Thursday Night Rides
5:30
pm
Cayuga Professional Center Medical/Dental Plaza parking lot, West Hill -- see map.
This ride was initiated
for people who either can't or don't want to strive for speed on their
bikes, as well as for those who are new to cycling and nervous about their
abilities. So, ---
- if you aren't
sure how well you can manage riding on hills or on roads or in groups;
- if you are an experienced
rider who only wants to go slowly and look around more;
- if you want to ride without going on roads with lots of traffic;
- if you want to
take your kids out on a ride in a group but don't want them to be dropped;
- if you don't have
the "right kind" of bike or the "right kind" of
knowledge or skill
--- well, then the
Thursday night ride is one where you will be accomodated.
There will always
be at least one experienced rider present to help with equipment and skills
and to offer advice.
The rides will be
chosen to fit the group that shows up. In general, they will be 15 to
20 miles long with few (if any) of the big hills. As the year progresses,
we will probably get more ambitious, but never beyond the abilities or
inclinations of everyone who shows up.
We felt the need for
this kind of ride for a long time, and finally Russ Washburn made the
commitment to start it. It quickly developed a following
and carried into the second year with David Poles taking leadership. People
taking part have showed up on road, mountain and hybrid bikes; two tandems
made regular appearances; and we even have a recumbent on many rides!
The one firm requirement
for participating is that you wear a proper bicycle helmet and have a
bicycle. Beyond that, it's good to carry a water bottle (dehydration is
a very likely on rides unless you keep drinking), and the basic repair
kit of tire patches, a pump and a tool or two. Someone will be glad to
explain these needs if they aren't clear.
The gathering place
is at the Cayuga Professional Center Medical/Dental Plaza parking lot. That's on
West Hill, just past the entrance to the hospital on route 96. It's about
2.5 miles up Cliff Strreet from the bridge over the inlet.
In the past, I attended quite literally every Thursday, so I could guarantee someone would be present to explain things. Since last year I seem to have been diverted for many of the Thursdays, but there is enough of a constant contingent that you won't be without an experienced guide present. Brenda Smith has been attending virtually every session. So, if you have any questions or requests
about the ride, you can call me (Andrejs, aozolins@ithaca.edu,
607-272-0764) or Brenda .(brenda.smith@gmail.com).
Getting to the start can be very difficult for many folks
--- it's at the top of a long hill and the road is a very busy highway
--- so please call me if you need a lift. I will be heading up there through
Ithaca in my car, which can usually carry a couple bikes. (Last-minute calls
should be to 592-0780.)
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