Week 8: Power in Numbers – Find a Riding Group or Buddy

August 2, 2016/ Maria Parker

This is week eight of a twelve week series to help you train for and successfully complete a century ride. Check out the free 12 Week Couch to Century training plan here.

I am a social rider. I really love riding with others. I find the conversations on easy rides and while warming up and cooling down, pass the time and are a wonderful break from my mostly solitary day job. I also like the accountability of riding with others. I know that if I don’t show at 5:30 am at the parking lot, my riding buddy will ride alone or be stuck in the neighborhood. I also like the friendly competition I experience with my small riding group.

Find people to ride with that are close to your level of fitness. The closest pool of potential riding mates is in your family. My husband and I are very fortunate that we both enjoy riding. We have often said that it gave the second half of our marriage (after the kids left) meaning and fun. I also have a couple of people who live nearby that like to ride. If you’re a beginner, try to find someone else to commit to training for a century with you. Perhaps you can just do long weekend rides together. A group is safer and more fun.

Next up in this series: The Mental/Spiritual Benefits of Training

Congratulations on taking on your first Century ride! Maria Parker, world record-holding cyclist and Cruzbike CEO, put together this 12 week training guide and blog series to help you successfully complete your first century ride. Share your progress with the Cruzbike Community @CRUZBIKE on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. We’ll cheer you on through your first 100 mile ride.