As a new rider, I want to learn the "lay of the land".  Does this community have much of a presence at Tour Dallas?  I've had a few people recommend it for new riders.  I haven't met any other bent riders yet.  I'm hoping to meet some of you.

"WHO" gets the $35  ? What do 'we' get in return? I hope it is NOT the 'city of dallas'! Who qualifys for a reduced fee?  
Last year, my ladyfriend tried to play ONE game of ping-pong at local park. Clerk wanted $25 for a game! WTF?
Went to 2 'senoir centers', none had one to play! Said it would be free..........."IF" they had one.
If I could meet some of you guys, not willing to pay $35 for it! We can meet anywhere for free! I promise, shall charge you anything!  
 
How the hell do I activate smilies?

Vicky and I rode our tandem trike(s) on it last year and we have registered for it again this year.   It is a fun ride on trikes, but the start would be a little trying on a bike.  The first 1/2 mile is spent traveling at less than 3mph.  We did the 20 mile ride last year, but may try the 30 this year.  We met Rod (Irodguy) last year and rode with him and saw quite a few bents, but no one else we knew.  Because of the huge crowd, it is not easy to meet up with someone unless you know the starting location well.
 
Richard

I haven't done this rally, but I would imagine it brings out all KINDS of inexperienced riders...    

AS an inexperienced rider, I think you'll find it a good ride.  I'd suggest you start towards the back of th pack and ride very carefully.

I did Tour Dallas for the first few years, and found it nice, but a bit pricey. They're changing the start this time to avoid the slick brick paving near the AAC, so it should still be good.

I totally understand that.  I totally hate the way some places and group leaders treat beginners.  When I was recovering from surgery last year and was well enough to do short rides again, I joined a Bike's Inc. ride that advertised a 14mph conversational pace.  It was instead a 18 mph hammerfest and my poor foot couldn't take it.  Had it not been for a friend on the ride I would have been totally lost with no idea how to get back to the start.
 
Sounds like you're doing an awesome job!  Definitely get out and do all the pay rides you can, and if you have to SAG, you have to SAG.  Your ability will increase exponentially and quickly.  Come join our picnic ride too - it'll definitely be at your pace and it'll be bent riders only.  You'll soon get strong enough to do any ride you want.  Powerbent proved that last year!

I would also suggest making the trip over to Ft Worth and do the rusty chain gang ride with the FWBA.  GREAT beginner ride because the chain gang is generally older folks who do the shorter easier routes, go a bit slower, and are VERY nice folk.

13-14 mph-ish is still a big jump for most novice riders.  I ride around the neighborhood at look down and am doing 12 mph and think that's OK.   I think if this group is going to help the beginning half of us riders, then the thinking is going to have to adjust to what will help us.  I want to do much more but I can't automatically adjust upward to the pace kept by the vocal part of the group.  We talked about building up to a century but the steps need to be small enough to benefit the largest group of new riders.  I am not asking anyone to suppress their style or riding habits, just to think about what might help us, not them, achieve our goals.  Thanks.

Quote from Tim C. on Mar 12^th, 2009, 9:38pm:

 
Starting to do club rides is a bit of a catch-22: riding with groups will make you faster, but you have to reach a certain speed before you can come close to staying with the group. Some groups will have someone who's going to stay with the slowest rider, some don't, and some are inconsistent about that. Keep trying different groups, and working on your own to improve, too.  
 
My best advice for trying out a group is (1) get a cue sheet or map and be certain you can get yourself back without help if needed, and (2) find a friend to join you on group rides, who's near your own speed.

Quote from Tim C. on Mar 12^th, 2009, 9:38pm:

 
Another good option for you if you live around Plano is the PBA Wednesday night dinner ride.  It's likely as not that the speed will be 12-13 very conversational pace.  You do need a light because it starts @ 6:30 ride 14ish miles then eat.  
http://www.planobicycle.org//index.php?option=com_events&task=view_detail&am p;agid=23&year=2009&month=03&day=18&Itemid=27
 
And of course it's supposed to be back around 80 this coming week.

Don Johles Bike world on broadway in Garland has a beginning ride every sat. at 9:00 give the shop a call fir details http://donjohlesbikeworld.com/. I rode the tour dallas http://www.tourdallas.org/ the last four years the money goes to For The Love Of The Lake it is a good beginner ride almost all the pay rides have a great beginner distance the Mesquite rodeo ride ten mile ride would work well for you. You will find that the riders and volunteers are very supportive and there is always some one you can ride with that is the same skill level as you.

I will be a course marshal in the WRL area for Tour Dallas, see you there.

How did your ride go?

I have a few photos here:
 
http://www.bicycle-stuff.com/photo2009/04_Tourdallas/page.htm

Hmmm... never mind the BMW, we want to know what kind of bike they were riding.