Riding Socially

The truth of the matter is that I'm a shy person. I'm a friendly person, I'm just shy. I feel nervous around new people, and it takes me awhile to think of things to say. Sometimes I blurt out really awkward things at first, just to top it all off. Needless to say, doing the traditional things new friends do isn't that appealing to me: sitting around over a cup of coffee trying to think of conversation topics is basically a fate worse than death.


Bike rides are another story. For me, social bike rides are perfect for making new friends. Ideal for groups or duos, the bike ride really is, in my opinion, the perfect social outing. Everyone can enjoy being outside, chatting as they feel like it, and reveling in their mutual adoration of the bicycle. At least you know you have that in common!


There are a few things to keep in mind when you're going on a social ride. Try to pick an area that's not super trafficky, so you can ride close to your friends and talk to them. Ride at a conversational pace that everyone can savor. Social rides aren't the time to show off how hard you've been training, by dropping your new buddies while you ride away laughing.

I'm sure lots of you have social riding hints. Let me know what they are!

Photo number 1: Madeline can't go on on one more coffee date. Photo number 2: Sarah and Heather return from a great ride. Photos by Sarah Raz

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SHIPPING NEWS is brought to you by Sarah Raz, sales representative/outreach coordinator/lover of all things outdoors. She also wishes Eddy Merckx was her father (sorry Dad!).

Source: http://blog.adventurecycling.org/2011/06/riding-socially.html

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