Bike Club Routes

[PscyclePath]

We do a mix of rides... some on local trails, through the downtown area, and open rural roads... often on the same ride ;-)

I notice a lot of clubs are putting in requirements, or at least strong encouragement that their ride leaders have at least passed a Road I course so that they have at least some organized exposure to road hazards and their avoidance, and traffic law. It's a good thing, and I wholly support it, but over the past year I notice that lots of folks who complete Road I go right back to their old bad habits. Recidivism is a lot worse among the old-timers than among the new riders, who probably don't have as many bad habits to unlearn.

Tom

[OakLeaf]

If what you mean by "more user friendly" is "less intimidating to riders who may lack self-confidence on their bikes," then I think the more you can keep them out of traffic, the better. Can you find a different starting point on the edge of town (maybe rotating around the various areas, so it's not always a super long drive for someone who lives clear across town)?

The urban club I belong to starts all its rides in far suburban/exurban areas, so it's no more than 5 miles of in-town riding (each direction). But it's going to depend on your area, too.