Hi folks! It's the first training ride of the season, on Saturday March 21st at 10am. Meet at the Bikes Not Bombs Hub at 284 Amory. John-Paul and Esther are leading this one, and you can take a look at the route at http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/258136. One rest stop.

Email ecervantes@abml.org or jferguson@abml.org with any questions.

First day of spring, it's time to ride!!!

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General Information for all training rides:

Everyone is getting excited for our 22nd Bike-A-Thon! Our biggest fundraiser of the year has everyone talking. We are leading training rides to help prepare for the 25 mile and 62 mile Bike-A-Thon routes. Rides will be leaving from all sorts of places (and going all sorts of distances!) so check the website for the most updated ride details. As the training rides get underway, we have gathered some information to help make everyone's riding more enjoyable.

What do I have to bring?
- Helmets are required! This safety implement is the most important one you can use. We have a limited number of helmets available for loan. Please contact us if you will need a helmet for any of the rides as soon as you can.

What should I bring?
- Riding sure works up an appetite. Be sure to bring a snack.
- $5 in cash - you never know when you will need it! Dollar bills make great emergency tire boots.
- We do not recommend BMX bikes or mountain bikes with knobby tires for rides over 20 miles.
- An emergency bike tool kit.

How should I prepare my bicycle?
- Riding is taxing on bicycles! Get your tune-up early to make sure your bicycle will work correctly leading up to the Bike-A-Thon. Inspect your bicycle for dry rotten tires; dirty worn chains; rusty cables; crooked or loose wheels, handlebars, or pedals.

Riding bikes is fun, but it can get tiring! What if I get tired?
- We will have a volunteer rider leading and following on each ride. This means that you will not be left behind!
- We will be taking rest stops at areas where we will have safe space to do a little stretching, catch our breath, and have a snack.
- The pace will be casual! Rides will average 10 to 12mph, including rest stops.
- You can leave the ride whenever you would like. Be sure to bring directions from the point you plan on leaving the group.
- We are excited to have people pushing their mileage potential, but make sure that you are riding in addition to our training rides to ensure you will be comfortable with the ride length. Please do not come out for a 50 mile training ride as your first long ride of the season.

What if it's raining?
- Please check the website for any rain cancellations. If there's no cancellation, think dry thoughts!


Please contact Esther (ecervantes@abml.org) or JP (jferguson@abml.org) with questions about the ride, and we'll see you out there!