The local cycling and mountain biking club isholding an Open House Ride on Saturday, Apr. 27 with the goal of introducing local riders to the club, what they have to offer and the expansive run of trails through Wakamow Valley.
“It’s a chance for people to come out and see what it’s like to be in a bike club, being on organized group trail rides and what it’s all about,” said Pavers club president Rob Walcer. “People can get together and just show up, they can ride for an hour, hour and a half, whatever they want and we’ll keep it fun.
“It’s like we say, we want to focus on the smiles and not the miles and how much fun it can be to ride with other people.”
Taking part in the event is simple: just complete the non-member waiver or sign up for the club outright, show up across from the Burger Cabin at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday with your bike, mandatory helmet and water and you’re good to go.
The ride will be conducted by experienced members of the group, who will show off the trails and offer tips and tricks for how to navigate the more technical sections and hilly areas of Moose Jaw’s picturesque nature hideaway.
“We’re pretty fortunate to have what we have, as far as a valley going through the city where we can go out and enjoy it and have fun together,” Walcer said.
Riders who find themselves wanting more can join the club and take part in the weekly ride nights, taking place every Tuesday night from the Dairy Queen located on Caribou Street. Those events are ‘no-drop,’ meaning the group sticks together as much as possible in order to offer as much camaraderie and enjoyment to even the least experienced riders.
“We make sure that no one is left alone, if someone is further back one of us will ride back and help them out and make sure they’re okay,” Walcer said. “It’s a pretty negative feeling if you’re on a ride and all of sudden you’re by yourself. And we stop and regular breaks to have a sip of water, a bit of a rest, so it works out pretty well for all levels of riders.”
The group traditionally has between three and eight riders on Tuesday nights, with things kicking off at 6:15 p.m. and going for about 60 to 90 minutes in Wakamow Valley.
“So it’s a fairly small group, which makes it really good as well since we can do some mentoring and guiding for some of the novice riders,” Walcer said.
All Pavers rides are club rides and are insured, meaning the majority of riders in any group have to be members of the club and registered through the Saskatchewan Cycling Association. Potential club members can take in three rides per year before having to register.
The cost is $15 for a club members and a general membership with the SCA is $50, going up depending on the level of riding or racing you wish to participate in.
For more information on the Open House Ride or the club itself, check out the club’s comprehensive website at moosejawpavers.ca.
