I love a group ride! The idea of getting together with a group of like-minded people and just riding is so freeing.  And wouldn't you know that the two I most often participate in are happening this week. Huzzah!

First is Critical Lass this Thursday, December the 8th.  Critical Lass is a monthly 5-8 mile bike ride exclusively for women and trans cyclists.  It facilitates camaraderie, increases visibility and encourage riders of all ages and skill sets to just get out and on their bikes.  The route changes monthly and the pace is quite leisurely.  The end destination is always a restaurant or bar for food, drink and conversation.  This month, the ride departs from Hamlin Park at 6:30pm.

Unfortunately, I missed last month's ride but did participate in the Halloween October ride.  While I usually don't cart my kids along on such excursions, they were lucky enough to join the group for that one ride.  While my intentions were to bail on the ride as the group passed near my neighborhood, my daughter would not hear of it and insisted that we continue on to the final destination.  She was overjoyed to sit in the back of the bucket conversing with the other riders and waving at people we passed.  For a cold, dark and rainy night, we sure did receive a lot of smiles and waves back.  And more than a few chuckles as well since most riders were decked out in some sort of costume, ourselves included.  

And for the smaller set in my life, we will be participating in Kidical Mass on Saturday, December 10th.  The ride departs from the Bunny Park in Palmer Square.  Kidical Mass is a group ride for families with riders of all ages.  It is not uncommon to see kids being toted about in every way imaginable for this ride - from bike seats, buckets, and bakfiets to tag-alongs and on their own.  This ride is all about the younger set.  It provides a relaxed and slow-paced atmosphere for newly independent riders to really experience riding on their own in places other than just around a park.  It also provides that extra little push for those almost ready to take off the training wheels by allowing them to see other 4 and 5 year olds biking within the group.  While O is not quite ready to be on her own, there is always a renewed interest following one of these rides.  We will see how she progresses through the winter.  Continuing to bike as a family, combined with the support of the group rides, will hopefully keep her geared up to practice riding this winter... and maybe she'll be ready to get rid of those training wheels come spring!