A Bike Ride for the Rest of Us
You’ve seen them zip by in a blur of steel and spandex. Calf muscles like boulders and bikes that cost more than your first car. The cyclists. With so many big events for professional and serious cyclists, sometimes riding a bike can seem out of reach for those of us who haven’t been on a bike in a while.
Take heart! The freedom and fun of riding bikes isn’t just for the folks in spandex. Meet Slow Roll. It’s a group bike ride through neighborhood streets. The point is not to race, but to relax and enjoy good company and good vibes.
According to Dane Eifling, Bicycle & Pedestrian Programs Coordinator for the City of Fayetteville, a typical Slow Roll starts with about an hour of pre-ride time to hang out, make sure your bike is rideable, maybe decorate your bike or yourself and to visit and make friends.
“Next we ride,” he says. “We go super slow — around 8 miles an hour on average so a fit jogger could keep up with us. We play music and make noise. We ride on trails and through neighborhoods so that we stay safe and so that we are seen. Afterward, we offer a little time to chill out and have a drink and a snack.”
Photos courtesy City of Fayetteville.
The rides purposefully take fairly flat routes through neighborhood streets — not just the trail system.
“We want people to experience the fun of riding a bike in Fayetteville in a relaxed casual event setting,” Dane says. “We also want people to see bike rides happening in their neighborhoods and not just on the trails. It’s very impactful to see a group of folks having a good time with a ride right by your home.”
Hope to see you at Slow Roll! Don’t have a bike? Don’t worry! VeoRide premium bike share bikes will be available anyone with a VeoRide account.
Slow Roll — Whole Hog BBQ
Saturday, June 29
11:00 am to 2:00 pm
Meet at Whole Hog Barbecue in Fiesta Square in Fayetteville
Check Bike Fayetteville’s Facebook Page for upcoming Slow Roll Events — there will be half a dozen or more this year!