“Car Back!” “Clear!”

Talk on the Ride

By Stephanie Wisniewski, Rider ACT 7, ACT 8, ACT 9

Just a few of the phrases you’ll hear and be shouting yourself when you join us for a training ride in preparation for our 300 mile trek that you’ll do (oh, yes you will!) during the ACT Ride.

In order to get myself geared up for this year’s ride, I have recently joined the crew of riders getting together for the training rides weeknights and on the weekends. I figured the earlier I started to train, the better! I commute by bike a relatively short distance to work most days but have never tackled anything like this before! 

I was happy to discover that the rides are a lot of fun and the ride leaders are encouraging, friendly and very knowledgeable. In fact, at my first training ride, one seasoned ride leader gently pointed out that I was not wearing my helmet properly. With some assistance and a quick adjustment, I was set. Last Saturday morning, one ride leader shared his wonderful homemade banana bread at the end of our ride. Another gave me tips on shifting appropriately as we tackled a hill. I have been pleasantly surprised by all of the support and encouragement I have received so far from the ride leaders as well as the other experienced riders. 

Regarding the ride itself, the routes we’re biking right now are geared towards getting us used to “being in the saddle” and we ride on both streets and bike paths. Before any ride, we have a safety speech acquainting us with the rules of the road and biker etiquette. When we begin each ride, there is always a ride leader at the front and one at the rear following behind the last rider so no one is left behind. Aside from meeting new people, receiving various tips on biking and feeling great about giving back to the folks in my community with the donations I am raising, I’m also enjoying all of the “ah ha’s” I’m experiencing as I get better acquainted with the streets in Madison! I look forward to seeing you out there!