When 80+ people show up for a group ride on a week night you know there’s something special going on.  I had to go check it out for myself, and I’m glad I did.  This really is a social ride.

It begins at Bill Barber park with Junike buzzing around like a bee, pollinating conversations and welcoming incoming cars with bikes.  At 530ish, Jason gathers the troops in for a group photo… we needed a drone to get everybody in.  He’s taken the time to learn all the newcomers names, and introduces each of us individually by name to the group.

After the intros, the ride sponsor – PEDALindustries in this case – asks 3 trivia questions and rewards the winners with prizes.  It’s a great way to get to know new people and for people to become acquainted with your brand.

Then we ride the streets and bikeways of Irvine, up to the end of Portola and back.  The pace is conversational and the conversations are fun.  It’s warm.  The evening light is pleasing.  Irvine is a great cycling town, and for the most part the group is able to stay together.

Back at the park, the sun floats down.

Butts rest on top tubes.

Selfies are shot.

We’re happy.

170