Do I need to check my tire pressures at least once a week?
YES, YES, YES!!! You might wonder why this is #1 on the list. This is the difference between a pleasant ride and struggling to keep up with the group. Low tire pressure can cause flat tires too. If you need help, I will be more than happy to show you how to do it.
What Kind of Bicycle Do I Need?
Our rides are designed to be do-able on almost any well maintained bike.
The Fitness Rides will be mostly on road, although we ride on smooth dirt / gravel roads, and we strongly recommend a sturdy road bike. A speedy hybrid bike will work, but be prepared to work harder to keep up. We discourage mountain bikes because you would need to be super human to keep up.
The Recreation Rides combine on road and some civilized off road. A sturdy road bike will work, but you will generally be happier with a hybrid bike. You will get a better workout on a mountain bike, but we never go that far off road.
The Beginner Rides are mostly on road and on rail trails. Pretty much any bike will work, but you will be much happier with a quality lightweight bike. Most / all “department store” bikes are made in China from melted down tanks and are generally not very pleasant to ride.
Do I need to check my tire pressures at least once a week?
YES, YES, YES!!! I can’t stress this enough!
How do I know if a ride is POSTPONED.
I will send out email before 8:00 AM on the day of the ride with GO or STOP status.
Will this ride be hard and long enough for me?
AdventuRides Fitness rides typically cover twenty five to thirty miles of roads and civilized off road in about three hours, with some climbing and descending. They are moderately paced, not races, but the uneven terrain can be challenging and tiring.
Will this ride be too hard and long for me?
AdventuRides Recreation and Beginner rides are more leisurely paced and we try to accommodate the desires and capabilities of the group.
If I can’t keep up, should I turn around and go back?
No. Rides are designed to be comfortable for just about everyone. If however, you find the speed too demanding, we don’t recommend giving up and turning back. We never leave anyone behind: we feel responsible for returning you safely to the starting point and will make an on-the-trail accommodations to assure this happens. If you insist on leaving the group, we will either detach someone to return with you, provide a map, or issue verbal instructions.
May I bring a child?
No. Our routes are not conducive to child carriers or tag-a-longs.
Do you ride in the rain?
We try not to, but there are times when we get caught in the rain. On very rare occasions, we have started a ride in the rain. Watch your email for GO / STOP notifications.
What about special clothing?
Wear (or bring in a rucksack) several layers of clothing which can be added, removed, or adjusted as the ride proceeds. We swear by shirts with zippers. A waterproof, wind blocking jacket is a must. You must wear a helmet and may appreciate an ear covering if it is chilly. You will need gloves. A lightweight glove and maybe a glove liner will help in cold weather. Disposable hand warmers available in many sporting goods stores work well if you have a cold-hand problem We also recommend long underwear or fleece-lined tights with wind blocking features. Of course, all of this depends on the temperature and wind velocity. We strongly recommend bicycling shorts with a padded crotch liner. Your body will thank you. By May and certainly June shorts and light shirts will do.
Do I need special equipment?
No, but your bicycle must be in good working order and you need a spare tube which fits your wheel, tire irons, and a frame pump.
How will I know where the starting point will be?
We will e-mail you directions each week. Rides usually start from a location no more than a half hours drive from Groton, Massachusetts.
Do you cancel because of cold weather?
No and Yes. It is possible to dress properly for an enjoyable ride even in New England. However, we have been known to cancel in cold, cloudy, and windy conditions.