December 12, 2009 (Maple Ridge, BC) – Local Ride Bike Shop in Maple Ridge, BC will introduce regular Women’s Only road cycling rides starting on Saturday, January 2. The one- to- two-hour sessions will introduce participants to group road cycling, in a fun, supportive, fitness-oriented environment. Just in time for setting New Year’s fitness goals, Local Ride Women’s Only Rides will help motivated women stick to them.

The rides will be led by friendly Local Ride staffers and experienced cyclists, Jean Ann McKirdy and Sandra Walter. Between them, McKirdy and Walter have over 20 years of high-performance racing, coaching, and teaching experience. They are excited to share some of the area’s most beautiful and lesser known cycling routes to interested women, facilitate road safety and etiquette, and to help women build their fitness and meet other like-minded cyclists in the area.

“This is such a great initiative,” said Walter. “I’m really looking forward to meeting more women cyclists and helping them get excited about biking.”

The first Local Ride Women’s Only Ride will roll out on Saturday, January 2. Road bikes in good working order are mandatory, and bikes must have fenders for the wet weather, as rides will take place rain or shine. The group ride will cover a loop that will take approximately one hour to complete, with the option of an extension for enthusiastic riders.

“We’re not looking for racers,” said McKirdy. “We’re looking for recreational female cyclists with the aim of improving fitness and having fun outside on bikes.”

The women’s rides will meet at Local Ride Bike Shop, 7-22214 Dewdney Trunk Road, starting January 2 at 9:30 am for coffee. The ride will leave the shop at 10:00 am. Riders must bring road bikes with full fenders, a helmet, water, food, and a spare inner tube.

Any women who are interested in joining the fun on the roads on Saturday mornings are encouraged to attend an info session on Wednesday, December 30 at 6:00 pm at Local Ride Bike Shop, hosted by McKirdy and Walter.

Please RSVP by signing up in person at the shop or calling 604-466-2016, prior to the ride. All women who have a sense of adventure and are looking to boost their fitness on two wheels are invited to ask questions and learn more about the rides, including what to expect and what to bring.

What: Local Ride Bike Shop Women‘s Only Road Rides
When: Saturdays at 10:00 am, starting January 2. Come at 9:30 am for coffee.
Where: Rides start and finish at Local Ride Bike Shop, 7-22214 Dewdney Trunk Road, Maple Ridge BC
Bring: Ride-ready road bike with full fenders, helmet, water bottle, ride food, spare inner tube, appropriate clothing, and a sense of adventure.