Last Saturday I had the opportunity to join a group bike with a good mix of friends old and new. Many are experienced triathletes or Ironmen and excellent bikers that can hammer the bike hard for miles. The one thing I cannot continue to stress is how fortunate I am to have the opportunity to workout with such great athletes that are encouraging and supportive of a rookie. It is well worth it to find a club and get out with a seasoned group.

Biking has always been and will continue to be my favorite pastimes. It is also one of the most important aspects of the triathlon because it is the longest. While I spent a great deal of time in the mountains on a hard tail mountain bike over the past few years I had very little experience on the road. I am quickly learning the dynamics of a group ride and how tough it can be to work a pace line.

We covered 43 miles and averaged slightly over 18 miles an hour. Working the pace line was a first for me. We rotated the lead spot at minute intervals and held a much faster pace for virtually the whole way back than the first half of the ride. It was tough to slip in to the back of the line without “missing” and dropping too far back. It took some skill and anticipation but as the miles added up my endurance started to wain. It was fun and a great workout, these folks can really ride.

A few months into my bike purchase and I am really glad I spent the extra money to get more bike. My Look 576 has performed well and has exceeded my expectations. I have read you can buy speed on the bike and now I am starting to see some of the benefits in action. Maybe next year a set of racing wheels, hmmmmmm?