WEEKLY SATURDAY MORNING 12-14 MPH RIDE

13 MILES TOTAL. ROLLING AT 8:30 in the morning. Please arrive early to air up and prep.
Meet at Shops at Surfside, 2354 Surfside Blvd, Cape Coral, FL 33991
From Veterans Pkwy turn north on Surfside. Make a left into Shops at Surfside parking lot. We will meet in the middle of the main parking lot.
There has been discussion about the need for a ride that will help adults make the transition from casual riding to road biking, and this is it! We will ride to beautiful Cape Harbour (6.5 miles) and will take a break. Then return. We will enjoy a delicious Starbucks at the end of the ride.
Helmets and smiles are mandatory! No music. Nothing in your ears please.
See ya there!
FAQs:
WHO IS THIS RIDE DESIGNED FOR: This ride is for adults able to maintain a minimum speed of 12 mph and are interested in learning how to road bike. There are many road bike rides available in SWFL, however not everyone can ride the speeds and distances required. "Intro to Road Biking" is a good place to start learning that type of riding and then eventually graduate to the faster, longer rides if that is your goal.
DOES "ROAD BIKING" MEAN YOU ARE ACTUALLY RIDING IN THE ROAD? It can, yes. It can also mean riding on separate bike paths. This ride will take place on designated bike lanes.
DO YOU RIDE ON BUSY STREETS? The streets we ride on are not too busy, especially in the mornings. Of course in the Winter there is more traffic than in the Summer.
WHY SO EARLY IN THE MORNING? Actually 8:30 is not an early start for a road bike ride. Most start at 7:00 or 7:30. This is to beat the heat and rain in the Summer and beat the wind in the Winter. 8:30 is a good start time for this ride because many of the participants do a CM ride on Friday nights, so we don't want it too early on Saturday. And the relatively short distance we are riding means we can start a little later than most road bike rides and still finish between 10:00 and 11:00, leaving the rest of the day available for less enjoyable activities.
WHY ARE HELMETS REQUIRED? This is a learning ride, so it is assumed some riders will be new to their bikes, to group riding, to riding on the roads and to these speeds. Therefore an extra measure of safety is required for this ride.
WHAT OTHER GEAR DO I NEED? Other than a smile, nothing else is required but gloves are recommended. Bike gloves make gripping your handlebars easier, helping you relax a bit, and staying relaxed is a key to riding long distances. High visibility clothing is a good idea. Front and rear lights are not required as this is a daytime ride, but using them will help you be seen, especially if flashing.
OK TO WEAR SUNGLASSES? Yup. While wearing glasses of any type it is recommended you put them on OVER the helmet straps.
DO I NEED TO USE A ROAD BIKE? Nope. Some peeps participate in this ride to see if they enjoy this type of riding before investing in a road bike. Any type of bike is welcome as long as you can maintain a minimum speed of 12 mph.
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO PREPARE FOR THE RIDE? Every body is different, but eating breakfast is something to consider, even if you don't usually eat breakfast. I have seen many people new to road biking run out of energy because they did not eat enough. You need to fuel the machine! Also bring a small snack for the break such as a granola bar, and water to drink during the ride.
WILL YOU BE RESPONSIBLE FOR MY SAFETY? Nope. I already have 4 children and don't need any more. Safety tips will be given to all riders before the ride, but you are responsible for your own safety.