Ride Description Iola Wednesday Social/Recreational Ride NDP The Ride: This group leaves from the Iola-Scandinavia Fitness & Aquatic Center, 445 S. Jackson Street in Iola at 6:00 PM each Wednesday (please park at the north end of the parking lot!). Depending on those who show up, we ride local routes of 20-30 miles, usually with some destination on the route (i.e., Big Falls, Sunset Lake, Scandinavia, Ogdensburg, etc.). since this group is so diverse, we usually set the riding speed to accomodate everyone depending on those who show each week. We may stop once or twice during the ride depending on the needs of the group. We stay together during the ride, staying away from paces or accelerations that will leave behind fellow riders. If rider(s) fall back, we lower the tempo and someone goes back to pace the rider(s) back to the main group. We may even ride a very short loop for beginning riders or those getting back into biking so everyone can enjoy a group ride. Not mater what the course or arrangement, we always socialize as we enjoy the local country roads. The Riders: We are a mixed group, married couples and singles. We all have differing levels of training, experience, and physical fitness. We share a passion for bike riding on the road, enjoy riding in a group, and enjoy the social aspects this ride offers. Some of us ride quite a bit, and others only get out once or twice a week. Many of us like to travel and tour on our bikes, and conversations often revolve around our biking activities. Mostly, we enjoy riding at a fairly leisurely pace, taking in the scenic beauty, and enjoying being on the bike and visiting with other bikers. Will You Fit In? This ride is for bike enthusiasts of all levels. Normally, if you can average 14+ mph on an out-and-back or circuit ride between 15 and 25 miles, then you should be able to handle riding with this group. But if your riding level is below this, please still come, as we will accommodate you with other bikers at your level, or the group will ride a short loop back to the start so you can at least bike a few miles with the rest of the group. Still, you may find the hills to be the greatest challenge to stick with the group. For those who want to crank up the pace, we do have riders doing longer routes at faster paces, in the 20-mph range, if that’s more your style. If This Isn't For You: If you can't make this Wednesday ride, then come out on Monday for basically the same ride. If you live closer to Stevens Point, you might try some of the weekly evening rides that leave from locations around Stevens Point, like the Wednesday evening social/recreational ride, or the Monday, Tuesday or Thursday evening sport rides. Also be sure to check out our Heartland Biking Events Calendar for weekend social/recreational biking events, which often have different riding groups and different route lengths for you to try. If you have questions, please feel free to contact me. Ride Host: Greg Loescher 715-445-2456 onthelake2@tds.net