Tag: Summer

It’s mid July and that means the summer is in full swing. Will you be taking a summer vacation somewhere soon? Sometimes the cost associated with planning a trip, such as flights, hotels, gas, food, work, or family obligations can put those plans on hold. However, if you are cyclist and you’re aching to load your bike in the car for a trip somewhere, never fear.

It just so happens there are some other and more affordable options that will allow you to have a cycling adventure, sometimes without even straying too far from home. During the summer months, it seems every state in the country holds weekend events or events that might last two or three days. This is a great way to meet other cyclists, take part in a challenging event, and maybe even see a part of your own state or another state you have never experienced.

Summer Cycling Events

While a smattering of cycling events occur in the spring and fall, summer is the time where cyclists can really indulge in their activity of choice. In fact, it is not uncommon to find some sort of event ride going on every weekend from June through September. These are usually one day events that fall on a Saturday or Sunday morning.

If you want to participate in an event ride, you’ll have to register and pay a fee. This money covers the costs of SAG (support and gear) for riders so food and water can be offered at rest stops. It might also be used to entice sponsors. With that collected money, an event organizer can also make sure the roads chosen for the event can be closed and are safe.

The fees paid by riders may also cover free t-shirts, medals of completion, and after ride events like food, music, or beer. Riders are also given the option to purchase event merchandise like jerseys, bib shorts, or even whole kits.

What Type of Cyclists Participate in Summer Events?

Event rides, in most cases, are not races and are geared toward more casual but athletic riders or enthusiasts. But event rides are also called “fun rides,” so any level of rider from the beginner to the enthusiast can take part. Sometimes the organizers, in order the make their events all inclusive, will invite families so kids can also enjoy the ride.

Summer event rides are usually of different lengths. For instance, the event might offer a ride of 10, 20, 0r 30 miles. These lengths are for riders who are more casual and, most likely, won’t have any climbing or very little.

As the distances increase, however, event rides can be more challenging. Lengths of 50, 70, or even 100 miles will probably have some climbing to a significant amount of climbing. And again, while these rides are not races, they may be timed. Event rides start early and run all day with SAG vans or cars making sure the roads are clear of riders by late afternoon.

How to Find a Summer Cycling Event

If you’re a member of a local cycling group, patronize bike shops, or you join cycling groups on social media, such as Facebook, you’ll find listings not only for local event rides but event rides all across the country. From those social media listings, for instance, you can go to an event’s website to find out various details. You’ll be able to view the the date of an event, associated costs, mileages, and merch pages. You’ll also be able to register for the event.

You can also just simply Google “summer cycling events” to find event rides in your state or across the country. For example, a ride I’m interested in for later this year called Tour of the Moon hosts its own website where you can find all the information I just mentioned. If you’re still unsure where to look for events, USA Cycling hosts an event page for “fun rides” throughout the year as well as mountain bike and road races.

Last Thoughts

Summer cycling events are a great way to work in a challenge to your cycling routine. They are also excellent ways to meet other cyclists, take a trip somewhere you haven’t been either in your state or out of state, and also enjoy the sport that we love as cyclists.

You can test your endurance and your fitness in a way that costs less than a summer vacation. This is especially true if you have have financial limitations or other obligations that prevent you from being away from home for a long amount of time.

Have a good weekend everyone! And I hope you can get out for a future event ride in your home state or somewhere else soon. If you liked this post, please like, share, and comment.