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How to Find and Vet a Bike Club

05.25.2024 by Scott Jangro // Leave a Comment

Joining a bike club can be a fantastic way to enhance your cycling experience, meet like-minded folks, and improve your skills. But how do you choose the right one? Here’s a guide to help you vet a bike club and find your perfect fit.

Why Join?

First things first, why should you join a bike club? Well, being part of a club can offer a sense of community and camaraderie. It’s a great way to stay motivated, learn from others, and explore new routes. Plus, it’s always more fun to ride with friends than alone!

What Do You Want from the Club?

Before you start looking for a club, think about what you want to get out of it. Are you looking for social rides, competitive racing, or just some company on your weekend jaunts? Knowing your goals will help you find a club that aligns with your interests.

How to Find a Club

Finding the right club can be easier than you think. Here are some great ways to start your search:

  1. Ask at a Local Bike Shop: Bike shops are often hubs for the local cycling community. The staff usually know about nearby clubs and can provide recommendations based on your interests and skill level.
  2. Look on Strava: Strava is a popular app among cyclists. You can join local cycling groups, see their activities, and even connect with club members. It’s a great way to get a sense of the club’s vibe and activities.
  3. Search on Facebook: Many bike clubs have Facebook pages or groups. These can be excellent resources for finding out about upcoming rides, club events, and member experiences. You can also join discussions and ask questions directly.
  4. Check Meetup.com: Meetup.com is a platform for organizing and finding local groups. Search for cycling meetups in your area. These groups often welcome newcomers and host a variety of rides catering to different skill levels.
  5. Local Community Boards and Parks: Community centers and parks sometimes have bulletin boards with information about local clubs and events. It’s worth checking these out, especially if you prefer in-person over online searches.
  6. Word of Mouth: Don’t underestimate the power of word of mouth. Ask friends, coworkers, or acquaintances who cycle if they know of any good clubs. Personal recommendations can often lead you to the best fit.

ABC Groups

Many clubs divide riders into groups based on skill levels, often labeled as A, B, and C groups. A groups are typically for advanced riders who love speed and endurance challenges. B groups are for intermediate riders looking for a good workout without the intense pace. C groups cater to beginners or those who prefer a more relaxed ride. Find out which group suits your level and interests.

Drop and No-Drop Rides

Another important factor to consider is whether the club offers drop or no-drop rides. Drop rides mean that if you can’t keep up, you might be left behind. No-drop rides ensure that no one gets left behind, which can be reassuring for newer riders. Decide which type of ride fits your comfort level.

Exposure to Other Types of Biking

Some clubs focus solely on road biking, while others might offer a mix of disciplines, including mountain biking, cyclocross, or racing. If you’re interested in trying out different types of biking, look for a club that provides that exposure. It’s a great way to diversify your skills and find new passions.

Family-Friendly?

If you have a family, you might want to join a club that offers family-friendly events and rides. Some clubs organize rides that are suitable for kids and beginners, making it a great way to spend time with your loved ones and introduce them to the joys of cycling.

Instruction: Riding and Maintenance

Lastly, check if the club offers any instructional sessions. Many clubs provide riding clinics, maintenance workshops, and safety courses. These can be incredibly valuable, especially if you’re looking to improve your riding technique or learn how to take care of your bike.

My Experience

I was a member for several years in the Minuteman bike club in metro west Boston. It was an amazing experience. I learned new routes, was pushed to my limits on many rides, especially when I moved up a level for a little “extra”. The group was very inclusive, motivating, and generally friendly. I did join with some friends, so we had a small group within the group, which helped a lot confidence-wise. The camaraderie and support made a huge difference, and I always looked forward to our rides.

Final Thoughts

Joining a bike club can significantly enrich your cycling experience. By considering these factors, you’ll be well on your way to finding a club that meets your needs and enhances your love for biking. So, get out there, vet those clubs, and happy riding!

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Categories // Community, Rides

Celebrate Pearl Izumi with Big Savings in the Memorial Day Sale

05.23.2024 by Scott Jangro // Leave a Comment

As Memorial Day approaches, it’s a great time to reflect on the enduring popularity of Pearl Izumi among us here at Bike Noob. With their Memorial Day sale offering 25% off sitewide, an extra 10% off PRO Deal, and 80% off clearance items, it’s an excellent opportunity to upgrade your cycling gear.

