Bike Rides and Outings
Below are descriptions of the various sorts of group rides Bike to the Beach offers to its members. For 2008 ride specifics, please visit our schedule page.
Bike to the Beach, Inc. will conduct various rides for its members. All of the rides will be free for members, and held on a weekly or bi-monthly basis, and will further the goals and purposes of the organization by encouraging our members to ride to work, gaining exposure, as well as building and strengthening our network. The section below deals more in depth with the various types of rides to be conducted (not including the annual Bike to the Beach Ride).
Weekend Rides: Our weekend rides will start at various locations close to and accessible by the Washington, DC area metro. These rides are considered recreational and will vary in distance, depending on the time allotted for each ride. These rides will include a mutually agreed upon destination, such as a park, concert, or landmark, where riders will have a chance to socialize and relax. Route will vary in terrain and difficulty, and will be planned at least a week in advance.
Training Rides: These rides are designed for those who are interested in getting into serious bike riding shape. They will push each rider to the limit and focus on conditioning. Training rides usually break into two, three or more groups based on ability so members will be likely to find someone who rides at their pace; each rider is recommended to ride within their limits. These rides will occur every other month, but will be scheduled more regularly during the summer months, leading up to the bike to the beach.
Half-Century Rides: At least once before the bike to the beach ride, we will go on endurance-building rides of up to 50 miles. Our riders will have to be physically and otherwise prepared to ride the 50-mile route, which will vary in terrain. The ride will take some time depending upon conditions, group size, length of breaks, etc. This is considered training, but is not suitable for those who cannot keep up with a moderate to brisk group on a ride containing several reasonably challenging hills. These rides are a great warm-up for our 120-mile charity ride since riders will have to be prepared to face a number of challenges and have the right equipment - at least 2 new tubes, tire levers, a patch kit, and a pump or CO2 cartridges, and check tires and bike condition before leaving home.