Rookie Rides
We have been trying to offer a seasonal ride series that we dubbed “ROOKIE RIDES.” Developed around the notion that we (Portland Bicycling Club) needed some truly short and easy rides, it was felt that the term would resonate with cyclists looking for beginner rides.
You may have seen some of these rides listed on our ride calendar in the past. You may have passed right over them, not identifying as a “rookie” yourself and therefore not finding any appeal in such a short and easy ride. Others, particularly newer riders and those getting back into cycling after a hiatus, have been attracted to them and joined us on our fun routes. There was a limited response, but there were ROOKIES and BACK IN THE SADDLE participants. Some have become new members of the club.
Our objective is to have at least two such rides a month during the summer months. These rides will end after September as it has been my experience that new riders do not have the interest or gear to come out in the rain and cold. ✎
Some of our rides have been taken from the Portland Bureau of Transportation who posted several perfect routes that we were able to implement and use for these purposes. I used the classic Waterfront ride between the Steel Bridge and Sellwood Bridge. I’ve also used a route from Todd Roll’s PEDAL PORTLAND. Cindy Bernert-Coppola , Ron Stein, and Dave McQuery have led a few as well. Other members have joined us to participate in these rides adding support for new riders, which is a huge help. For example, I had a couple of new riders on one Rookie Ride, and both Kathleen Hellem and Dave McQuery were able to encourage and gently correct and advise them as I rode up front. Lynn Blanchard has had her Short & Sweet Series as well which is welcoming to more novice cyclists.
Thank you all for your support. Our club’s preamble or mission statement begins: “The aim of this organization shall be to promote the general interests of cycling in all its phases; …” I firmly believe that this new series, our ROOKIE RIDES, reaches an important group of cyclists, novice cyclists, who need a little support and guidance to develop their passion of cycling.
Please join in and, if you can, offer one or two slow, short rides yourself. Thank you!
Ann Morrow, President