RIDES!

Its what we're all about! Many requests have been made of the Delaware Trail Spinners to provide guided rides. Many of the requests come from first time or beginner riders and some come from more experienced riders new to the area. Since we promote RESPONSIBLE mountain biking, we feel a need to respond. (Actually, we jump at any chance to ride our bikes.)

Remember, it is illegal to ride after dark in local parks. However, sanctioned night rides for our club members and others who help maintain the trails are scheduled regularly. See below!

We DO NOT ride in rain or wet conditions.
Generally speaking we do not ride within 24 hours of a soaking rain. We wait longer if drying or drainage conditions are poor. unless drying and drainage conditions allow for firm trails. Don't ride trails when they are wet and soft! Heat? Yes. Frigid cold? Yyyyyyyeeessss. Nuclear holocaust? As long as possible. Mud? NO! It's bad for the trails and it's really bad for your bike. We may encounter mud from time to time. It can't be avoided in some places and you'll learn how to deal with it to minimize impact.

We've got something for everyone. For those of us that need regularity in order to plan things below are the latest schedules. All club members and friends are invited to ride.

Spring/Summer 2007 Ride Schedule

Middle Run/White Clay
Fair Hill

PLEASE READ ALL OF THE INFORMATION BELOW IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN THESE RIDES. WE ARE NOT PAID GUIDES. WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR SAFETY. IF YOU JOIN THIS RIDE WE MUST ASSUME THAT YOU ARE AWARE OF THE RISKS INHERENT IN MOUNTAIN BIKING AND THAT YOU ACCEPT FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOURSELF AND THOSE UNDER YOUR CARE. THIS IS NOT A BABY-SITTING SERVICE. WE WELCOME ALL RIDERS BUT CANNOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR MINORS.

Why so early?
The mornings are beautiful and the trails less crowded. Plus, you'll have the whole rest of the day and tons of energy to do other stuff. By the way, "push-off" is a term used for the beginning of the ride. Please arrive early to push-off on time. Here's a valuable hint: get EVERYTHING ready the night before. You'll be more relaxed the morning of the ride (we really don't want you all up-tight and cranky now).

What kind of rides are these?
Whatever you heart desires. You need to let us know your experience and endurance level up-front. Don't be shy about this. We've all been beginners at one time plus if you aren't honest with yourself it could bite you later and cause you to quit. Most likely these will be rides at a leisurely pace over interesting but not highly technical terrain.

How will it work?
The locations have been chosen because they are fun, beautiful, and can provide diversity in terrain necessary for an unpredictable group. We will select a pace and terrain to fit the group and even split-up if necessary but again, these are not intended to be fast or difficult rides.

Does this mean that as a first time rider you will get swept into a long, fast, radical ride filled with peril?
Absolutetly not. Geez. Weren't you paying attention? If we are uncertain about the groups abilities and endurance we will default to the safest most comfortable pace and terrain. We plan (sometims) to have two leaders available for each ride just in case more energetic riders want to stretch-out in front or explore more challenging terrain. But, again, you have to let us know what you want BEFORE we push-off.

What if I want something more challenging or at different locations?
There are club members who are expert riders. If you're really looking for a challenge post a ride request to the Yahoo List and see what happens.

How long will the rides be?
You tell us. How long do you feel like riding? We'll stop to check heart rates and heart's desires as often as needed. We can aim for some landmarks of interest at any location to provide a nice long breather. We'll reassess our desires at those points too. It can also depend on the weather or available daylight. In all cases we'll strive to be back to the cars in about 2 hours.

What if I want to bail-out early?
Speak up and someone will take you back to your car. We are not responsible for your safety but as your friend we don't intend to let you get lost or left in the woods either.

Anything else?
Yes, minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. We are not paid guides. We are doing this out of the kindness of our hearts. If you feel that we are responsible for your personal safety please don't come. Mountain biking is a sport with inherent risks. You can expect rocks, roots, and other surprises. We will ask that ALL riders establish a "buddy" and stick with them. It could be a guide, it could be your friend, it could be a new friend made just now at the push-off.

Come prepared.
That means water, energy snack, helmet, gloves, eye protection, patch kit and/or spare tube, and a trail worthy bike in good repair. Riders must be at least 16 years of age or accompanied by a parent. All riders must wear a helmet.

Oh yeah, one other thing. You'll love this sport. We hope that you will feel so good about the great outdoors and this incredible way to explore it that you'll help the Delaware Trail Spinners in our conservation and preservation efforts. Look around our website for opportunities. Get involved. Become a club member. Nuff said about that. See you at the trailhead.

Questions?
Leave a message at 302-738-7677. Someone will get back to you ASAP.

FAIR HILL

Weekday evenings on Tuesday and Thursday, cyclists of varying skill levels will enjoy these fun rides. We break into groups to ensure everyone has a good time and no one is left behind.

Tuesday's ride is aimed at beginner mountain bikers and typically will cover 5-10 miles distance in 1-1.5 hours total riding time. The pace is easy but riders should expect single track with some rocks, roots and stream crossings.

 EVERY TUESDAY Fair Hill Beginner Ride
 Ride Leaders: Ray Geddens, 302-454-8008
           Bob Gaston, 443-553-0254
 Gallaher Road Parking Lot push-off at 5:30 pm

Thursday's ride is a free-for-all celebration of Mid-Atlantic mountain biking at its best. Fast, slow, steep, rocky, bust your butt to make it to the top, then freefall downhill to do it all again. Rides typically will cover 12-20 miles distance in 1.5-2 hours total riding time.
 EVERY THURSDAY Fair Hill Intermediate-Advanced Ride/*
 Ride Leaders: Bill Spry, 302-275-8322
           Ray Cichocki, 302-379-3847
 North Appleton Parking Lot push-off at 5:30 pm

Every 2nd and 4th Saturday we host a ride for all skill levels. The ride pushes off from the Gallaher road parking lot on the second and from the Appleton Road parking area on the fourth.

 2ND SATURDAY RIDE
 Ride Leader: OPEN, contact Jim Ireland to volunteer
 Gallaher Road Parking Lot push-off at 9:00 am
 
 4TH SATURDAY RIDE-Fair Hill
 Ride Leader: OPEN, contact Jim Ireland to Volunteer
 Appleton Road Parking Lot Push-off at 9:00 am

Tuesady Techy Ride: What the heck is a Techy Ride? A ride sometimes referred to as Intermediate or Upper I

llenging. Meet in the parking lot at Pike Creek Bible Church off of Polly Drummond Road.
 
 EVERY Tuesday
 Ride Leader: Jack Murray
 Meet at Pike Creek Bible Church parking lot by 5:15 PM.
 Push-off at 5:30 PM.

We're going to try something new this year. Following the normally scheduled Saturday maintenance at Middle Run we will lead a novice-beginner ride. This will be primarily for folks just getting into the sport

Every THIRD Saturday
Ride Leader: Jim Ireland
Meet at The Nine Foot Road Parking Lot
Push-Off at 1:00 PM