I'm not a Velo Girls member. Can I still come on a ride?
Non-members are always welcome to participate in our rides and events. Come on out and check
us out! We're a friendly bunch of women and you'll feel right at home in no time.
I ride a mountain bike. Will I be able to keep up with the group?
Lots of women on our Sunday Club Rides ride mountain bikes and hybrids. We have women of all
ability levels riding with us, so no matter what your pace, you'll fit right in! And we have a
sweep for all our Club Rides, so no one gets left behind.
I don't live on the peninsula. Are there Velo Girls rides in other parts of the Bay Area?
At this time, most of our rides originate on the peninsula, although we're expanding all the time.
We've got a monthly East Bay ride and a monthly SF/Marin ride!
But women from all over the area participate in our rides, so there are lots of opportunities
for carpooling. One of the best ways to connect with other women in the club is to join our
email group.
How can I stay up to date on the latest info about Velo Girls?
Keep up with the latest news by joining our
eGroup.
This is a great forum for club information, asking questions, finding ride partners for
non-club rides etc.
Can men come on Velo Girls rides?
We created this club to give woman a safe, friendly, encouraging environment to
pursue cycling. So, no, men are not invited on our regular club rides. Not to say that men can't
be friendly and encouraging, but they do change the dynamic of the rides. However, we do
have occasional 'fun' rides where we invite the boys along, including our monthly Fullmoon Fandango
Ride (see the calendar for more information).
What's the average pace of the rides? How long will a typical ride take?
The pace really depends on two things -- the individual riders and the terrain. But in general,
on group rides you can plan approximately one hour for each ten miles (so a thirty mile ride
would take about three hours). We stop & regroup every 15-20 miles, which allows the slower
riders to rejoin the faster riders. Our longest distance ride on Sundays typically rides at a
faster pace and regroups less frequently.
I've never done a group ride before and I'm a little nervous about riding with a group.
Don't be nervous! Velo Girls is an inclusive, friendly bunch of women. Our Sunday Club Rides
are very recreational. We'll teach you everything you need to know to safely ride in a group.
I'm a beginning rider. Which ride is right for me.?
Every Saturday we have three different routes for all experience levels. Our shortest route (always
a 30-mile out & back to Woodside), is ideal for new riders. Since it's an out & back on the same route,
you could opt to do a shorter ride if you'd like. And we always have at least one experienced
cyclist riding with this group to coach you, give tips, and encourage you on your journey. We
also offer a monthly bike basics clinic (free to any woman) to teach you everything you need to
get started. We also have a new group -- the Mellow Velo -- meeting at 11:00am on Saturdays at Canada & 92. This group meets up with the Burlingame Club Ride for a 15 mile beginner option.
I'm an older rider. What's the average age of the women on Velo Girls rides?
Now there's a good question! We've had girls as young as 11 ride with us (and even one 3 year old
on a Mommy & Me ride). And we've had women in their 70s join us. I'd say on average, the women
range in age from about 25-50.
I've seen women wearing Velo Girls jerseys and jackets. How can I get one?
We place orders periodically. When we do, we post notes on our eGroup and make
an announcement at our club rides. Summit Bicycles in Burlingame is also selling Velo Girls gear in their expanded women's section of the store.
Not to sound like a girly-girl, but do you ride in the rain?
If in doubt, come on out! Unless there's lightening or a typhoon, a ride leader will always be at the meeting point for a ride. We may modify routes, but if the group is interested in riding, we're there! And if all else fails, we'll just duck into some cozy restaurant for a little snack.
