Looking for a riding partner in the DC/MD/ VA area

[railtrailcycle]

Hello,

I am 21 years old college student, just getting into cycling. I am looking for a cycling partner, male or female, around my age group for weekday and weekend rides in Rock Creek Park and for trail and road riding in the DC/MD/VA area. I live right off the Crescent Trail in Bethesda.

Walter

 

[meb]

Originally posted by railtrailcycle
Hello,

I am 21 years old college student, just getting into cycling. I am looking for a cycling partner, male or female, around my age group for weekday and weekend rides in Rock Creek Park and for trail and road riding in the DC/MD/VA area. I live right off the Crescent Trail in Bethesda.

Walter

The preeminent riding club in DC is the Potomac Pedalers Club:

http://www.bikepptc.org/ride_schedules.html

Might try their rides and find a riding partner on one of their rides at a level matched to your speed. They have a couple of dozen rides at varying levels and locations weekly.

This Sunday Potomac Pedalers has a big club festival/picnic/ride out east of DC.

Washington Area Bicycling Association also has links to other local rides: www.WABA.org

 

[JBr]

Hello,

I am 21 years old college student, just getting into cycling. I am looking for a cycling partner, male or female, around my age group for weekday and weekend rides in Rock Creek Park and for trail and road riding in the DC/MD/VA area. I live right off the Crescent Trail in Bethesda.

Walter

For trail riding, try to hook up w/ M.O.R.E. (Mid atlantic off road enthusiasts). They organize a few races around here, and you'll find somebody to ride w/ for sure.

 

[KMKS]

meb, are you a member of potomac peddlers? I'm a rank newbie to cycling but I'm interested in doing some of their rides in order to just learn some trails and observe more experienced riders. Are their lower level rides suitable for new riders on heavy bikes?

 

[meb]

meb, are you a member of potomac peddlers? I'm a rank newbie to cycling but I'm interested in doing some of their rides in order to just learn some trails and observe more experienced riders. Are their lower level rides suitable for new riders on heavy bikes?

Not a member of Potomac Peddlers myself, am a member of WHIRL.

Here is their ride key that shows the speed, distance, techniques

http://www.bikepptc.org/classification.html

If in doubt, start low and work up: try a D level ride first, then a C level, then a CC

Here is there schedule for September:

http://www.bikepptc.org/ride_schedule/pptc0409.html



BikeWashington has a the best set of online maps in metro DC

http://bikewashington.org/

WABA also has some maps and good links

www.WABA.org

 

[meb]

Not a member of Potomac Peddlers myself, am a member of WHIRL.

Here is their ride key that shows the speed, distance, techniques

http://www.bikepptc.org/classification.html

If in doubt, start low and work up: try a D level ride first, then a C level, then a CC

Here is there schedule for September:

http://www.bikepptc.org/ride_schedule/pptc0409.html



BikeWashington has a the best set of online maps in metro DC

http://bikewashington.org/

WABA also has some maps and good links

www.WABA.org

Pot.Ped. D & C level rides are certainly suitable for beginers.

 

[KMKS]

Awesome meb, thanks for the info, i'd seen the ride classifications before, but still was nervous.
That map site is amazing too, thanks!

 

[SilentShifter]

Im in Woodbridge / Prince William Country and brand new to roadbiking. I will join PPTC in a few months when I get more confidence. In the meantime I am looking for places to ride other than my neighborhood.

I will probably try PW Forest Park or the PW Parkway into Manassas this weekend.

 

[SilentShifter]

Well I did PW Foest Park this morning and it was great! First of all 90% of the 12 mile loop is covered in shade by the tree canopy! I was actually a little chilly this morning if you can believe it. The beginning starts off slow and flat for the first .5 mile. Then its a good run downhill through some long sweeping turns

. Next you have some big up hills to battle

. Finally it flattens out around mile 3-7. Then the last 5 miles is up and down hills again. A Very pretty and enjoyable ride - I loved it. Would love to have some partners next time. Definitely worked me as a newbie but I think its a great training area if you wanna push yourself hard!!

Oh, the other great part - only 5 cars passed me the entire time! I probably saw less than 10 on the entire trip - I felt as though I had the entire road to myself.