Heya,
I've been riding for years, first in the Bay Area (California) as a commuter and now here (Forest Hills <-> Oakland and Highland Park) for errands/exercise, but I have zero experience riding in groups.
Are there any local training or practice rides for people like me who have no idea how to take someone's wheel or lead a pack? I'm reaching the point where I think I'd like riding with people in my class ("freds on touring bikes") but I have no idea how to do that safely.
thx,
--jet, aka the surly LHT with the "one less fixie" sticker, lights, bags, and kickstand.
There's a couple guys that run a bicycle shop in Lawrencville called Clankworks. They've been know to organize something called the "Tweed Ride". Lots of people using brakes, kickstands and bags. Looked like fun. I believe they're doing another, stop by their shop on Butler st right across from bike-pgh.
There's also Flock of Cycles , check the link right here on this forum.
Team Decaf rides out of Taza d'Oro are another good option. Weekly on Tuesdays at 6:15 with a large group with a decent spectrum of speeds, often on Thursdays at the same time (after the faster Team Caffeine group leaves at 6), and some weekend rides -- look for posts here by TeamDecafWeekend.
The West Penn Wheelmen would be another good way to learn. Dan B surely has information for them.
The main thing is to not overestimate your own abilities and be open to advice (even though it will be handed out poorly sometimes). The rules for group riding may seem arcane but they're all rooted in the safety of the group.
Some of the city rides are especially beginner-friendly; Bruce Woods and the Major Taylor club post their rides to the Wheelmen calendar, and they're good folks with which to ride.
I suggest you try the Thursday night ride out of North Park. Olympia Grove, 5:30.
thanks for the pointers. I've been doing pack/group rides on motorcycles for ~20 years, but the biking thing is much more intimidating.
^ 'biking thing is much more intimidating' LOL! Coolest thing I've heard all day. But seriously don't be intimidated, we're a friendly bunch who always love to help others. Welcome!
Also be sure to take a look at the bike-pgh cycling event calendar - rides like team decaf happen regularly, and the calendar usually has info on difficulty and experience required. There are certainly plenty of rides that cater to just what you're looking for.
Not all group rides are good places to learn. You can pick up a lot of bad habits / advice on some of them 
Several of my friends have had serious trip-to-the-ER-and-surgery wipeouts while training in group rides, so the idea of riding 4" off someone's wheel makes me a bit nervous.
Feel free to join my weekend rides - everyone is welcome. I usually have a new ride every other weekend, starting at Tazza D'oro on N. Highland. 20-25 miles. Typically 6-12 riders. All city roads (some of the river trails too).
I'm a hybrid rider, kickstand, bag too, but most of the people who ride with me are on road bikes.
I post details and ride maps here and I usually post on the wheelmen calendar too.
