Hey guys. I've been lurking on these forums a lot lately. I just bought a new road bike (diamondback podium 2) to replace my old crap schwinn varsity. But to the point: I am almost 16, and want to start doing some of the group rides around town. I would bring my parents or an older family member if I could, but none of them are really in any kind of shape. Would it be alright if I came to a ride by myself? I really want to push myself amongst other people and eventually learn how to ride in a pace line. Plus riding in a grpup is was at safer than solo. Please let me know? Sorry for posting the night before. Busy day today.
Hi @wilmusrandolph - welcome to the message board!
The web site for the ride is here and says 18+:
http://www.direct-axis.net/team_decaf/
Contact info is listed on the site, so you could always try writing Dan directly.
I know there are some parents on this site -- hopefully someone will chime in with some ideas about how you can get some more challenging riding in.
A few other things to check out...
There is a Bud Harris Cycling Oval that has racing events.
http://www.acaracing.com/home.html
Riding down there is kind of a drag since it is on Washington Blvd. You might be able to put your bike on the bus rack and do practice loops once you're there. It's a great traffic-free (except for getting there) practice spot.
There are other group rides that leave from the city: Major Taylor rides from the South Side on Wednesday evenings and the Flock of Cycles (slower paced, short ride but a good way to meet a bunch of other cyclists with a variety of skills/interests). You can find both of those by checking the calendar on this web site.
Bike fest is coming in August -- that will have a ton of rides.
Team Citius is a local juniors cycling group specifically geared to group rides and racing.
Hey guys! I emailed the group this morning and they said its okay! So I should be there (weather permitting). I ride a blue and black road bike, wear a Michigan jersey, and a black and yellow giro helmet. See you guys there!
That Team Citius looks like a great call, that looks like your ticket right there.
Yeah. I saw their site. But the issue for me is that it seems like a lot of their stuff is in the burbs. The main thing that really ignited my passion cycling is the fact that since I'm not old enough to drive, I use my bike to go everywhere. So I really have no way to get out to where that group does their stuff. Is there anything similar to that team, but based in the city?
how was the ride?
@W Roger: If you get in touch with the team, you may find members who live nearby and would be cool with carpooling.
Glad you made it to Decaf last night, by the way.
@W Roger A lot of results of Team Citius are posted for Allegheny Cycling Association Summer Crit Series (http://www.acaracing.com/home.html) -- this is Bud Harris Oval or "the Oval" -- 6-8 minites on bike from Team Decaf start of the ride. Every Tuesday ACA has races for Class C, Women and Juniors starting at 6 pm. And class B and A on Wednesday. Pitt University Team has races on the Oval every Friday at 6pm. And ABRA has Saturday races. Otherwise the Oval is open and you can use it for free.
He-he, look what I found on Team Citius movie page 
