I started riding a few weeks ago, and am interested in finding a club to join. I'm looking for a club that is very race-oriented but is open to new riders. From what I've been told, I have a decent amount of natural ability, and want to start racing, but I don't have any experience in riding in groups, let alone racing.

I live just east of Santa Monica, and would like to find a club that has long weekend rides and flexible weekday workouts.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated

Check out http://www.lagrange.org The club is based in Westwood and is much more race-oriented than it used to be. Although they're not official LG rides, a large group leaves San Vicente and 26th at 6:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. Long weekend rides are always easy to find. The Sunday Nichols ride is not long, but staying with the lead group is a challenge, even for the fit. If you're new to group riding, you should be able to find a few people willing to give you tips on group ride etiquette. Good luck.

I started riding a few weeks ago, and am interested in finding a club to join. I'm looking for a club that is very race-oriented but is open to new riders. From what I've been told, I have a decent amount of natural ability, and want to start racing, but I don't have any experience in riding in groups, let alone racing.

I live just east of Santa Monica, and would like to find a club that has long weekend rides and flexible weekday workouts.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated

Take a look at this link and you will be able to locate more clubs than you know what to do with.

http://www.socalcycling.com/socalclubs.asp

Take a look at this link and you will be able to locate more clubs than you know what to do with.

http://www.socalcycling.com/socalclubs.asp

Any advice for juniors (17 years old) looking for a club to join, and hopefully start racing soon?

Any advice for juniors (17 years old) looking for a club to join, and hopefully start racing soon?

Give Helens Cycles in Santa Monica a call and ask them. They sponsor a team and know of the local clubs and group rides.

http://www.helenscycles.com