Easy Riders / Chain Gang Saturday Ride

NOTE THE NEW START TIME OF 9:00 AM Sumter Easy Riders is for people who want to have fun while getting fit. Our purpose is to help people gain or maintain fitness through biking activities, and to get comfortable on the roads of Sumter County by riding with more experienced cyclists. We have a regular group ride every Saturday of the year. These scheduled rides give us a reason to get out, get on a bike, and have fun in an organized ride through the Sumter area. What if I can't go the distance . . . ?? We take rest stops along the way so riders of every level can participate in the ride. We also have an experienced club rider near the end of the group to help first time riders. Riding in a group makes us more visible to traffic and gives us the opportunity to get to know each other during the ride, (as well as before and after). If you are a new rider, you will not be dropped (left behind) if you are not able to keep up the pace of the ride. An experienced rider will stay with you to ensure you don't get lost, or have a mechanical problem, like a flat, that you can't deal with yourself. We want newcomers to feel comfortable riding the local roads and to improve their cycling skills. Where and when do you meet to ride . . . ?? We meet in the parking lot of the Shell Station at the corner of Wise Drive and Loring Mill every Saturday morning, a few minutes before 8:00am . (See the link near the top of this page for a map to our start location). Some folks ride over, some drive in their cars or trucks. But, either way, it takes a few minutes to say "hello" to friends, check over your bike before the ride, and for the group to decide what route to take, so try to arrive 10-15 minutes before 8 AM. This allows us to start on time. Some people have a full day scheduled, so we make every effort to leave close to our planned time. How far do you ride?? How long does it take?? The ride usually lasts about 2 hours including rest stops. The distance and route varies, but the main group normally rides 25-30 miles at an average speed of 16-17 mph. Generally there is another group that may ride a slower pace and sometimes a shorter route. You can choose what suits you that day. Does weather ever cancel the ride? If it's raining, or the ground is completely wet, very likely no one will come out to ride. But, on dry days at morning temperatures as low as 29 there have been riders out. With several layers of clothing, including well insulated gloves, the cold days can be great riding. First time riders. Note the following REQUIRED equipment: * A helmet. Mandatory for everybody. Big people, little people, old and young. Everybody with a skull softer than concrete! There's a reason why all serious cyclists wear a helmet . . . they're smarter than the ones who don't! * One or two water bottles. You are going to exercise, so you'll want to be able to hydrate during the ride. Fill them with sports drink or just water. Helpful equipment (but not required): * Cycling gloves. They provide some cushioned comfort and grip on the handle bars. * A snack. Bring an energy bar, gel, piece of fruit, etc. so you have something to munch at a stop, or at the end of the ride. * A dollar or two. One rest stop will probably be at a convenience store and you might want a cold drink or something to eat. * A cycling type jersey. Great for holding stuff in the back pockets, and they are made of a fabric that works well to help you stay cool. The usual bright colors also make you more visible to traffic. A limited number of Sumter Easy Rider jerseys are available at Buddy's Cycle Shop.. * Cycling shorts, or long tights in cold weather. They have padding in the seat and that helps a lot! Sure, everyone looks a little silly in them, but they're comfortable, and it's the normal thing for cyclists to wear for a reason . . . they're comfortable. * Mirror. This enables you to easily see vehicular traffic behind you, and to see if the other riders are still there on those days when you're riding stronger than everyone else! There are large mirrors that mount on the handlebar ends, and smaller ones that attach to your glasses or stick to your helmet. Once you get one, you won't ride without it. * Sleeves. In cooler weather, removable sleeves keep your arms warm, but can be quickly and easily removed and stuffed in a pocket as you warm up during the ride. * Tail light. If you ride in early morning, late afternoon, or on misty days, a bright flashing tail light attached to your bike makes you very visible to traffic. You can't overkill visibility to traffic! Joining Sumter Easy Riders???? Don't worry about membership . . . Just come and ride! When we recognize your face on the next Saturday morning, you're a member!