Any recommendations/advice for starting out as a road cyclist?

Question

I'm 22, with no experience or training at all. I would like to do it for fun/hobby, and don't particularly want to join a team or compete. Would it be possible to somehow find a club or other people in my area who could help me out?

I bike a lot and have always loved it, but I stay within my area and never stray further than a couple miles from home. I see the cyclists pretty often around here, and for a very long time I've wanted to do it.

I realize there's a lot of things to learn.. I just don't know where to begin.

Answer 1

I do not think that you need to be in great shape to join a cycling club, but you should be used to riding at an hour at a pace that you find fast. You should ride 5 times a week for an hour often at a pace that you find challenging.

    The reason is that most clubs will ride 30miles in the off season and then 40-60 miles during the season. (now) You will find for the first few weeks that an hour 15 miles is tiring. After 3 weeks an hour is nothing. (caution that you will need to take sometimes two days off to rest yourself - often your muscles grow the most during rest periods, and there is no point in pushing too hard. Your muscles do not grow if you push alwasys too hard.) If you can push for an hour by yourself without much effort then riding with a club for 3 hours is also not too challenging.

       If you are used to riding an hour at what you find a good pace then riding with a club is next. The pace is easy - now you need to get used to eating while riding if you ride over 2 hours. Drink 1 litre per hour. Also, you have to get used to riding just behind other people. Everyone hits the wall at least once. this is when you do not eat enough and suddenly have no energy and ride home at 10 miles an hour (or less) dreaming of steak, and wishing that you could stop at the side of the road and have a nap.

Answer 2

most bike shops organize rides, or have a posting board for riders looking for companions to ride with. stop by your LBS to see what they offer..

Answer 3

You local bike shop is usually a good place to start. They can tell you about safe routes and the local scene. Also, you don't have to compete to join a team. There are many clubs that are specifically for recreational riders and get together for moderately paced rides that don't leave people behind. These clubs will usually organize event rides that are fully supported (food and drink provided for a small fee) and they will also have regular weekly rides that you can jump into at any time.

Since you know you have a lot to learn, just listen, ask questions, and observe what goes on around you. Most everyone will be glad to share their knowledge and help you out.

Also, it's likely you don't actually have to join a club/team to participate in the rides. Joining will usually get you discounts on event rides, newsletters, and stuff like that.

Good luck and have fun!