Cycling with a group for the first time

Preparation and nerves

The big day arrived – my first group ride with more than a couple of people. For those who jumped straight into group riding, this may seem like nothing; but considering I spent my first year of cycling more or less just out on my own, this was going to be a big moment for me.

The nerves were real – could I keep up? What if I don’t? Will I enjoy it? Will I crash? How would they feel having a 29-year-old woman joining their pack? All the scenarios had run through my head beforehand; here’s how it went.

The morning of Monday 14 June, I woke up knowing today was the day. I had committed to going out with Dromore Cycling Club at 6.30pm for their Monday night club run which usually is around 40km – a distance I’m well suited to and do a few times a week.

I knew the distance wasn’t going to be an issue, but I was so nervous about being with a group of people (mainly men) I had never met or cycled with before.

Exercise has always been my release; socially, mentally and physically. I knew once I got there I would be in my element (social anxiety and awkward introductions and small talk aside), but still the nerves were there.

Throughout the day the scenarios ran through my head, but a jam-packed day at work kept those mostly in the background. After logging off from the job, I fuelled up before making the short cycle down the road to the meeting spot in the centre of my village square.

At 6.15pm, kitted up, overcast weather (as usual for Northern Ireland when it’s predicted to be the hottest day of the year *eyeroll*), out the door I went.

The quick nip down the road to the village square made me realise how much I love being out on the road. The last year (and my first year) of cycling has been such a welcome way for me to de-stress, forget about any worries I had or the world we were living in, and just be out and about exploring.

I turned the corner into the square and was met by a crowd of about 30 people all chatting away. I had rocked up to my first club run – no going back now!

On the road

After a bit of chatting and welcomes by everyone, David, the chairman of the club, took me under his wing and invited me into the B group peloton and we headed out for the ride.

Watch started (if it’s not on Strava, it doesn’t count right?), clipped in, we were off.

A group of seven men plus me; it was time to get my wee legs spinning.

David and I sat at the back as he showed me the ropes – signals, calls, rotations through the peloton. I was in my absolute element.

The ride went by so quickly – not just the fact our average speed was great for a casual ride, but the chat along the way meant we were half way before I knew it. I was keeping up, learning as I went, and next thing was to get involved in the rotations – cue my first turn leading the pack and creating the draft.

Why had I left it so long?

Practising my signals and calls helped my confidence massively, and everyone was incredibly supportive throughout the entire ride – why on earth was I nervous about this?

After a few detours thanks to gravelling of roads, we looped back into the square and totalled just under 45km. That was it – first ride complete and what a feeling!

Why had I left it so long to join a club? Lack of confidence to be honest. But now I’ve done it, holy smokes how do I encourage everyone to do it?

That was it – first ride complete and what a feeling! Why had I left it so long to join a club?

Chloe Gillard

There I was a little underweight under 30 female, keeping up with the bigger experienced men and I felt right at home!

So, if you’re nervous about joining a club or getting out with a group – and especially if you’re female – this is your sign to just do it. I promise you it is nowhere near as scary or intimidating as you’ve played out in your head, and I guarantee you will be buzzing afterwards.

As women, we are often scared or put off by the fact that road cycling is majorly male dominated. But do not have any fear. If all clubs are what Dromore CC are like, they will be some of the nicest, supportive and fun people you will ever get the chance to ride with. Take the plunge; you won’t regret it.

Next up is to jump on board with their long Sunday rides and tick off my first cycle (and compulsory coffee stop) with my new cycling family.