Cycling on your own is great. You have complete freedom as to where you want to go, how fast you ride, and when to take breaks. However, group riding can be a great way to expand your cycling horizons in just about every way. The idea of showing up for a ride with a bunch of people you don’t know can be intimidating, but we promise it’ll be worth it. Here are some of the reasons you should try group riding this year.
Reasons to Try Group Riding
Camaraderie
There’s nothing like tapping into a group of new friends with similar interests to you. Most cycling clubs will have a variety of organized group rides depending on skill level, so you should be able to find one that suits you. You can also learn so much from other riders. Within a group of cyclists you’ll find years of experience and cycling knowledge available to you. From clothing to cycling techniques, your new comrades will most likely be able to help you up your game.
Find New Routes
It’s easy to get stuck in a rut as far as roads and routes go when you’re riding on your own. There are plenty of online resources that can help you start branching out into uncharted territory, but stopping at every intersection to navigate can become tiresome. When you go with a group, all you have to do is follow along as you’re guided through an awesome new route.
Training
Riding with a group is a great way to learn new useful road skills and etiquette, as well as up your training sessions. Some friendly competition or simply trying to keep up can be a great way to challenge yourself much more than you would if you were riding solo. It also gets you accustomed to riding within a group, and all that comes with it, so if you ever decide to give a race a try you’ll be prepared.
Motivation and Accountability
Nothing like accountability to get you out on a ride after a night out or when the weather isn’t the best. Being part of a group, getting know the other riders, and holding each other accountable can help you develop discipline. Even though you may start off a ride feeling unmotivated, 10 minutes into whizzing along and chatting with a friend you’ll forget all about it.
Group rides can be a great way to meet new people, as well as to gain fitness and experience on the bike. A quick online search can yield local rides and times, or you can head to your local bike shop. They will know where and when rides are as well as what type of ride they are. A mix of riding by yourself, with a few friends, and with a local group can allow you to get more enjoyment from cycling, as well as become a stronger rider.