The Ride Bike Shop

12/28/2021

The Ride Bike Shop updated their business hours.

The Ride Bike Shop updated their business hours.

12/26/2021

Hello all, hope you are having a very merry Christmas weekend. I'm sharing a few pics from our Holiday Lights Ride a few days ago. Thank you so much, everyone, for coming out and making it such a fun time. We had quite a crowd and stopped traffic from sheer wonderment a few times on our route.

A special thanks to SOMM Wines- Fairfield, Iowa for staying open for us after the ride.

See you all next year,
Mark of The Ride...

12/20/2021

Hello all, our gravel rides come to an end once again with a 'town' route celebrating the Christmas season. Come join us for 'The Holiday Lights Ride'! Bedeck your bike and yourself in lights and Christmas costume, (an ugly Christmas sweater will do), and warm layers)), and join us for a short ride that takes us by some of the best light and music displays in town. Afterwards, join us for the awesome hospitality of Krista Matthes at SOMM Wines- Fairfield, Iowa for refreshments and appetizers. It's a cozy scene!

We depart on Thursday, December 23rd at 5:30PM from The Ride Bike Shop at 123 N. Court St.

For Safety and Christmas camaraderie let's all try to ride together on this one.

A family friendly event: come wear your kids out for an easy bedtime.

The weather looks about as good as one could hope for this time of year: light winds and a 40 degree temp.

Helmets and front lights and rear flashers are a minimum requirement.

Please check out the route link for more specific route info.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38199148

A special shout out to Stephanie Wharton for all she's done to make this happen. Thanks!

See you there and then,
Mark of The Ride...

Hello all, our gravel rides come to an end once again with a 'town' route celebrating the Christmas season. Come join us for 'The Holiday Lights Ride'! Bedeck your bike and yourself in lights and Christmas costume, (an ugly Christmas sweater will do), and warm layers)), and join us for a short ride that takes us by some of the best light and music displays in town. Afterwards, join us for the awesome hospitality of Krista Matthes at SOMM Wines- Fairfield, Iowa for refreshments and appetizers. It's a cozy scene!

We depart on Thursday, December 23rd at 5:30PM from The Ride Bike Shop at 123 N. Court St.

For Safety and Christmas camaraderie let's all try to ride together on this one.

A family friendly event: come wear your kids out for an easy bedtime.

The weather looks about as good as one could hope for this time of year: light winds and a 40 degree temp.

Helmets and front lights and rear flashers are a minimum requirement.

Please check out the route link for more specific route info.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38199148

A special shout out to Stephanie Wharton for all she's done to make this happen. Thanks!

See you there and then,
Mark of The Ride...

12/14/2021

The word on the street is there is a possible lights ride coming up next week either on Wednesday (Dec 22) or Thursday (Dec 23). More details to come but get prepared to break out those ugly sweaters and decorate your bike in lights (photo below for inspiration).

This is a family friendly ride so bring the kiddos along, the route will be around 6 miles.

Bike lights will be required. So please make sure you have adequate front and back bike lights for your safety and the safety of others. If you don’t have any stop in at the shop to pick some up!

The word on the street is there is a possible lights ride coming up next week either on Wednesday (Dec 22) or Thursday (Dec 23). More details to come but get prepared to break out those ugly sweaters and decorate your bike in lights (photo below for inspiration).

This is a family friendly ride so bring the kiddos along, the route will be around 6 miles.

Bike lights will be required. So please make sure you have adequate front and back bike lights for your safety and the safety of others. If you don’t have any stop in at the shop to pick some up!

12/04/2021

Hello all, although the weather looks pretty good tomorrow, I can't make it so no Sunday Gravel from The Ride...

Enjoy the weekend,
Mark of The Ride...

12/02/2021

The Ride Bike Shop updated their business hours.

The Ride Bike Shop updated their business hours.

11/27/2021

Hello all! No Sunday Morning Gravel this Sunday, Nov. 28th. It's a little too cold and a little too windy for any compelling routes. Hopefully see you next Sunday!

Mark of The Ride...

11/20/2021

Avoid the Headwind! (Short)

Hello all, sorry for the late ride post, but the the weather looks pretty tolerable for November so let's ride!

Just a reminder that we will ride 'til Christmas, (weather allowing), and culminate our riding season w/ the Holiday Lights Ride on a weeknight just before Christmas. (We end at Somm Wines...very cozy!)

