So its been about 12 months since i bought my bike and i finally decided
to give Beach Road a crack in earnest..... Up until yesterday I had a
few minor group ride experiences (100km version of the ATB last year but
mainly groups of only 4/5 riders....)
I must admit to being pretty apprehensive about it because:
* of the beach road reputation (esp. recent publicity)
* the lack of a dedicated bike lane for the whole route
* embarrassing myself in front of heaps of other cyclists
* not really knowing about Peloton ettiquette etc...
But all my fears were simply that... i had an awesome ride with no close
shaves, no abuse/dirty looks from others (motorist or other cyclists)
and a much faster and longer ride than normal!!! (funny that) - manged
100.2km at 28.9km/h
So if you were in a group that kindly dragged me down to Mornington...
thanks very much.... i'm now a Peloton convert...
Previously i read many posts about groups expecting you to take your
turn at the front and all that but i was fine just hanging around the
back of the groups I joined and no one cared at all - most didn't even
notice i was there until i talked to them and then they were just
downright friendly so newbies don't be afraid/feel nervious about having
to take a shot at the front / my experience is that you wont be made to
feel uncomfortable...
The best thing about it was that i must admit after mostly riding by
myself.... this added a whole new dimension to cycling for me so i
imagine i will be somewhat of a beach road regular in the future.... and
hopefully one day leading the charge!