Road Racing and Road Riding is one of the elite forms of cycling. Both pristine and graceful. Road cycling takes on many forms. There is individual and group riding. With racing there are the more popular forms of road, circuit and criterium racing. There is also individual time trialing and team time trialing. On the leisurely side, there is of course, good old touring. And let's not forget commuting! Road biking is the most wide spread and easily accessible form of riding. All you need is a bike, a helmet and some paved road to get you started. Don't be fooled though. Riding on the road takes strength, endurance and savvy. Whether you ride alone, with a group or race, there is something for everyone.
Road biking is often done during the warmer, more forgiving months, but truly dedicated cyclists will be seen riding all year long providing the roads aren't slippery. Even then, they may swap out the slicks for a knobbier set of tires.
The bike itself has drop (or curved) handlebars. The gearing depends on if you are touring or racing, and whether you will be on flat or hilly terrain. Most road bikes now come with conveniently located shifters which are attached to the brakes. This makes it easier to shift and brake when everything is in one place. Road bikes have two chain rings in the front and a rear cluster of 12-21 or 11-23 gearing. This gearing is fairly standard, although it can vary. Touring bikes will have a third front chain ring and a 12-28 rear cluster to offer easier gearing for climbing and carrying gear.
It is easy to feel intimidated when you see a group of cyclists all tricked out in their kits (cycling gear). Remember, they started somewhere too. There are many cycling friendly clubs that cater to involving women in the sport. Many are listed on this site. After all, how frightening can someone in lycra really be?
"Don't be a squid...wear your lid!"
