The Chainlink

First Critical Mass

I think I am going to ride in my first Critical Mass tonight. Any tips or words of encouragement for a newbie who just 6 months ago was terrified to ride in the city at all? And, no, I won't be riding in my underwear. 

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Permalink Reply by Jason W on July 26, 2013 at 11:34am

Show up and have fun. Oh, and it might rain, so plan for that.

Permalink Reply by Lisa Curcio on July 26, 2013 at 11:47am

Try to get up front and don't get caught at the end. Be ready to stop at any time, and be ready to ride really slowly sometimes.  With it being underwear mass, I don't know how many families there will be, but I am amazed at the diversity of people and variety of bikes one sees at CM.  Have a great time.

Permalink Reply by Ricky Rosado on July 26, 2013 at 12:05pm

No underwear?  You going Comando?    Not sure if that a good idea.  :)

Permalink Reply by Elizabeth M. on July 26, 2013 at 12:31pm

I thought it would be a good way to make new friends, right? :) 

Ricky Rosado said:

No underwear?  You going Comando?    Not sure if that a good idea.  :)

Permalink Reply by h' Zerocats on July 26, 2013 at 12:55pm

Take a bus to the plaza if downtown riding is still too intimidating (I barely have the nerve for it myself except for night and weekends.)

Permalink Reply by Alex Z on July 26, 2013 at 1:10pm

Have a blast!

 

I'm not sure about the advice about being near the front; the only time I've done it I was in the back half and thought it was tons of fun.

Permalink Reply by Adam Herstein on July 26, 2013 at 1:38pm

Critical Mass is a lot of fun! Just make sure to leave enough space around you so you don't bump into anyone. Rarely a problem – the mass moves pretty slowly.

Permalink Reply by h' Zerocats on July 26, 2013 at 2:10pm

I think the point was that it's easy to not realize that you're slowly being passed and effectively moving towards the back-- it's no fun it outright sucks to get lulled into the feeling of being blanketed by bikes and suddenly find cars nipping at your heels.

Alex Z said:

Have a blast!

 

I'm not sure about the advice about being near the front; the only time I've done it I was in the back half and thought it was tons of fun.

Permalink Reply by Lisa Curcio on July 26, 2013 at 2:16pm

Precisely!

h' 1.0 said:

I think the point was that it's easy to not realize that you're slowly being passed and effectively moving towards the back-- it's no fun it outright sucks to get lulled into the feeling of being blanketed by bikes and suddenly find cars nipping at your heels.

Alex Z said:

Have a blast!

 

I'm not sure about the advice about being near the front; the only time I've done it I was in the back half and thought it was tons of fun.

Permalink Reply by Josh.E on July 26, 2013 at 3:57pm

You'll have a blast the ride is fun with a huge mix of peeps.  That being said after the ride if you are nervous jump on a bus or train with the bike or partner up with some people that are heading in your general area back home.   

Permalink Reply by Elizabeth M. on July 26, 2013 at 4:15pm

Thanks, everyone! Fortunately I have gone very quickly from terrified to riding everywhere. I ride form Logan Square to Hyde Park for work and have even made a few forays into the Loop so I am comfortable with riding alone. I am more worried about unwittingly making an ass of myself around so many other people who have a lot more experience!

Now I'm just watching the weather... 

Permalink Reply by Cheryl on July 26, 2013 at 4:16pm

Thanks for starting this thread and for everyone's responses/advice - I'm also participating for the first time tonight.

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