Skill level of group rides

[devodoc]

I am still learning and trying to get more comfortable with this wonderful site and I (like others, I'm sure) have been hesitant in signing up for some of the posted group rides. Not really knowing anyone here I don't know at what skill level the rides are. I see some are listed as newbie rides but I guess that could be really subjective. I have been riding for a few years and absolutley love this sport but that doesn't mean I am a fast rider; just a passionate one.

These are my average times for some of the more recognizable and easily timed routes.
To Beek's: 1:15, Fully Loop: 1:10, Hurkey Creek: 1:05, Luge: 1:00, Harding Gate: 1:50, To Old Camp: 1:22 (Round trip - 2:15). Mustard is/was about a 9 minute climb for me from the bench, Dreaded and Mathis about 17 minute climbs. These all can vary with my mood swings

I love climbing, and single track decents - smooth or technical - it doesn't matter, cool early morning rides, reading by the fire, puppies and walks on the beach.

It seems like a lot of you know each other pretty well so maybe you could point me in the right direction.

[Jman]

I just participated in my first STR ride and I was a bit nervous. It was really fun with some great guys. It wasn't posted as a newbie ride or a social ride, it was just four guys on their bikes having fun. We ended up doing 7 miles (acording to Von Skippy's Garmin) in like 2 hours. Pretty slow but it was a lot of fun on some great single track in San Clemente. For a guy who rides 99.5% of his rides solo it was great to share the trail. I'd say just get out and go. Tomorrow I'm heading to Southridge for some 4x and DH and to be honest I've never done that sort of riding really and I'm looking forward to trying it out...I figure at best I'll take my camera and take some great shots!

[PacMan]

I suffered from the same apprehension at first. Usually, you can get a vibe from the way a ride is written up when it's posted.

Also--when in doubt, post a reply asking about what kind of pace the ride will be or Private Message the ride poster and ask them the same question.

Hope to see you on the trails!!

[jcampbell]

On any of the group rides I am involved with I just make sure the people that show know how to change flats. That way, when I get the inevitable flat I always get, I can claim on being a newb and ask for help. Works like a charm everytime.

On a serious note, the times are respectable and not bad and you would probably drop some of those quickly if you start doing some of the training rides. If you were really usure, try riding blackstar twice and see what your times are. Stepping up the climbing mileage is the hardest thing. Especially now with a ton of the forest closed.

[tkblazer]

those times are pretty quick, speed wise i don't think you have anything to worry about... just make sure you never follow a bubb named Painfreak, he WILL lead you the wrong way.

[devodoc]

Thanks for all your input; it's good to know that there is a ride for everyone and every level. I look forward to meeting up with a group after the Holidays.

[2wheel_lee]

Hey devodoc, it sounds like you have a lot of experience under your belt, so I'm sure you'll do very well. It sounds like you'll do well even on the more demanding rides, as well (probably a lot better than myself, but that sometimes doesn't stop me!).

And in regards to many of us knowing each other, it's simply a matter of posting on this board and showing up for group rides. I didn't really know anyone here one year ago, and now this is like family. Welcome to the family.

[DeeZee]

Originally Posted by devodoc

I am still learning and trying to get more comfortable with this wonderful site and I (like others, I'm sure) have been hesitant in signing up for some of the posted group rides. Not really knowing anyone here I don't know at what skill level the rides are. I see some are listed as newbie rides but I guess that could be really subjective. I have been riding for a few years and absolutley love this sport but that doesn't mean I am a fast rider; just a passionate one.

These are my average times for some of the more recognizable and easily timed routes.
To Beek's: 1:15, Fully Loop: 1:10, Hurkey Creek: 1:05, Luge: 1:00, Harding Gate: 1:50, To Old Camp: 1:22 (Round trip - 2:15). Mustard is/was about a 9 minute climb for me from the bench, Dreaded and Mathis about 17 minute climbs. These all can vary with my mood swings

I love climbing, and single track decents - smooth or technical - it doesn't matter, cool early morning rides, reading by the fire, puppies and walks on the beach.

It seems like a lot of you know each other pretty well so maybe you could point me in the right direction.

where are you located? Those times sound fine to me

Let's ride

[PacMan]

Originally Posted by mechmann

i am proud to say i have met many people through STR that i would consider REAL FRIENDS! (that means something to me, i didn't have many before)

That's cuz you're a "Self Absorbed Dolt!"

At least that's what it says under your avatar.

[FoShizzle]

there is really nothing to be worried about. My only advice is that if Burner is on the group ride, you definitely not bend down to change a flat with him around....or any bending over for that matter otherwise, good times...