There’s no shortage of moderate to fast-paced road bike rides in the Roanoke Valley these days and if you check the local bike club’s calendar (brbcva.org/calendar/) you can find a variety of offerings. But there’s a new, low-key, laid-back ride that might appeal to some who are new to cycling, just getting back into it, or acclimating to riding on roads.
Kristine McCormick saw a need for a “conversational-paced, no-drop ride,” to emphasize friendliness and fun over fierce and fast. The ride meets at CUPS on Grandin Road on Tuesdays at 5:45 pm, with “pedals-up” at 6. They generally head toward Old Southwest, the greenway, Explore Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway for a ride of about 20 miles. There’s a bit of climbing and descending, but riders regroup frequently and slow as they need to ensure all stay together. Drinks and/or dinner follow for those who can. To ride you should have the fitness to pedal 20-30 miles, though if you need to rest on a hill, that’ll be fine. Visit “Cups Tuesday Road Ride” on Facebook for details, contact information and updates.