TYPES OF RIDES
STBC offers at least one ride per weekend and regularly recurring group rides nearly every day (or evening) of the week when weather permits. Ride leaders post these rides on our listserve two or three days in advance. If the usual leader is unable to lead they are responsible for finding a substitute who will post and lead the ride.
Monday evenings - Ice Cream rides
Tuesday daytime - Wheels to Meals rides
Wednesday daytime - PB&J rides
Thursday daytime - Wheels to Meals rides
Thursday evening - Cranks & Comestibles rides
Friday daytime - TGIF rides
E-assisted pedaling bikers are welcome on all of our rides.
An ANSI approved helmet is required to be worn on our rides, and membership is required after your first ride.
Descriptions of the types of rides we offer follow.... join us!
Wheels to Meals (W2M) rides
Wheels to Meals (W2M) rides are offered during the weekday, typically on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and are usuall announced by the ride leader a few days ahead on the STBC listserve.
The distances usually range from 20 to 40 miles, and the rides are not speed rated - our riders move at their own pace. We have riders of all abilities and we try to accommodate everyone who wants to ride with us. Some of our riders really get out and pound the bikes and often get in additional miles and additional hills. Others move along at a “social” pace.
We make every attempt to never leave a rider behind and we have a group of experienced riders that rotate to “bring up the rear” and make sure no one gets lost or left behind with a breakdown. We have riders who will assist with flat tires and minor mechanical repairs.
Most of the group members are retirees - and in the summer professors and teachers join us - and we have many who ride with the group well into their 80’s. As the name implies, the one common theme of our rides is the lunch stop. W2Ms provides physical exercise, good conversation, and social interaction.
Most of the group members are retirees - and in the summer professors and teachers join us - and we have many who ride with the group well into their 80’s. As the name implies, the one common theme of our rides is the lunch stop. W2Ms provides physical exercise, good conversation, and social interaction.
PB&J rides
PB & J rides are shorter and cycled at a more relaxed pace than many STBC rides. They are often held on Wednesdays, are done by 4 pm, and are announced by the ride leader a few days ahead on the STBC listserve. They are typically about 20 miles long and around 10 mph - a relaxed sightseeing and conversational pace. Riders bring snacks and water along (perhaps a PB&J!), and sometimes a restaurant or ice cream stop is planned.
PB & J rides stop at key points to collect riders - nobody rides alone! Cyclists keep an eye on the riders behind them, slowing down if they don't see them so no one gets lost. It is a group ride and riders stay together!
Ice Cream rides
Ice cream rides are typically offered on Monday evenings to - you guessed it - an ice cream shop. They are suitable for beginner riders, and less than 25 miles.
Cranks and Comestibles rides
Cranks and Comestibles rides are offered on Thursday evenings in the Sidney and Norwich area. They are typically less than 25 miles, and at a moderate pace, and are topped off with - you guessed it - comestibles (food) for those so inclined.
TGIF rides
TGIF rides are new and were the inspiration of a few members who have Fridays off from work. Retirees and those who have some time off are welcome to join in! The pace is usually moderate, and time will tell what the distance is!
Gravel Grinder rides
Gravel grinder rides are on-road - on rural gravel, dirt, and paved roads. They are typically less than 20 miles, and at a slower pace due to the terrain. These rides are often in the hills of PA just over the border where many of these kind of roads are.