A Legacy of Comfort and Quality

Pearl Izumi is renowned for their dedication to quality and comfort. The comfort and fit of their shorts make them a top choice for long rides, thanks to their exceptional chamois and durable construction. These features are why Pearl Izumi remains a favorite for those of us who demand high performance from our gear. You can find more about the impact of a good pair of shorts here.

Personal Experiences and Practical Benefits

Some of us here at Bike Noob have appreciated the practical benefits of Pearl Izumi shorts over bibs, especially how convenient they are for mid-ride breaks. This practical aspect, combined with the support they provide, makes Pearl Izumi shorts an indispensable part of our cycling wardrobe. Check out the convenience of shorts in more detail here.

Others of us much prefer the stability and support of bibs. Whatever your preference, Pearl Izumi has you covered.

Versatility and Durability

The versatility and reliability of Pearl Izumi products, such as their gloves, are well-documented. Even after extensive use, Pearl Izumi gloves remain a staple for many of us, showcasing the brand’s commitment to durability and performance.

Personally, I’ve got Pearl Izumi bibs, shorts, and gloves that have been in the rotation for over 10 years now!

Why Now is the Perfect Time to Buy

With the Memorial Day sale running until May 28th, you can take advantage of significant discounts on Pearl Izumi products. Whether you’re looking for new shorts, bibs, or accessories, this is an excellent opportunity to invest in gear that has proven its worth time and again.

Happy cycling, and enjoy the sale!

note: If you purchase through links on this page, I may earn commissions at no additional cost to you. That helps pay for the content on this website. Thanks for your support!

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Categories // Accessories, Equipment

Plug into the Revolution: The E-Bike Advantage and Its Role in Your Exercise Routine

12.04.2023 by Scott Jangro // Leave a Comment


Is your curiosity piqued about e-bikes? Have these these electrifying two-wheelers caught your attention?

Here in Colorado, e-bikes are incredibly popular. There’s much debate on whether they belong on paths or not, whether they’re motor vehicles or bicycles. That’s for another post though. How about the debate over whether e-bikes are really a worthy part of your fitness schedule? Let’s tackle this question, shed some light, and dispel a few misconceptions.

The E-Bike: A Primer – When Pedal-Power Meets the Electric Edge

At first glance, an e-bike could pass for its conventional cousin—the dependable bicycle. What sets e-bikes apart is a secret superpower—an electric motor that can be cued in whenever you need a bit of a boost. This dynamic duo allows it to transform between pure pedal-power or an able electric assist mode, on-demand.

Hold On! Are E-Bikes Just a Fitness Shortcut?

Now onto the elephant in the room – the contingent that suspects e-bikes are a cheat code for cycling exercise. Let’s sort that out; e-bikes are not hoverboards. They provide a helping hand, not a free ride. Think of them as your dependable training buddy who’s there with a helpful push when your legs are pleading ‘no mas’.

Intrigued? Let’s explore the benefits of blending an e-bike into your fitness plan:

Even-Keel Conditioning and Lower Injury Risk

With their adjustable power assistance, e-bikes are ideal for those just dipping their toes into the fitness pool, folks on the mend from injuries, or those who’ve earned their silver streaks! As you gain strength, you can dial down the help, making e-bikes an excellent jumping-off point into a full-fledged fitness routine.

More Time Pedaling, More Calories Torching

E-bikes open up the world of cycling to many people by upping the ease quotient. Longer rides and more time on the saddle lead to more exercise and a higher calorie burn, which, let’s face it, doesn’t hurt the love handles.

The Shortcut to High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

An e-bike isn’t just a joyride; it can be an effective workout tool. By alternating between periods of high-intensity pedaling and easier cycling, e-bikes provide a superb platform for High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT). You’ll be getting a solid cardio workout and enhancing your endurance, strength, and power before you know it.

Making the Joyride Joyful Again!

Lightening the burden of tough rides can rekindle your passion for cycling. When enjoyment scores high, adherence to physical activity follows. It’s a recipe for sustainable exercise and consistent health benefits.

A Check on Mental Well-being

Let’s not overlook the mental health benefits. The stress reduction and mood enhancement that stem from physical activities like e-biking are valuable byproducts of this exercise medium.

In essence, while e-bikes might not demand as much grunt work as traditional cycling, they nonetheless provide an efficient, versatile tool for fitness. They can help ease the transition from a sedentary lifestyle to a more active one, and they open the door to greater exercise volume, diversity, and sustainability.

So folks, harness the power of an e-bike as part of your fitness arsenal, and experience the benefits both on and off the saddle!


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