If you’ve been in Steamboat for a while, you may have a pack of friends you ride with on a scheduled day and time. But for those who are new to town, new to a cycling discipline and find themselves on a different schedule than usual, or just want to see who else is cycling, several group ride opportunities exist.
New to the lineup this summer, Routt County Riders has planned a social trail ride the third Monday of each month. Cyclists meet at the stables at the bottom of Emerald Mountain at 5:30 p.m., and the group rides various routes along the trail network for about an hour and a half. Riders are asked to sign a liability waiver in order to participate. Following the ride, the social begins in the back room at Carl’s Tavern around 7 p.m., where cyclists can talk with board members and volunteers one-on-one about all everything going on with Routt County Riders.
Back by popular demand, Routt County Riders will lead night rides on Emerald Mountain once the days get a bit shorter. Routt County Riders provides night lights (to the first 10 who arrive) and a suggested route. Riders are asked to sign a liability waiver in order to participate. Gloves, eye protection, helmet and a small pack to carry light battery are helpful. Rides last approximately two hours. Dates for the night rides will be announced soon; Check Routt County Riders’ website for details.
For female mountain bikers, each Tuesday, Steamboat Ski and Bike Kare offers free women’s group rides and clinics on alternating weeks. The format is casual, and the rides are open to women of all abilities. The group meets at 5:45 p.m. on the courthouse lawn across from Ski & Bike Kare at 5th and Lincoln. The rides encourage all levels and all women to get together and ride. The clinics are for beginner and intermediate riders, with guided advanced group rides leaving at the same time for those who want to ride with other women at a higher level. Riders should come equipped with at least a front suspension mountain bike in good working order and must wear a helmet, bring water and have some basic trail tools with them in case of an emergency.
For road riders, Tuesday Night Worlds is held every Tuesday and covers approximately 40 miles. The group meets at 5:30 p.m. at Orange Peel Bike Shop at 12th and Yampa. This is a good ride for intermediate/advanced riders who want to get fast-ride-group experience and training. Riders split into two or three groups depending on turnout, which allows riders to pick their pace level.
On Thursday nights, a non-competitive women’s only road ride group meets at 5:30 p.m. at Orange Peel Bike Shop.
Finally, each Sunday, a group of road cyclists meets at noon at Orange Peel Bike Shop to cover longer distances than the Tuesday Night Worlds ride. All riders are welcome.
Whatever your discipline or ability, a group ride opportunity likely exists. Routt County Riders is the local source for information for all types of cycling. If you would like assistance matching up your ability or schedule with a group ride, or if you know of another group ride opportunity we can promote, contact us: facebook.com/rcriders or email rcriders@routtcountyriders.org.
Wendy Tucciarone is a Routt County Riders member, volunteer and the club’s administrator.