Comment by Stuart MacRae on October 16, 2009 at 17:03

So it's not just me! We moved to Adelaide from Sydney in April and I'm still riding on my own and have pretty much given up trying to find people / bunches to ride with. We are in Hahndorf which doesn't help with 7am bunch rides from the city and frankly I have found Adelaide cyclists to be a little ... standoffish. Still keen to find people. Will need to get off my butt and try harder I guess. Any suggestions (apart from stop whinging or go back to Sydney) would be greatly appreciated. I don't want to race. Just to ride with other roadies in the hills preferably (better riding and quieter roads). Cheers, Stuart in Hahndorf.

Comment by Gus K on October 16, 2009 at 17:46

Hi Stuart,

I am also from Sydney (2 yrs ago) and I can understand but have never really gone out of my way to join in either. I've only had the road bike for a few months. I reckon the Fat Boys are a pretty good bunch. I've met them but never ridden with them

I ride most Sundays in the hills from the top of Magill Rd at the Tower hotel. Usually at 8am and we go up the hill (very slowly) and around to Lofty or Montacute, Occasionally we might head down to Glenelg. You're welcome to join us, we generally end up back there after doing a circle. Drop me a line if you want to come along,

I ride once a month with a friends company so that has been a good start as well. As they say you need to ride with people better than you to improve. I am also doing with that group on the TDU Challenge - thye gave me new strip.. pic.. and beggers aren't choosers!

Comment by Alexander Langman Hender on October 26, 2009 at 11:45

G'day, Jim!

If you're keen for a fitness ride, you should head down to Cobwebs on a Saturday morning.

They leave from the Buffalo at Glenelg at 8.00 and have groups with an average speed of 25 kph, 28 kph, 30, et cetera.

In the weeks leading up to the Tour Down Under, they sometimes have inexperienced and unpredictable riders join, which has lead to some serious crashes. If for this reason that I haven't done a proper write up on them yet. They're just not keen for someone who is fit but headstrong to barrel in and wipe someone out. No matter how fit you are or how long you spend on your trainer, if your bike handling skills and concentration aren't good, riding in close quarters at speed may be dangerous for yourself and for the riders around you.

However, if you're looking at joining one of the slower groups and have group riding experience, I'm sure that you would be a very welcome addition. They're not all on roadies either! Plenty of flat bars et cetera.

"Fast or slow just GO" is a mantra to live by.

I hope I see you around on one of your bikes before too long!

Alex

Comment by Michael Warner on February 22, 2010 at 17:03

Standoffish greetings from the Big Smoke, Stuart :-)

There are certainly roadies living in the hills, but they're scattered. You could put up notices on community boards in nearby towns asking them to contact you, or look at joining hills rides from Adelaide which pass near you.

For example, I usually do a Sunday morning group ride to Lobethal - you could join us at the market there for coffee at 9, ride to Adelaide with us (choice of two speeds & routes) then ride home.

You might also find it feasible to drive to Adelaide for evening rides, which usually start around 7 and last a couple of hours.

BTW, if you simply turn up and hang around at the back, most groups will seem a bit aloof. You have to make the effort to introduce yourself to a few of the regulars, and ask if there's anyone in charge who needs to keep track of you.

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