Concluding Bike Month & LGRAB Olympics

We're wrapping up Bike Month in Chattanooga and I couldn't be more pleased with May's developments.

My friend at Outdoor Chattanooga is spearheading monthly fun rides. A group of us brainstormed about interesting routes and rides to take in the next few months. I'm ecstatic! Our cycling community seems to have a gap between Riverwalk riders and the racing, athletically-centered types. The last few "fun" rides we've had, namely Brews Cruise and the 3 Rides 3 Hoods: Jane's Roll, brought out quite a crowd.

Some ideas we've been tossing around include:

• Grocery store/farmer's market tour
• A tour of local swimming holes
• A commuter bonanza for September that will cover major schools and businesses in and around downtown
• Bicycle route review
• Food drive during Thanksgiving

 I recently completed my second task for the first round of LGRAB Olympics, as well! I took my co-worker, a non-cyclist, on a ride last night. He's been looking for a bike for a few months now and finally bought a nice old Schwinn that's in excellent condition. I've been talking to him about commuting to work for months, too!

After helping him tighten a few things on the Schwinn, we attended a Safe Streets Cycling class from the League of American Bicyclists at Outdoor Chattanooga. We then rode to the store for a celebratory beer and we're planning on a few more practice rides before we tackle crossing the river and riding to work. Huzzah! I remember how exhilarating my first ride was... it's inspiring to help someone else rediscover the pure JOY of getting around on two wheels!

I highly recommend ANY rider to attend a class like that. The video we watched really emphasized the need to CONTROL THE LANE when necessary. I didn't learn techniques like that for years, and they have really shaped the way I ride around town. You're more predictable to cars, and it eases some of the tension and stress of riding in traffic. Look it up, check it out and find the nearest certified classes in your neighborhood. And... bring a friend!