National Women's Ride Day 3/18

[Jo-n-NY]

I am not sure who is participating in or has heard of National Women's Ride Day which is this Sunday, March 18th. Specialized Bikes is promoting this I believe mainly through bike retailers that would like to participate.

Our LBS is participating and I was asked to lead the ride. I mapped out a 25 mile route with a 14 mile route option for those who rather a shorter ride since some hills are involved. It is open to any type of rider not just those with road bikes.

It looks like the weather will cooporate so I am really looking forward to it. Our LBS as she always does is making this into a real nice event beginning with energy drinks, coffee & bagels before the ride and wraps and drinks after.

Here is the link as I think you can put in your zip code to see if you are near an LBS that is participating:

http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCWideGlobalPages.jsp?pageName=WomensRideDay&menuItemId=18198

[bluebug32]

We have a couple of rides for women that day in my area. Trying to decide which one to do. One says I may bring my husband as "a guest", so I'll probably do that. Another shop is giving away a Specialized road bike.

[Crankin]

One of the LBSs near me is doing a ride. They are a big Specialized dealer. I can't go, but it's nice that some of the shops are getting the community involved, even though Specialized probably has an ulterior motive.

[shootingstar]

I thought International Women's Day was almost 2 wks. ago?

[Trek420]

I might only be able to fit a short evening ride in tomorrow just in honor of the event :rolleyes: :)

[luv2climb]

Ours was postponed due to weather.

[Jo-n-NY]

Well, my ride turned out great. We had 25 ladies of all sorts. About 5 came with mtn bikes and there was a good amount of climbing involved which I could not get away from being on the N. Shore of Long Island. Only 2 ladies took the optional 14 mile route. Needless to say I had to do a lot of regrouping but all came back with smiles after the ride. There was a huge interest in group Saturday rides so I plan to begin leading them as well as the Sunday rides I lead.

This was a Specialized idea, but we had a the rep from Polar there also and he gave out mesh bags. We didn't raffle anything but had the refreshments before and after which went over great. It was a good event for the shop to have to kick off the season and a great way to promote the weekend rides.

The only requirement going forward is riders must have a road bike, flat bar is acceptable and maintain about 15mph on the flat terrain. Our club is entering it's 3rd year and began as 1 group of about 10. We now have maybe 40-50 stemming from AA some now sponsered by the shop to race, A, and my B group. We don't have anyone to lead anything slower pace.

I feel great doing doing my part for my LBS as she is one heck of lady that owns the shop, extrememly generous especially to all that join the club. A retailer that apprceciates your business and gives back in return is so rare these days.

[rubysoho]

I found out the LBS had one after I had returned from my ride. Oh well. Thankfully the LBS said (on facebook) that they are planning more women's rides. Apparently approximately 100 ladies showed up yesterday! :)

[Maye]

Well, my ride turned out great. We had 25 ladies of all sorts. About 5 came with mtn bikes and there was a good amount of climbing involved which I could not get away from being on the N. Shore of Long Island. Only 2 ladies took the optional 14 mile route. Needless to say I had to do a lot of regrouping but all came back with smiles after the ride. There was a huge interest in group Saturday rides so I plan to begin leading them as well as the Sunday rides I lead.

This was a Specialized idea, but we had a the rep from Polar there also and he gave out mesh bags. We didn't raffle anything but had the refreshments before and after which went over great. It was a good event for the shop to have to kick off the season and a great way to promote the weekend rides.

The only requirement going forward is riders must have a road bike, flat bar is acceptable and maintain about 15mph on the flat terrain. Our club is entering it's 3rd year and began as 1 group of about 10. We now have maybe 40-50 stemming from AA some now sponsered by the shop to race, A, and my B group. We don't have anyone to lead anything slower pace.

I feel great doing doing my part for my LBS as she is one heck of lady that owns the shop, extrememly generous especially to all that join the club. A retailer that apprceciates your business and gives back in return is so rare these days.

Would have to loved to participate in this event! I'm so sad that I'm not living in the Long Island North shore (Glen Cove) anymore. The project that I was working at Nassau County came to a sudden end and I moved back to FL after being there for 2 years and a half!! I really miss NY.

[Jo-n-NY]

Maye, I am sorry to hear you are not living on Long Island anymore. I think you probably would have liked our weekend rides.

On the up side I guess you won't have to worry about harsh winter weather and will be able to ride your bike all year long without freezing temps to worry about. Believe me, this past winter was a huge exception on what our winters have been like in the past.

Good luck to you and keep us posted on your rides in Florida.

[Jo-n-NY]

I found out the LBS had one after I had returned from my ride. Oh well. Thankfully the LBS said (on facebook) that they are planning more women's rides. Apparently approximately 100 ladies showed up yesterday! :)

WOW, that was a fantastic turn out. I wonder if they had to RSVP. We only had 2 leaders and since 23 of them came with me I don't think I would have been able to handle any more than that especially crossing a 2 major intersections.

It was funny that when we were stopped at a light an old lady in the car next to us said it was so nice to see ladies riding bikes and gave us a hooray. We thought that was so cute!!