When I get up in the morning, there is usually little doubt as to what shoes I will wear. I'm an 'on the go' kinda gal. Being on my feet all day requires a shoe that is comfortable. I know that if I wear heels I will be in intense pain by 10:00 a.m. There are times when I may go for the classy 'heels with my jeans' look, but I pick those times for outings that require sitting. Knowing what gear you'll need for a ride is similar.
Occasionally, riders show up to a group road ride using a bike not suitable for that ride. Being new to cycling can be somewhat overwhelming. There are a lot of decisions to make. Bringing the correct bike to a ride will help you enjoy the outing. So, for all of you new riders out there, here is a bike breakdown.
Occasionally, riders show up to a group road ride using a bike not suitable for that ride. Being new to cycling can be somewhat overwhelming. There are a lot of decisions to make. Bringing the correct bike to a ride will help you enjoy the outing. So, for all of you new riders out there, here is a bike breakdown.
Cruiser/Townie
These are perfect for slow-paced rides around town, along a beach, or strolling around a park. Toss a basket on the front for a trip to the Farmer's Market, but please don't bring a bike like this on a group road ride. Why? This bike isn't built for power or speed. It's heavy. It's slow. Keeping up with a group on road bikes just isn't possible on a bike like this. Currently, Joyride does not have a cruiser group, but if cruising is your thing, come to our classes. Bike maintenance and nutrition are for ALL cyclists. There are also some rides that cruisers and townies are welcome at, like Little Red, Goldilocks, and the CAPSA ride. Make sure you check with organizers for other events you may be considering.
Want to see a cruiser group in the valley? We do too! If there is enough interest, we would love to put one together. Swing by the shop and let us know!!
These are perfect for slow-paced rides around town, along a beach, or strolling around a park. Toss a basket on the front for a trip to the Farmer's Market, but please don't bring a bike like this on a group road ride. Why? This bike isn't built for power or speed. It's heavy. It's slow. Keeping up with a group on road bikes just isn't possible on a bike like this. Currently, Joyride does not have a cruiser group, but if cruising is your thing, come to our classes. Bike maintenance and nutrition are for ALL cyclists. There are also some rides that cruisers and townies are welcome at, like Little Red, Goldilocks, and the CAPSA ride. Make sure you check with organizers for other events you may be considering.
Want to see a cruiser group in the valley? We do too! If there is enough interest, we would love to put one together. Swing by the shop and let us know!!
Mountain
Many of you have mountain bikes. If you love the outdoors and want to hit the trails or ride on gravel, this bike is for you. This bike is also heavier than a road bike and has big, knobby tires for grabbing the terrain. These features make it impractical for road rides. Events that allow cruisers, usually allow mountain bikes as well.
Check out our Mountain Bike Events section for local mountain bike events. Joyride is also working to bring some rides for women to the trails, so be watching for them!
Many of you have mountain bikes. If you love the outdoors and want to hit the trails or ride on gravel, this bike is for you. This bike is also heavier than a road bike and has big, knobby tires for grabbing the terrain. These features make it impractical for road rides. Events that allow cruisers, usually allow mountain bikes as well.
Check out our Mountain Bike Events section for local mountain bike events. Joyride is also working to bring some rides for women to the trails, so be watching for them!
Cyclocross
Although cross bikes look like road bikes at first glance, they have some differences. Cyclocross is a short, high-intensity event. Riders go through mud, gravel, dirt etc, while mounting and dismounting their bikes and carrying them. This bike is also good if you are torn between a mountain bike and a road bike. With cross tires, it is suitable to singletrack and gravel. If you put road tires on this bike, you can ride it with the group.
Cyclocross is growing in popularity. It takes place in the fall/winter. Look for practice schedules and event listings as we learn about them.
Although cross bikes look like road bikes at first glance, they have some differences. Cyclocross is a short, high-intensity event. Riders go through mud, gravel, dirt etc, while mounting and dismounting their bikes and carrying them. This bike is also good if you are torn between a mountain bike and a road bike. With cross tires, it is suitable to singletrack and gravel. If you put road tires on this bike, you can ride it with the group.
Cyclocross is growing in popularity. It takes place in the fall/winter. Look for practice schedules and event listings as we learn about them.
Road
Women's cycling is growing up nationwide! This is exciting for those of you looking for events catered to women.
The road bike is lightweight with skinny tires. This is the type of bike you want for our group road rides.
It may feel wobbly at first. Some women have a hard time getting used to the more aerodynamic cycling position, but with practice you can do it.
If you have a road bike and are dying to get out with the group, please make sure you can safely get in and out of your pedals and drink while riding. Speed/mph range are posted for each ride. It is important that you know what speed you can maintain for the duration of the ride.
If you are unsure about which rides to join, stop by. The roadies at Joyride will help you decide.
Women's cycling is growing up nationwide! This is exciting for those of you looking for events catered to women.
The road bike is lightweight with skinny tires. This is the type of bike you want for our group road rides.
It may feel wobbly at first. Some women have a hard time getting used to the more aerodynamic cycling position, but with practice you can do it.
If you have a road bike and are dying to get out with the group, please make sure you can safely get in and out of your pedals and drink while riding. Speed/mph range are posted for each ride. It is important that you know what speed you can maintain for the duration of the ride.
If you are unsure about which rides to join, stop by. The roadies at Joyride will help you decide.
Tri-Bike
Bikes used for triathlons and ironmen are welcome on road rides. USE OF AEROBARS DURING THESE RIDES IS PROHIBITED UNLESS YOU ARE AT LEAST 3 BIKE LENGTHS AWAY FROM
ANY OTHER RIDERS. This is for your safety and the safety of others.
Bikes used for triathlons and ironmen are welcome on road rides. USE OF AEROBARS DURING THESE RIDES IS PROHIBITED UNLESS YOU ARE AT LEAST 3 BIKE LENGTHS AWAY FROM
ANY OTHER RIDERS. This is for your safety and the safety of others.