Group roads rides welcome cyclists from beginner to advanced

Becky Johnson, The Mountaineer, Waynesville, N.C.
·2 min read

May 23—Cyclists looking to meet up with other riders have three weekly group rides to choose from in Haywood County, sponsored by Bicycle Haywood NC.

The mission of Bicycle Haywood is to "promote healthy and fun lifestyles through cycling." The group provides cycling education, riding opportunities and advocacy for bicycle friendly transportation planning.

Bicycle Haywood also hosts monthly meetings and socials, with guest speakers from time to time. The next social gathering will be at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 16, at Frog Level Brewing. Any cyclist and their family is welcome to attend.

All group rides depart from the Canton Recreation Park and are led by local cyclist Michele Trantham. Helmets are required.

—Around Canton: beginner and up road ride

An 8-10 mile flat ride with an easy pace. Ideal for anyone who's new to the area, is recovering from illness or injury, or just hasn't been on a bicycle in a long time. The ride is held at 10 a.m. every other Thursday, with the next one being May 26.

—To Lake Logan & Beyond: intermediate-advanced

The ride is for those with cycling experience in both climbing and fast descents. Routes vary weekly but in general, they head up N.C. 215 to Bethel and then continue to Camp Daniel Boone, Sunburst, Lake Logan and the Parkway. Held at 10 a.m. on Saturdays.

—Around NC-209: intermediate-advanced

This ride requires mandatory cycling experience in both climbing and fast descents. It follows an assortment of varying routes that weave around N.C. 209 north from Clyde. Held at 10 a.m. every Tuesday.

While meet up times for the group rides are generally at 10 a.m., they can vary from week to week. To stay abreast of ride updates, join the Bicycle Haywood NC Meet-Up Group online at www.meetup.com/BicycleHaywoodNC/. (After creating an account, search for Bicycle Haywood.) For more info, contact mttrantham@hotmail.com.