Ride 4A Reason 2024

You're signed up to ride, now what? 

First, you are not alone, and we have some resources to share. Our friends at The League of American Cyclists are an excellent source of useful information for beginners including:

• “ABCs” of checking your bike for safety
• Bike clothing basics (what to wear and why)
• How to make sure you are comfortable on your bike
• How to ride efficiently
• Making sure your helmet fits properly
• What gear to ride in when

If you signed up for the 109-mile ride, you must have ridden at least a few 60 mile or longer rides before ride day. Here are some some training tips.  Bicycling Magazine has a nice article on training for a century.

TRAINING GROUPS 

Ride 4 A Reason has two groups that meet regularly to train for the ride. 

MIDDLE OF THE ROAD

Join the Middle of the Road (MOTR) group as we train for Ride for a Reason - those training for the 68 or 109 mile routes are welcome to join us for Saturday morning rides.  Routes and meeting locations vary by week. Rain cancels or reschedules.  Check out our club on Strava for upcoming rides. https://www.strava.com/clubs/499308
Want to be added to our email list? Contact Merrilee Proffitt merrilee (AT) merrilee.org

EASY RIDERS

The Easy Rider Series meets twice monthly to experience the joy of riding in a group, while preparing to ride the 45-mile Ride for a Reason Route on April 20th , 2024. Please reach out to Elizabeth Crocker elizaniyali (at) gmail.com for more information and to confirm your plans to join the ride.

All January and February Easy Rider Training Rides meet at the Public Shore Parking Lot, behind Emeryville Chevys. The first two months we will ride the beautiful scenic bay trail for 12 to 24 mile rides, with a stop for restrooms and a snack at the turnaround point.

Helmets are required, and please bring a water bottle and a snack. Gloves, sunglasses, and warm clothing that covers the knees on cold days are critical for comfort. Our schedule for January and February includes: 

Sunday, January 7, 12 miles to the Dog Park, 1:00-2:15
Sunday, January 21,16 miles to Rosie Sculpture, 1:00-2:30
Sunday, February 11, 20 miles to Rosie the Riveter Museum. 1:00-3:00
Sunday February 25, 24 miles Bay Trail to Brickyard Cove/Point Richmond Loop 1:00-4:00

Rides in March and April will start at 10:00, and we will explore new roads in the East Bay, riding over the Richmond Bridge and options beyond the Bay Trail.

EQUIPMENT 

Also, remember to take good care of your bike, so it can take good care of you. Keep your bike tuned-up, tires properly inflated, chain clean and well lubricated, and brakes properly adjusted with good pads. 
 
Invest in a pair of bike shorts with a good chamois. Also, wear bike gloves, and make sure you have a comfortable seat. You should not get numb after being on the seat a few hours. Your back-end though, will take awhile to get used to your new hobby (this is normal). If you signed up for the 109-mile ride, you also should consider using clip-in pedals/cycling shoes, or pedals with toe-clips.

If you have any specific training questions not addressed above, please email R4RSchools1 [at] gmail [dot] com.

*Ride for a Reason provides information about group training rides to encourage fellowship and fitness in our riders, and to help them become better, stronger, safer cyclists. Cycling, however, is an inherently risky activity, and riders should assume this risk with full knowledge of the risks and benefits of cycling. Ride for a Reason and its fiscal sponsors disclaim any liability for injury, damage, or mishap to riders (or their equipment) on these rides, and riders participate at their own risk and agree to hold Ride for a Reason and its fiscal sponsors harmless and not liable in the event of any accident or injury incurred during these activities. Be safe, be smart, have fun.