All rides are scheduled and led by Different Spokes members. Share your favorite route by volunteering to lead a ride—just post it on the calendar. If you are uncomfortable leading rides, consider "co-leading" with a more experienced ride leader first. Use the message board if you’d like to discuss your ride with other members prior to posting it on the calendar.

RIDE PACES:

• Easy: 12-14 mph
• Moderate: 14-16 mph
• Brisk: 16-18 mph
• Fast: 18+ mph

Paces are based on the average speed-range over level ground.

• Rain cancels all rides, unless otherwise noted in the ride description on the calendar.
• Check the calendar and/or contact the ride leader to see if a ride has been cancelled.
• Front and rear lights are required for night riding.
• Helmets are required on all rides.

Leading a ride is a great way to meet people and it puts you in control! Here are some tips for the best possible ride experience:

Before the Day of the Ride

• Ride the route yourself and become familiar with any potential "trouble spots" (intersections, high traffic areas, tears in the fabric of space/time, etc.)
• Make sure that your bicycle is in good working order.
• A map or written directions can be helpful, but are not mandatory.

The Day of the Ride

• If the weather is at all questionable, show up at the starting point and decide with the other cyclists whether or not to proceed. Members are frustrated when they show up and the leader does not.
• If you need to cancel a ride, update the calendar as early as possible.
• Bring a cell phone and/or spare change for emergency phone calls.
• Bring a copy of our Safety Affirmation and Release form for non-members to sign.

Before Embarking

Make sure all riders have their helmets (and lights if riding at night). With large groups, see if you can get someone with ride leadership experience to "sweep" (bring up the rear) for you.

Find out who has bike repair equipment and who doesn't. You are not responsible for changing flats, fixing broken chains, etc.

Go over the following information with the group:

• Introductions - Say hello to everyone. Make sure everyone knows that you are the ride leader.
• Route - Describe the route you will be taking. Address any points of confusion riders may have.
• Group Riding - When there are new faces, go over the principles of group-riding:
  • Staying together
  • Obeying all traffic rules
  • Using hand signals
  • Regrouping after hills, intersections, etc.
  • Riding single-file
  • Wet-weather hazards (increased braking distances, wet leaves, etc.)

During the Ride

• Obey all traffic rules
• Keep a proper pace using your speedometer
• Periodically check that you haven't lost anyone
• Hand-signal "problems" such as glass and pot-holes
• At food stops, let riders know the length of the stop and the estimated time of departure
• Be prepared for issues that may arise. These include:
  • Someone can't keep up or is racing ahead
  • A medical emergency
  • Flats and other minor bike repair issues
  • Someone wants to change the ride or has a complaint
  • Personality conflicts among riders

After the ride

• Thank everyone for coming
• Inform riders about upcoming rides and other club events
• Ask non-members if they would like to join
• Mail the signed Safety Affirmation and Release form to the club address if you had any non-members on your ride

Most of All

Have fun!