Charity Organizations in Richardson, TX

http://www.galtx.org/hounds/available.shtml There you go. I googled it.

Pam, I'd suggest starting with 5 mile rides like Saturday, Sunday, and Wednesday, for a couple of weeks. Then move up to a 10 on Saturday, 5 on Sunday and Wednesday... for a couple of weeks. Then 15 on Saturday, 10 on Sunday and Wednesday for a couple of weeks. Then 20 on Saturday, 10 on Sunday and Wednesday for a couple of weeks. Then 30 on Saturday, 15 on Sunday and Wednesday for a couple of weeks. Then 40 on Saturday, 20 on Sunday and 15 easy miles Wednesday for a couple of weeks. Then 50 on Saturday, 25 on Sunday, and 15 easy miles on Tuesday and Thursday for a couple of weeks. So, in roughly a 3 month period you'll be up to a 50 mile ride. Now, this is assuming you are in good health to begin with, and a physician would sign off on you doing such a program. Also, do you have a way to carry your bike on your vehicle? Right now Addison Circle is probably not the place to get your miles. I'd suggest starting with a nice somewhat shady but personally safe trail like the Chisholm Trail in Plano... I've taken plenty of beginners over there. The Senior Center at 16th and Central has a park behind it that allows day parking and is essentially at the southern terminus of the Chisholm... Ride north on the Chisholm toward the Bluebonnet and get beginner miles on that trail. Also, you would have more trail options if you had a riding partner as some trails are better done safely with someone else. Also, a riding partner adds motivation to yourself. As others have said, make sure you carry plenty of water as it is easy to dehydrate in these temps. And drink before you're thirsty. As for bike commuting I don't know where in Richardson you are commuting to, but you may want to consider driving part way, say across Preston, and finding a nice safe place to park, like at a park, and then commuting part way... we can talk routes later though. If you'd like me to assess your skills, your bike handling, your bike, etc., let me know and we could meet at maybe Richardson Bike Mart next weekend and you could ride a few miles with my spouse, Rita, and myself. We have often taken beginning riders under our wing. PM me if you're interested.