Life in the Bike Lane: The joys of the social ride

You seven loyal readers will remember (check your archives, if you don't) I have discussed the advantages of riding in a group before. There is increased safety, a greater likelihood someone will have a tool you need if you have a breakdown, and it's more fun to share the experience. If one rides with the same group of friends all the time, the group develops a culture, usually based on distance ridden, how hills are attacked and how speedy the speed sped. The Lincoln Hills Cyclists, with whom I ride, has nine or 10 different groups. Some hotshots ride all out for 35-40 miles, look for 15-percent grades to climb and you may never see the peloton again if you fall behind. Some groups stick together at a slower pace, avoid hills like the plague and never miss the chance for a doughnut halfway through the ride. But on Sundays, we have a "social ride." It's always the same, easy 27-mile route – out Virginatown, left on Gold Hill, then back the slightly downhill Fruitvale, returning to town on McCourtney. Some riders head for home, but most continue out to Foskett Regional Park (there's a public restroom and water fountain there) before heading back to Lincoln Hills. Many stop for coffee before going home. Anyone can show up for the Sunday Social Ride, and they do. Sunday is the only day we see some of our fellow riders. E-bikers, those training for some epic ride, someone rehabbing after an injury, maybe a new rider trying to find where they fit in, plus members of any of the nine Lincoln Hills riding groups. The pace is usually comfortable for everyone, but some cyclists will get itchy and "go off the front" for a while. My average speed has been anywhere from 12 to 15 mph, depending on how I feel that morning or with whom I am riding, or maybe just the wind. If someone is struggling or just can't quite keep up, one or two club members will always drop back and act as escort, motivator and coach. For me, much of the fun is getting to ride and chat with riders I don't usually see on the road. Besides catching up on family or bike-riding adventures, it's a good time to talk about bike shops, new gear or doughnuts. Because we are all senior riders, "hip replacement" is an oft-heard phrase. On a social ride, I can cover all four of the "Four Fs" – Fun, Friends, Fitness, Fotos.