Boston Beginner's Mentor Group - CLOSED (Page 35)

Just worry about pedaling one foot after another.  Every other bike on the course has 2 wheels and gears.  Remember it's not the bike, it's the engine.  That being said, it's a nice bike.  I fly on my Cervelo Dual.  Ride it well.

Dragonflyer - 2010-04-02 9:44 PM A new Tri Group is starting up my area around June-got an invite to join!  Guess they need a someone for that age group   I am in--no doubts!   Besides being in our little merry group are the rest of you involved with other Triathalites?  Or do you go it alone?

I don't.  I just hang with the MA BT crew. That's enough for me.  I can't commit to anything else, right now.  Good luck though.  I am sure you will keep us updated on how it goes.

Dragonflyer - 2010-04-02 9:44 PM A new Tri Group is starting up my area around June-got an invite to join!  Guess they need a someone for that age group   I am in--no doubts!   Besides being in our little merry group are the rest of you involved with other Triathalites?  Or do you go it alone?

I belong to a local tri group, TriFury. I am a huge fan of getting out an meeting as many triatletes as you can. I get to go on group rides and do tons of open water swimming with my local group. For some reason, pool swimming dose not work well for me and I need to find the nuts willing to do mile swims in open water Also, going on 50+ mile rides are more fun and give a safety net when the are done with others. Needless to say, I guess I am a social creature, so I vote join the local group too. Mind you, do not let them take too much money from you

Training with a group can mean different things to different groups. Our team rides have a "nobody get dropped" rule. That dose not mean the lead group can not finish 20 minutes ahead of the rest of the pack, but the group will break up based on ablilty. Most of the people who hang back in the back of the pack in our group are either looking to do a long day and will do the loop again when the ride is over or looking to help newer members. I have been at the back of the pack due to going out to strong or not knowing the course and either way it is all good. Others will also be there just to ride with others and yes, talk about the weather

The most important part is finding a group that will fit your needs. Going fast is great, if you can keep up or are looking to push youreslf faster. Sometimes it is about going long or what ever. Good luck finding a group to train with, either with BTers or a local club. BTW just because we tri dose not mean you can not join masters swimming, bike clubs and track clubs. They all have their place. I just love having a local club so I can bump into everyone at races. Nothing like being at the end of a race and having a team mate cheering you on!!

glad the bannannas are working for you. Happy Easter to all. Got out for my first open water swim today!! Water temp 50 ft from shore showed 60, but it got colder in deeper water. Boy do I love a good wetsuit

I live about 20 minutes north of Boston. The "lake" we swim in is only about 1/4 mile long, 1/3 mile wide and averages about 15 ft deep. Their is a spot about 25 feet deep in the middle. I have seen the water temp swing by 3 degrees in a day if their is a major temp/sun change. The lake was 49 last week, so 10 degrees up in a week is great, but not to unusual for this puddle

I hope everyone had a good weekend.  Believe it or not, I am feeling better.  Maybe it was just a bad muscle pull instead of a tear.  I was running around with the kids yesterday and I feel good.  I don't think exercising will be an issue.  I just have to be careful lifting things.  I think I am going to go for a run today.   Just a mile or so to see how I feel.  

Now you may want to sit down for what I have to say, but I don't know.  We will just roll with the punches.  From what I have seen in the past with other groups that continue on is that the mentor puts a new thread in the open mentors forum and directs them to the old group thread.  

I am assuming everyone is okay with this.  Also, I am probably going to take more than this time for a couple of reasons.  First, that we have an okay group, just kidding.  We have an outstanding group and I don't feel like I have to be in here every minute of every day.  Second, we have seen how some people are really excited to join and then just fall off for whatever reason.  

Does this answer your question?  I don't want you to feel left out. 

This is totally a comfort thing for each person.  I ride on all types of roads now, but it was a bit nerve racking when I first started out.   The main thing is that you feel comfortable.  If you don't, then you are not going to get a good ride in and it's not going to be enjoyable.  I suggest if this is the only place you can ride around your house, then either go on shorter rides to get used to the traffic, or throw the bike on the car and go where there is less traffic.  I think if there is a white line, you should be fine.  

road ridding criteria for me need to have 2 of the following 3, Wide shoulder, smooth pavement and light traffic. If I can get 2 of these, it normaly works for me. Be careful of trusting the white line. In my neck of the woods, I have seen the white line painted on the grass as the road was too narrow for the white line to actualy be on the road!! This dose not happen often for me, but I have seen it.

If you are lucky enough to have a good local bike shop near by, check with them. My local shop offered up a bunch of weather proof maps for bike rides. The cross busy streets, but most of the time, they ride on secondary roads you would never find on your own. They cost a few bucks but have been worth it for me.

Unfortuanately, I do not use our local bike paths. They tend to have a bunch of walkers, baby strollers and various other slower moving traffic. I am not willing to hit someone while keeping my speed up.

If you do choose to ride on the roads, I recomend a mirror for your helmet. I have been ridding with one for over 20 years. They do not keep you from getting hit, but will give you extra security if you need to jump out into traffic to avoid obsticles. Hope to get outside and ride soon