Hi
I was glad to hear your Tuesday night ride went well and James and Tom were supportive.
It is important to slow down and support the newbies. I know women in particular can
more easily feel imtimidated when first getting involved in an activity.
This even happens to those who are not newbies, I have ridden for quite a few years
both touring and commuting. I remember when I first moved to the Ottawa area I called
up the OBC to enquire about their rides. The gentleman on the phone was perhaps too
enthusiatic on his endorsement of the Women's Time Trials, I was left with the
impression that the OBC was mostly a racing group for the first couple of years. It
really is a good club.
I know that a couple of female friends of mine have been kicking around the idea of an
Ottawa Women's Cycling Network. The idea would be to encourage other women into
cycling. If you are a newbie, we would encourage that aspect. If you were possibly
interested in racing then connecting up with a woman who races would be a good idea.
Other issues such as women's specific frames and other issues. Even a chance to ride
with other women without kids or even how to ride with kids etc.
Happy Riding,
Mom on a Bike
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
> "James D. Wilson" wrote:
> >
> > The problem is that I get (new) non members in June and July.
>
> We are a big problem but we appreciate your patience. It is hard to
> break into a new endeavour.
>
> > In order to teach them the rules of the road and group riding we need to
> > ride at their pace.
>
> This is hard to do. By the time the newbies, like me, get up the courage
> to ride - the experienced folks have ridden to the moon and back!
>
> > First impressions are important. Stick with them and be as helpful as
> > possible on their first ride (providing they are making a effort to learn)
>
> We were trying last week and sometimes we were very trying!
>
> > and they will come back and latter join OBC. Leave them in your wake
> > struggling to try and catch up all night and you have lost a future OBC
> > member.
>
> This is true. A week ago, the group was clearly differentiated into
> really fast and not so. It was my first experience at night riding,
> too, and I was spooked.
> Fortunately, I had a good companion who escorted me, thanks Tom!, and
> Sir James carried on valiantly with the slowest group.
>
> >
> > We do commit to a progressive approach - starting slow in April and building
> > up to longer and faster rides as the season progresses. The problem is that
> > many new cyclist think June or July is the start of the cycling season.
>
> I was afraid to start... but I'm no longer a virgin and now have no
> excuse! You sucked me in to group riding! Thank you!
>
> > you want to win them over to becoming members, they need to start at their
> > speed and have a group of at least six to practice group riding.
>
> The other thing is to be able to keep it up regularly. Playing on two
> softball teams and one volleyball team cuts into biking time, not to
> mention time spent taking holidays!
>
> > We all enjoy cycling, but on Tuesday night I get my enjoyment from the
> > grateful new. It makes my day when several new members make it a point of
> > thanking me for my effort.
>
> I was a bit intimidated. Ok - lot. I could tell you were trying to
> help the newbies last week but the faster folk left us in the dust.
> You welcomed us, accepted us into the group and it was a fine job! Just
> a little bit too much too soon!
>
> > However, after all is said even I have my good days
>
> As a friend of mine says, "We are all perfect and we are allowed to make mistakes."
> They are only lessons. Hope to catch up next week.
>
> > and the odd bad one when I get a little carried away. and go to far or
> > forget that I'm riding to fast and find myself alone.
>
> I have always hung out with people who are faster, bigger, taller, more
> experienced, I alwasy get left in the dust. It is just fine to get out
> on the road and just boot it. I am taking lessons and learning to
> handle it.
> carry on, Sir James! We appreciate it.
> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
> Jennifer
> @->--
> http://www.netrover.com/~jilks/
> http://www.ocdsb.edu.on.ca/blosweb/jilks.htm
>
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