Australian Cycling Forums - Bicycles Network Australia

Hi guys,

Relatively new to the whole bike riding thing, so apologies if I come across as naive.

I'm just starting out, and at the moment just riding solo, and sometimes with some guys from work, but they are fairly advanced compared to me.

Is it worth me joining a club, like the Balmoral Cycling Club, or do I try and find a coach for some tips and pointers?

I don't really want to join a riding group as I probably won't be able to keep up or be able to do the long rides.

What have other beginner or novice riders done before?

Hi Sam,

Welcome to the cycling world and enjoy ..... I would recommend to join some sort of cycling club / group to learn things such as different training techniques, drafting, riding in a bunch , etc as well as technical things such as proper gearing use and maybe some tips on how to service your bike yourself, proper nutrition, etc....
The more you ride with other people the quicker you will pick up your pace and will make the ride more enjoyable too
Most groups / clubs have different speed group that you could get into so don't worry about that.
Otherwise go to some of the organized rides around Brisbane which also have different speed categories to cater for everyone
Your fitness will come very quick and you ll build up to do long distances in no time ......but the secret to get better is to ride, ride, ride and ride more ....
The river loop is a popular ride in the morning with many different groups you could jump on the back off and hang on to but don't be intimidated by the quicker riders out there ..... Remember we all started somewhere.

Thanks Le Velo, I'll start looking into ths further. It's amazing how much of a beginner I feel at times. Couple of clip stacks and just getting stable on the bike, it's not that easy. But all in good time and as you said I just have to keep riding and riding !!

Sam_boss260 wrote:Thanks Le Velo, I'll start looking into ths further. It's amazing how much of a beginner I feel at times. Couple of clip stacks and just getting stable on the bike, it's not that easy. But all in good time and as you said I just have to keep riding and riding !!

Not sure if this is the sort of thing you would be keen on but Uni have training sessions on Tuesday and Thursday, club races every 2nd week and also regular club rides.
The training is for all levels and the races cover A,B, C and X grades (so all levels of skill and fitness).

sumgy wrote:

Sam_boss260 wrote:Thanks Le Velo, I'll start looking into ths further. It's amazing how much of a beginner I feel at times. Couple of clip stacks and just getting stable on the bike, it's not that easy. But all in good time and as you said I just have to keep riding and riding !!

Not sure if this is the sort of thing you would be keen on but Uni have training sessions on Tuesday and Thursday, club races every 2nd week and also regular club rides.
The training is for all levels and the races cover A,B, C and X grades (so all levels of skill and fitness).

Where abouts and what times?

Sam_boss260 wrote:

sumgy wrote:

Sam_boss260 wrote:Thanks Le Velo, I'll start looking into ths further. It's amazing how much of a beginner I feel at times. Couple of clip stacks and just getting stable on the bike, it's not that easy. But all in good time and as you said I just have to keep riding and riding !!

Not sure if this is the sort of thing you would be keen on but Uni have training sessions on Tuesday and Thursday, club races every 2nd week and also regular club rides.
The training is for all levels and the races cover A,B, C and X grades (so all levels of skill and fitness).

Where abouts and what times?

Sam
Keep in mind this is club member only stuff and to do the races you have to have a race license.
Have a read of the Uni website for more info:

http://www.uqcycle.com/

...and particularly the section about memberships:

http://www.uqcycle.com/index.php?option ... icle&id=10

SPIKE Triathlon squad also do a bike handling/technique/skills/training session once a week over at UofQ. It's $10 casual, there's a mix of skill levels, and it's a good session - and yes - it's a triathlon squad as such, but you still have to be able to ride the bike.

uncle arthur wrote:SPIKE Triathlon squad also do a bike handling/technique/skills/training session once a week over at UofQ. It's $10 casual, there's a mix of skill levels, and it's a good session - and yes - it's a triathlon squad as such, but you still have to be able to ride the bike.

Thanks Uncle Arthur... this could be what I am looking for.

Pay to learn how to ride your bike?

Everyone has to start somewhere, why not just join one of the numerous LBS rides around Brisbane that have novice slow groups?
Or contact Balmoral and join one of their Sunday morning rides.