New to this site

[Kay]

Hi all...new to this site. I'm not sure how things work :confused: I have been to this site many times and have enjoyed a lot of things I've read. So I finally got the courage to join. I just bought a Trek1000 road bike. I wanted a beginner bike. I haven’t had the opportunity yet to ride. For one I have been out of town and the other I don't know where to ride. Could someone please give me some ideas for a beginner?

[TechniKal]

Welcome to Mojo...

Check out the Austin Cycling Association at

www.ccsi.com\~aca

They have rides each Saturday and Sunday, listed on the 'Rides' section of the website, for all skill and ability levels. It's my understanding that Velocity Cycling also has a training/skills clinic prior to the rides on Saturday.

[Kay]

Thanks a lot. I'll take a look.:)

[jodyams]

Welcome!

You might also check out Austin Flyers - they are somehow associated with Bicycle Sport Shop. You can sign up through groups.yahoo.com so you can get on the email list. The group name is austinflyers. They originally started out as a women's cycling team, but now they welcome men and women of all ability levels. I've never actually ridden with this group on the road. I've only ridden with some of the "off-roadie" people. The people I've met have been very nice and encouraging.

Also, there is a group of mojos that road ride early morning on Tuesdays. We meet at Uppercrust Bakery between 6:30am - 6:45am. We start riding around 7am, and usually finish 8:30-ish. I'm pretty sure that they will be riding next Tuesday morning too.

[Anita Handle]

I'll ditto the ACA site if for nothing else than the maps. You have to join to get the maps ($20) but the routes are well documented and pretty safe with varying mileages and difficulties. Do yourself a favor and show up to one of their weekend rides. Let the coordinator know your new and looking for similar riders, I know they'll take care of you. You don't have to be a member to ride and they provide free maps for the ride that day.

Other tips? Read up on riding in traffic:
how to not get hit by cars (http://bicyclesafe.com/)

Make sure you have a tube, a pump and tire levers at least (a helmet goes without saying ;) ).

ride, ride, ride!

[Kay]

I was not expecting to get such a welcome. All the advice is great. Once I am more familiar with my bike and all the rode rules I would love to join a group for a ride. Thanks again!:)

[G-]

Welcome. Now put some knobbies on that bike and hit Walnut Creek. It's not too late to make it a cyclecross. Just joking. The Tuesday morning ride is fun and skill and experience doesn't matter. Getting my road bike Friday so I can be a better MTB'er.

[Kay]

Actually I had a Gary Fisher mtb in 1995 through 1997. X wasn't the nicest, so I got rid of it. I did enjoy riding it a lot. This time I thought I would try something new. I am really interested in doing a triathlon (Danskin, Capital of TX Triathlon). Anyway, thanks for the info.;)

[jodyams]

I did the Danskin a couple of years back, as part of a 2-woman relay. That event was fun! :cool:

Have fun training!!!

Happy Holidays! :D

[Kay]

How does that work?

[jodyams]

You mean being part of a 2-woman relay?

We signed up as a relay - typically you have 3 people on a relay, but I wanted to swim and bike. I woulda done the whole thing, but my dr. says no running.

[Kay]

I see.

[Scuff]

Kay ~ DO THE DANSKIN!

I did my first in 2002. It's a life changing event and it certainly made a profound impact on my fitness. Made the holiday feasting GREAT! haha :D

Enjoy your new bike and take these mojos up on some group rides. Group rides are fun! The riders are so friendly and I've learned a great deal of safety. Due to the shortness of daylight, I only road ride about once a week ... I'm usually on the trail or spinning. But maybe we can get together sometime.

I'll dig up some of my informative tri site links and send them your way.

Jody, I found my phone ... short embarrassing story:p ~ I'll share later when I see ya again! Hope to ride with you soon.

Cheers,
Carmen

[Kay]

Any info would be great. I would love to take you up on that ride sometime. I still have not been able to get in a good ride in with the holidays and all. Give me a shout sometime if you don't mind a newbie tagging along.:D

[Hugh]

Kay, also check out runtex.com. They have a triathlon forum and alot of women who do the Danskin visit that site. Also, you may want to check out Austin Tricyclist on Barton Springs road. I'm not sure who puts it on, but there are training groups for the Danskin. Welcome to cycling :D