A Serious Gap

I have officially resided in Richardson (DFW area) since September 2011.  Since moving in, I've been in search of a triathlon club and/or group with which to train, especially on the weekends. 

I moved from Houston, where I was very active in Houston Racing Triathlon Club, a huge club ran by members for members.  They offered training groups at various locations throughout that big city.  They had regular social activities, and weekend long runs and rides.  Members stepped up and volunteered to support and coach each other.  And best of all membership dues are minimal.

I have been looking for something similar in north eastern Dallas (east Richardson, Garland, Firewheel, east Plano) area, even calling upon USAT South Midwest Region's Council members with whom I'd served with in the past.  What I've found (so far) is that there are number of "triathlon clubs" in the area, but they are centered around a coach or coaching staff, not the members.  Now, they are more structured, and likely more professional in their presentation, but all of this comes with higher fees.  Could I improve with these groups?  As a Level 1 USAT Certified Triathlon Coach, performance-wise, probably not.  All I am really looking for is some people to train with on a regular basis, building camaraderie, and support each other (for safety) during long bike rides.

There are a number of cycling groups with which to ride (PBA, RBM, DORBA).  Most of the road rides actually go right by my neighborhood.  I've ridden a few times with RBM and found that most of the folks are roadies that insist on hammering the home stretch, leaving people like me, unfamiliar with the routes, searching for a way back (I'm glad I have a GPS on my cell phone!).

I'm calling out to those triathletes in the east Plano, east Richardson, and Garland areas.  Have I missed something?  Or is this is a serious gap in the triathlon community in the DFW area?  Is there a need for  for a club similar to Houston Racing Triathlon Club in Dallas?  Or does it secretly exist?

I will continue to search for training partners.

Train safe!
-CoachGrant