Today was my first group ride, and only the third day I have ridden
this year.

Sixteen miles in driving cold rain. It would have been twenty but
the ride organizer led me on a short-cut that saved four miles and me
having a stroke.

Getting old is tough, and being out of shape is tougher.

Most fun I've ever had on a bike.

The reason I share this is that a poster had some less than flattering
remarks about rookie riders. Before the ride I told everyone that it
was my first ride and that I would start at the rear and might even
drop out. I asked the organizer not to wait but he dutifully did and
I will try to be an even better customer at his shop for his
thoughtfulness.

The bottom line is that we all start out as rookies and while everyone
was great and welcomed me heartily my experience might not
have been the same had riders been patronizing and rude. Right
now I'm really looking forward to next weeks ride.

Something to think about.

Strider

Glad you enjoyed your ride. Group rides can be a ton of a fun. You'll get better at drafting and hanging out in pacelines with practice.

It sounds like you've found a really good group to ride with. You absolutely did the right thing by letting them know you were new to group rides. Make sure to let everyone know that you are open to advice and criticism as well. You'll get a ton of generally good advice (and occasional criticism when you do something dumb, which will happen) and you will become a much better rider more quickly.

Congrats on the ride, keep it up, as you get comfortable and relax in the group the rides will become even more enjoyable for you.

(and remember, never overlap your front wheel with someone's back wheel)

Great post, thanks.

The bottom line is that we all start out as rookies and while everyone
was great and welcomed me heartily my experience might not
have been the same had riders been patronizing and rude. Right
now I'm really looking forward to next weeks ride.Strider

You were so lucky to hook up with a good group on that most important first ride. Stick with them until you feel the urge to move on (if you ever do). As a result of this positive experience you will undoubtedly become a good mentor to someone else like yourself in the future. The world doesn't need any more patronizing and rude riders - there are enough of them out there now

Just keep riding, as frequently as you can, and you'll get into great shape and eliminate that fear of strokes when you may occasionally decide to hammer.

Just being nice to someone new to the group and giving them a chance shows the class of the group. You were accepted by a nice bunch of people, not to forget the organiser, and that will benefit you as a rider and as a person. Keep it up.
Cheers, Wayne

The group around here was very cool. Very willing to help out with advice. Even when they could tell I was scared to ride with them because they had a Hammerhead repution.
After a few rides I made some really good friends, not just riding buddies. Now riding with the club is one of the highlights of the week.

I think most experiences in life are good ones but since the bad ones make for better reading thats what we hare about.

It is nice to hear good news every now and again. Thanks for posting.