Group Rides a Fun Way to Stay Active
As the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, it’s time to grab a helmet and dust off that bicycle: Sports Den Group Bike Rides are back!
“We have a wide variety of different group rides available, in an effort to have one for everyone’s riding needs and goals,” said Breanna VanDeHey, sales manager at The Sports Den. “So that being said…EVERYONE is welcome to join us in the group rides! You just need to find a ride that fits your riding goals and show up!”
Rides include everything from casual family-oriented rides to social road rides to women-only rides, all the way up to intense race training style of rides. All are a fun way to get active and make new friends.
“Bike riding is an aerobic, or cardiovascular, activity. Your body requires oxygen to complete the movements and energy in the form of calories. When your body uses calories, you can lose weight,” explained VanDeHey.
Not only is cycling great for the body, it is also a workout for the brain.
“A study conducted by Charles Hillman back in 2007 showed that exercise boosts brainpower and helps to stave off Alzheimer’s in the elderly,” said VanDeHey. “That same year, Dr. Phil Tomporowski showed that kids are even more positively impacted by time on the bike—and that exercise can help control issues like ADD!”
Bike riding can also be a great boost for self-esteem.
“It’s no surprise that exercise in general (and cycling in particular) helps improve your self-esteem,” said VanDeHey. “The next time you take the perfect mid-ride selfie, score a personal goal that you’ve been chasing, or finish a really hard workout, your body will release a whole bunch of feel-great hormones that will make you feel like you can take over the world.”
While riding bike solo has the same amount of physical benefits, joining a group ride adds a fun social element to the workout.
“Doing any activity as a group can make that endeavor more enjoyable,” said VanDeHey. “I have often noticed that when I ride by myself I don’t push myself nearly as hard, don’t ride as far, or as fast and overall don’t seem to have quite as much fun.”
In addition to the social benefits, group rides are also educational. Riders quickly learn proper hand signals, how and where to ride on the road, and proper shifting and braking techniques.
“Most groups have participants with a range of skills, all of which were beginners like you 
at one point too so they will help you learn what gear to be in when making that hill climb,” said VanDeHey. “If you are new to an area it can be intimidating to just hop on your bike and ride because you don’t want to get lost. Joining a group ride will allow you to explore cycling friendly roads and trail systems with other people that know where they are going!”
“Joining a group of riders can be the adult version of those fun rides of your childhood past,” said VanDeHey. “Some people get intimidated by the spandex and skinny tires but remember that all of those riders are there ultimately for the same reason…riding bikes is fun!”
Group rides are free to participate, with riders needing only to bring a bike and helmet. Some of the groups are targeted to particular bike styles (road bike vs. mountain bike, for example) so participants are encouraged to be aware of that before joining a group. Other than that, the rides are open to everyone.
All of the group rides fall under the umbrella of the Wood Spokes Bicycle Club so anyone wanting to stay updated on the latest group ride news, see of other people in the area want to meet up for an impromptu weekend ride, or learn about other cycling related events in the area are encouraged to join their Facebook page.
SPORTS DEN GROUP RIDES:
FAMILY/SOCIAL/ENTRY LEVEL RIDE
When: Wednesday, leaves 6:10 PM sharp
Speed: Duration: 8-15 mile ride depending on group dynamic
Bike: All styles accepted
No Drop Group
WOMEN’S ONLY MODERATE RECREATION/SOCIAL RIDE
When: Thursday, leaves 6:00PM
Speed: 12-18 avg MPH
Duration: 15-25 mile ride
Bike: Road bikes and hybrids welcome
No Drop Women’s Only Group
MODERATE RECREATION/SOCIAL RIDE
When: Monday & Wednesday, leaves 6:00PM Sharp
Speed: 14-18 avg mpg
Duration: 20-35 miles
Bike: Road bikes and hybrids acceptable
No Drop Group
MEDIUM INTENSITY TRAINING/PACE LINE RIDE
When: Monday, leaves 6:05PM SHARP
Speed: 18-20 avg MPH
Duration: 30-40 mile ride
Bike: Road bikes only
No Drop Group
INTENSITY BASED ON GROUP DYNAMIC
When: Tuesday, leaves 6:05PM SHARP
Speed: Varies based on group dynamic
Duration: 30-40 mile ride
Bike: Road bikes only
Drop/No Drop Group depending on group dynamic
HIGH INTENSITY TRAINING/PACE LINE RIDE
When: Wednesday, leaves 6:05PM SHARP
Speed: +20 avg MPH
Duration: 30-40 mile ride
Bike: Road bikes only
No Drop Group
