looking to possibly join

[michaelcole]

We haven't put on a club clinic in a couple of years but every group ride is a learning experience if you want it to be. The way to learn about racing is to first learn about riding in a pack. You need to get a feel for following directly behind a wheel and practice it so that you aren't floating back and forth.
If you can hook up with some people who are about your pace for the B2B then you can practice your drafting and elbow to elbow skills there.
I am more than happy to do a "skills ride" with you and a few other newbies. (A sort of rolling clinic.)
We used to do a few of these in an office park in Westboro (not too close to you) and I'll throw the idea out there to start these up again.
Rich? Todd? Alan? Who else would like to try to do some paceline/sprint workouts at the Westboro loop once every week or two?

[brownie28]

Hi Michael,

I'd definitely be interested in rides like that...Westboro is a bit of a hike for me but I'm definitely game for some group rides/clinics like this. I'd be in the newbie group but I'd love to learn stuff like this.

[michaelcole]

we could also do a group showing at wompatuck some wednesday, the workout itself might be difficult for newbies and it's a good situation to learn some race tactics and strategies

[ARex]

Hi,

I just joined this year and have been on a number of rides with the club and a race. I am a Cat 5 and know the basics of group riding but have learned a lot just riding with the club on posted rides here on the site. I would definitely recommend it.

Albert

[reeegan]

I highly recommend Wompatuck. I'm sure Michael remembers my quote from the first time I did that race with him.

[Bruce]

Hi James,

We are planning to do a clinic this year, or at least we were as of early April Club meeting. Keep an eye on Board index. Also I posted a couple of excellent articles on paceline riding under separate cover.

Lots of people do the NEBC clinic and join other clubs; many people at MRC have done it. I think you would find folks to ride with at either club.

MRC has a good mix of competitive and fitness riders, and a mix of masters, seniors and juniors, but most folks are working stiffs. The number of people actively racing changes a lot from year to year. Lots of people do charity rides and centuries. Racers in the club are primarily Cat 4/5 with some Cat 3's. Lots of Cat 4 masters. Upwardly mobile Cat 3's usually move on to a more elite team, but stay friends, no hard feelings. As you know, the club has a top notch tri team. MRC probably has the largest cyclocross contingent around and a powerhouse women's team. On a given weekend in the fall there might be 30 crossers at the races. As the saying goes, if you race a bicycle in New England, you're gonna eventually race cross. Its pretty special here because everyone comes together to try cross -- roadies, mtb's, tri geeks, juniors, women and old farts. The club covers the spectrum from those who aren't very serious to those who are fairly serious. Super duper serious racers tend to move on. We compete hard, but keep things in perspective. Fitness and having fun are the most important things. At cross races, we're the contingent with the hops in the parking lot after the race.

Rides are organized on the web site. The closest thing to an organized ride is the Wednesday eve Stow loop. This starts out with a handful of people in April; numbers can reach 20 or more riders by May/June. It's a tough 35 mile loop that goes up 3 pretty good climbs in Harvard, MA and a sprint finish. You should come out and give it a whirl. Its very safe. The ride leaves from Rt 117 in Stow.

Hope that helps and hope to see you out there.

Bruce

[Doran Abel]

Hey James,
I am a newbie to the club as well having just joined last year (April 2008). I have done a few road and cross races over the past few years in Cat. 5 (road) and Cat. 4 (cross) both before and after I joined - I ride 35+ (age) if they have it. Usually the Cat. 5 road race criteriums (crits) are more crash prone - circuit races and longer road races less so. I prefer the latter myself. I had considered the same clinic you mention this year, but didn't carve out the time. I haven't really hooked on with any MRC rides yet (I want to though), since the Wed. Stowe ride is a bit of hike for me since I work in Boston and live in Natick. Once suggestion for you would be to join us at Landry's Natick for the Wed. 6pm road rides - every week unless steady rain. I don't make them all the time, but we usually ride around 20 miles (distance) at 18 - 20 mph (pace) with a bit of, but limited, paceline riding in the mid 20 mph (pace) range. I am sure the Stowe ride is harder and a bit more competitive, but this is a closer option for you if you go to the Natick store anyway. Andy at Landry's Natick usually leads - usually thru S.Natick and Dover roads. Often there is a faster and slower group.

[scott_sweeney]

Lots of people here that have been avid riders but with relatively small amounts of actual road racing experience (like me). C'mon and join--there's a wealth of skill and tactical expertise in our club and folks that are happy to teach. To echo Michael's comments, I find that I pick something up on virtually every group ride. So while the environment may not necessarily be a formal clinic per se, there is learnings to be had every time out.

I'm personally going to be doing some Wompatuck crits this year as I've been told that course is more challenging and skill-building than Wells.

Look forward to seeing you out there.

-s

[michaelcole]

Wompatuck is just about the only setting where a 3 can race along with a 5 and offer advice or assistance.
I'll plan to do Wompy next week and will be happy to do what I can to help out anyone who wants a pointer.

I'll start a new thread...