Novice Training Ride Part 5 - We're Now Rolling With Soul

This is the last ride in the series of progressive rides designed to help novice cyclists with bicycling skills.  Come out and have fun, as you should now feel fairly confident in your abilities as a cyclist.  On this ride, we will reinforce the skills you have already learned, and focus on riding efficiently and safely.  We will also help new cyclists understand how to change gears along with when and why you should change gears.  

As with all MTC3 rides, it is highly recommended that you arrive early so that you are ready to depart at the ride time.

 Date:  Sunday, May 3

 Departure Time:  9:30 am SHARP

 End Time:  1:30 pm

 Start Location:  Wolf Lake Park, Hammond, IN near the open air theater.  Come in from Calumet Avenue and turn in on Sheffield (there is ample free parking there). 

 Duration:  about 3.5 hours

 Average Speed:  varies, based on new cyclists ability

 No Drop Ride:  There will be an experienced member riding along with all new cyclists.

 Ride Leader:  Shawn Conley sconley24@aol.com, 773-484-5543

 Cyclists will ride for 1.75 hours, then return.  There will be designed rest stops, including stops for bathroom breaks and to refill water bottles.  On this ride, please bring water and/or a sports drink, a few $$ and/or credit/debit card, and something to eat (ie dried fruit, energy bar, etc.)  

HELMETS ARE REQUIRED ON ALL MAJOR TAYLOR CHICAGO RIDES! 

http://majortaylorchicago.com/ride-rules/

Part of being a good cyclist is having the tools and accessories necessary to be self-sufficient, safe, and ready to ride.  Below is a general list of items to bring and a to-do list to be ready for an MTC3 ride.

• Gear Bag:  buy a gear bag (saddle bag is recommended) and stock it with the basics  – extra tube,tire tools, a small multi-tool, and either a mini-pump or a CO2 cartridge set.

• Tire Pressure:  pump your tires up before coming to the ride, or bring a floor pump that you can use in the parking lot before the ride.  If you need help, MTC3 ride leaders will be there to help you learn.

• Your bike:  Give it a quick inspection.  Spin the wheels to make sure they aren’t rubbing.  Do the gears shift accurately and easily?  Does everything seem to be in order?  This is called an ABC check.  (Air, Brakes, and Chain)

• Hydration/Food: Remember to bring water/sports drink and maybe an energy snack (bar, gel, banana, etc).
• Optional items:  The following will make your ride more enjoyable, but aren’t absolutely necessary.  Cycling gloves, sunglasses, cycling shoes and clipless pedals, padded cycling shorts.
• Be on Time:  MTC3 rides leave promptly at the advertised time.  Get to the start of the ride with plenty of time to get yourself and your bike ready to roll with soul!