isn't the best way to learn to ride tire to tire shoulder to shoulder. So I guess I'm asking the more experienced roadies to think back how they learned and what advice can you give? Where and how should I learn without wiping out the whole group. I have interest in trying the tour of hopactcong and would like to get some experience before than. Common sense tells me a club would be the best way to learn but everyone I find is more a racing team and might be too serious for me right now. For slowly get competitive is the key. Century road club looks good, and members in here? Any reviews? I am in the Hamilton mercer county area and would like to stay somewhat local. I can get actual tips on YouTube and all but nothing's better than actually doing it. Thanks in advance guys.
 
You sound like the perfect candidate to check out the Princeton Freewheelers; They offer tons of rides out of your area for all ranges: princetonfreewheelers.com

The people I have met are super friendly and I'm sure any ride you join will be able to teach you the basics of what you need.

I am unsure of your level, but the B ride should start to teach you about the workings of the pace line and proper technique. I know we have a couple of threads on here that talked about that, I think Ben wrote something once.

EDIT: http://www.mtbnj.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6239
here is that post from Ben, some of the images are gone, but you should get the general idea.
 
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YouRang87 said:
So my goal for the spring/summer is to get more involved with fun group rides and to slowly work my way into the competitive racing scene.
Click to expand...

You sound like me back in July.. I am in the process of coming up to speed as well. This forum is a great place to start and there are tons of people willing to share their wisdom with the interest to help the cycling community grow.

pearl said:
check out the Princeton Freewheelers;

I am unsure of your level, but the B ride should start to teach you about the workings of the pace line and proper technique.
Click to expand...

Good Call - I think I may try this myself - Thanks Pearl
 
+1 on the PFW recommendation. The thing is, there are LOTS of rides and they ALL have a unique flavor. The first one you try might be perfect for you, but it might not. My advice is to try several rides to find one you feel the most comfortable in.

No matter which one you end up in, all the ride leaders are approachable. Tell them what you're looking for and they (if possible based on the group) will work with you.

My suggestion for a first ride is the B ride out of Etra Park.
 
Hi,
Hope you don't mind me tagging along on your post. I am newbie on road as well and not familiar with NJ, looking for group rides to start with and possibly getting into racing. Princeton Freewheelers is quite far for me since I work in Fairfield and live in Ridgewood, was hoping to find a group around these areas so I could ride during the week from work (2 times at least) and weekends (from my house). I did find here in mtbnj reference to http://www.skylandscycling.com/ (but it seems their rides are far - I did email them asking for more info). Any advise is really appreciate!
 
@Slumber skylands would be a haul. The good news is the 10,000 daily riders on 9w would probably be your best bet. Look into some local shops about shop rides too.
 
If you're in north jersey, Team Town Cycle is a great group. We have riders from pro-class hyper competitive racers, casual enduro racers who don't care how they place and just do it for fun 🙂:cough:: me), serious riders, mountain bikers, road bikers, DH riders, BMX, casual riders, people who talk about riding but don't get much time to do it, kids, girls, boys, women, men, dogs, possibly a cat, and everyone in between. Everyone is very friendly and the more experienced riders are always happy to help with advice, training tips, etc. Plus, Town Cycle is a great shop!

http://www.teamtowncycle.com/
or you can message me and I can point you in the right direction or ask @Team Town Cycle yourself.
 
@greeek32 Thanks a lot for the info. I just sent and email to them. It seems that the rides haven't started yet, right? I think I will be like you .." casual endure racer" - that sounds great! 🙂
 
+1 on the PFW rides. I used to do the one out of Cranbury and really enjoyed it.
 
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