Our Rides
Group Rides
Rides are led by experienced volunteer ride leaders. Depending upon the type of ride, it may also have a sweep. A sweep is another volunteer who rides at the back of the group to assist riders who might encounter mechanical problems, become fatigued, or begin to separate from other cyclists. The ride leader may also include regrouping stops at various times along the way depending upon the type of ride.
Once a member, and before a ride, you use your computer (or cellphone) to register for a ride. Important information such as your name, cell phone number, emergency contact phone number and license plate number are stored in a database when you join. This information will be available to the Ride Leader if needed. You will also be able to download a cue sheet (which describes the turns in the route), and a route map (if one is available), along with Ride with GPS navigation or if needed, a .gpx formatted file.
Before leaving the starting location, the leader discusses safety, which includes reminding people to obey traffic laws and the use of hand signals and vocal warnings. You can read about what is expected of all our riders in regard to safety by reviewing the Road and Trail Rules.
Rides usually meet in commuter parking lots off the Merritt Parkway or I-95 and at other convenient locations, such as schools. The routes are a closed loop, returning to the starting point. Longer rides include a stop where food can be purchased, while shorter rides generally include a break for snacks and may be followed by lunch.While many of our rides are located in lower Fairfield County, we also offer a number of out-of-area rides all over Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York State.
In addition to the road rides, Sound Cyclists conducts off-road rides throughout the year. Some of these rides require the use of mountain bikes, while those with hybrid bikes can use their bicycles in areas with milder terrain.
The most popular off-road areas in Fairfield County are the Pequonnock Valley in Trumbull, highlighted by a former railroad bed now converted to a multi-use trail, Huntington State Park in Redding, which has wide trails across varying terrain, and the Mianus River Gorge in Stamford, which offers challenging single-track. Other popular mountain biking destinations include Macedonia State Park in Kent, the reservoir trails in West Hartford, and Minnewaska State Park Preserve, outside New Paltz, New York.
Safety
E-bikes – What's permitted, what's not.
Depending upon the type, size and weight of your bike will determine whether your E-bike is permitted on a Sound Cyclists organized ride or not. Class 1 and Class 3 E-bikes are pedal-assisted bikes and are permitted. These types of bikes will not engage the motor unless you are pedaling. Your bike might require turning on its electrical system but the motor will not work unless you are turning the crank. However, your bike must look like a bike and not a moped or motorized scooter, which are often heavy and have small, fat wheels. These can be difficult to maneuver and hard to make quick stops.
Class 2 E-bike are throttle-assisted bikes are not permitted. This type of bike requires a control throttle mounted on the handlebars and will engage the motor at varying speeds whether you are pedaling or not.
Helmets and Other Issues
Sound Cyclists promotes safe biking and starts each ride with a brief review of safe riding procedures. All cyclists are required to wear a CPSC-approved helmets during any club ride.For specific state laws on bicycling in Connecticut, click here to download a PDF.
If you are also interested in the state bicycling laws in New York, click here.
To view a short graphical safety guide with references to New York State law related to cycling, click here.
Winter Training Program
There are several important things to consider when embarking on a winter training program: What to wear riding in cold weather; principles of winter training; programs for core strength; programs for nutrition and weight loss; and also how to avoid injury! If you were unable to attend the seminars in the past, view the presentations listed below.
