The month of May is also known as bike month and what a great time to get outside! The sun is shining so we're putting away our winter clothes and pulling out our bikes! If you've never joined a slow roll before you will be in for a treat. It's simply exhilarating with the wind in your face and your fellow riders blasting their tunes. I joined my first slow roll last year with a second-hand-barely-used bike my husband bought for me on Mother's Day and never looked back. Slow rolls are in the name; you are riding your bike at a slow to moderate pace. This isn't a race but a bike-riding-community-experience. You might ask yourself, "What's the difference between a slow roll and a group ride?" and the answer is you aren't going to see as much speed or spandex in a slow roll; it's all about leisure. There can be as few as 5 people or as many as 100; no matter the number it is all about riding together and mutual support.
Sometimes you may ride on a trail but often bikers share space in our community streets. There are leaders whose jobs are to lead the ride, corkers moderate traffic so that the bikers can stay safe while they are riding, and there are sweepers who make sure that the group stays together. Whether you are high wheeling it, tandem, renting, or standard biking you can join the roll. Slow Rolls are for all ages however if you are 14 and under you must wear a bike helmet in the state of New York and have supervision. Everyone also learns the rules of the road from turn signals, slowing, stopping, and passing. It's a great time for fresh air, community, and fun! Many slow rolls also support non-profits in order to work towards supporting the larger community as well. Slow Rolls have a welcome home here in Buffalo being the city of good neighbors. Happy trails to you and hope to see you out there on the road!
If you are interested in joining a slow roll you can find the schedule and join at slowrollbuffalo.org