Open invitation to ride with the Merced, CA group

Hey CA riders --

Every now and then I mention in my posts about my rides in the Sierras with the group from Merced and I'd like to take a moment to invite anyone in the area or passing through to come join us one of these Saturday mornings for a great ride.

Ride loops accessible from Merced by bike or car involve some good climbs, steep, moderate, or if you'd rather, some rolling foothills or flats. Just depends on what you want to do and how much time you have. In the winter, we tend to ride in the flats, since weather in the foothills can get wild sometimes (wind, cold, ice, and low-elevation snow). Some of the routes with the steeper hills we drive up to Catheys Valley (about 25 minutes from Merced) and start there. Or, we might head the opposite, flatter way and do the gentler hills around Merced/Turlock (BikeGoddess, you rode some of those on the McLane Century last year). Rule of thumb for rain: if it's not raining when the ride starts, it's on. Heading back early after that is optional. :D

Just for instance, today I did a 67-mile loop that passed through Snelling, Hornitos, Catheys Valley, and back to Merced. It has one or two smaller climbs that elevate the hr, but it's more or less rollers from there. Beautiful country, full of gold mining history. My average speed coming back into Merced was around 16mph...max was 36mph down one of the few descents. Some of the climbs found us doing about 8-9mph up to the top.

Anyway, just wanted to put the Invite out there. Let me know if you'd like to come out -- PM or email me for more details. Anytime!

cya!
~BikeMomma (Kim)