The 2010 Social Ride Schedule/Format will be very similar to last year's.  This varied format helped increase club membership and ride participation.

A few points on road riding in groups:

* If you are the front rider in a pace line, point out road hazards to riders behind you.
* Helmets are mandatory.
* Always ride in a group - no rider should be dropped alone.
* Each group should carry a cell phone in case of emergencies.
* Each person in the group should carry identification and an emergency contacts list.
* Pass within a pace line only when it is safe to do so.

Rides will occur if weather permits:  if it is raining, snowing (you never know), or wind speeds greater than 40 km then rides will be canceled.

For insurance purposes, you must be a Headwinds member to participate in social rides and race nights. Included in your membership is a mandatory Alberta Bicycling Association insurance that provides coverage on any club ride should something ever happen.

Read on for more information.  In addition to the listed rides there will be events organized through out the season on weekends.  Watch the newsflashes and your email messages.

Monday Evening Road Rides, 6:30 pm,
•    Starting late April, start location variable:

The free ASCENT Monday evening road rides, which started from the Ascent bike shop, have been incorporated into the Headwinds Club.  Membership with Headwinds is mandatory for insurance purposes.  There will be no exceptions.  

This is a group social ride.  No racing.  No displays of your VO2 Max.  It is a ride that incorpoarates all levels of riders.  It will be varied distance based upon the riders at a casual pace.  No one gets left behind. 

For more hints on riding in a group check under “Riding Tips” on the toolbars on the left of the screen.

For a schedule of ride location starts click here.

Over the last little while there has been some demand for a shorter distance casual ride.  Well here it is!  A new casual social ride has been added to the Headwinds repertoire that is geared towards the novice rider, the new group rider, the "just getting into road riding" rider.  Can you see yourself getting into road riding but not sure where to start?  This is a ride for you.

Chelsea Power and Erin Patterson will be leading a Tuesday evening social ride that is geared towards the novice who is looking for a shorter distance at a slower pace than the Monday evening ride.  This ride will hopefully get everyone more comfortable with riding to the point of joining Monday evening rides or more.  These will start Tuesday, May 18, 2010 at 7 pm.  Start locations will alternate from the west side Safeway and the E Free Church on the east aspect of Hwy #4 beside Evergreen Golf Centre.  Please note that originally the ride was to alternate with the Tourist Info Booth... this has changed!

Rides will occur if weather permits:  if it is raining, snowing (you never know), or wind speeds greater than 40 km then rides will be canceled.

For insurance purposes, you must be a Headwinds member to participate in social rides and race nights. Included in your membership is a mandatory Alberta Bicycling Association insurance that provides coverage on any club ride should something ever happen.

For more information call Chelsea @403-320-7073(w) or 403-360-2082(c) or Erin @403-360-3880.

Thursday Evening Road Training Rides, 6:30 pm,
Starting late April, south side Chinook Tourist Booth (corner of Mayor Magrath Dr and Scenic Dr):

Thursday evening rides tend to be faster and longer than the social rides.  One can expect a minimum pace of 28 km/hr or more and distances of at least 40 km.  Riders will have more experience and the group will be pushed to go fast.  The riders present and the infamous Headwinds around here will determine ride distances and direction.

Wednesday Evening Mountain Bike Rides, 6:30 pm
•    Starting mid April, start location variable

These rides are a fun way to explore the coulees.  To lead us up and down the Oldman River Valley are Darcy N. and Kevin C.

Rides are open to all interested in fat tiring though the coulees on all-mountain bikes, cross country bikes, downhill rigs and yes-even single speeders.  Rides will start off at 6:30 pm alternating between the Fort Whoop Up parking lot and the southeast parking lot, LOT H behind the Trades and Technologies Buildings, at the Lethbridge Community College.

Rides will be casual and you can expect to explore some tame, and some challenging trails in the coulees.   There will be no hucking unless you dare to.  There will always be an out.  No double dares and “hold my beer and watch this attitude”.  There of course will be climbing… can’t escape that.  Early spring and late fall rides may take place in the evening where the light provided by Mother Nature so bring your own... lots of FUN!!!

For a schedule of the ride location starts for the Wednesday Mountain Bike rides click here.