The routes this week should keep you out of the wind for the most part.

Hope to see you there,
Mark of The Ride...

2 routes: 10.9 mi., 18.6 mi., (please note they are counterclockwise in direction).

Avoid the Headwind! (Short) - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38052049

Avoid the Headwind! - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38052035

10.9 mi, +456 ft. Bike ride in Fairfield, IA

11/13/2021

Hello all, the weather this Sunday...not so good; unless you're doing singletrack amongst the trees.

No Sunday Morning Gravel.

Until the weather turns,
Mark of The Ride...

11/05/2021

Thoughts and Prayers...

Hello all, the weather looks fantabulous for November so let's ride! A shout out to those who braved the winds last Sunday and were rewarded with 10 miles of return riding with almost no pedaling.

Trivia: Sunday Morning Gravel continues, weather permitting, until nearly Christmas and culminates with our super fun Holiday Lights Ride.

We will depart The Ride... at 123 N. Court St. at 10am. All routes end at the Town Square.

Helmet, Lights, Flashers... Use 'em!

Remember: it's all about the ride so have a good one!

Mark of The Ride...

3 Routes: 10.7 mi., 24.6 mi., 35 mi.

Thoughts and Prayers... - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37936461

The Halloween Blues, or Sugar Crash - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37936540

A Great Way to Waste a Sunday - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37936498

10.7 mi, +462 ft. Bike ride in Fairfield, IA

10/29/2021

A Little Bit of Everything

Hello all, Sunday Morning Gravel is back. It looks to be sunny, but quite crisp and breezy, so wear a windbreaker and gloves. It's Halloween so if your costume is warm enough then wear it!

PLEASE NOTE: We'll start at 10am instead of 9:30am to let it warm up a bit.

We depart from The Ride... at 123 N. Court and all routes return to the town square.

As we get later into the season and the risk of exposure goes up be sure to buddy up and watch out for your fellow rider. A fun ride is a safe ride.

See you then and there,
Mark of The Ride...

3 Routes: 10.7 mi., 15.3 mi., and 19.2 mi.

Short Loop - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37889440

Medium Loop - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37889425

A Little Bit of Everything - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37889412

19.2 mi, +683 ft. Bike ride in Fairfield, IA

10/22/2021

No Sunday Morning Gravel this week as the 'Pineapple Express' which often hits the west coast this time of year will be dumping rain on us as it treks eastward.

Enjoy the week off, or hook up w/ the 'roadies' tomorrow, (Saturday), at 10am at the Fairfield Arts and Convention Center for a ride before the storm.

See you Sunday next for Halloween Gravel!
Mark of The Ride...

10/19/2021

Just shredding some singletrack at Sugarbottom!

Just shredding some singletrack at Sugarbottom!

10/16/2021

Loop Trail South

Hello all, the weather for Sunday Morning Gravel looks great this week so let's ride! A shout out to all those who rode the past two weeks, which were damp at times, but rideable.

We roll out at 9:30am from The Ride... at 123 N. Court St. All routes return to the town square. If you're looking for something 'brunchy' post-ride I've heard Istanbul Grill is a good possibility.

3 routes, (1 long and 2 short options): 10.9 mi., 14.1 mi., 31.2 mi.

Remember: It's all about the ride so have a good one!

Loop Trail South - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37780682

Loop Trail North - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37780669

West by Northwest - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37780660

10.9 mi, +459 ft. Bike ride in Fairfield, IA

10/09/2021

Mutilated Monkey Meat

Hello all, the weather looks pretty good for Sunday Morning Gravel so let's ride. We'll depart The Ride... at 123 N. Court St. at 9:30am.

If anyone knows of a brunch spot let me know because I sure don't.

South breezes make for a warm, mild day and fall color is starting to kick in.

2 routes: 17.8 mi. and 32.6 mi.

See you there and then,
Mark of The Ride...

Great Big Gobs of Greasy Grimy Gopher Guts - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37720434

Mutilated Monkey Meat - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37720475

Clockwise to start w/ a figure eight in there. - 32.6 mi, +1497 ft. Bike ride in Fairfield, IA

10/02/2021

Ding Darling Loop

Hello all, I think the weather will hold for Sunday Morning Gravel this week so let's ride! We depart the Ride... at 123 N. Court St. at 9:30am. Please note that the halfway point for the long route is Lake Darling State Park. Perhaps you might want to meet family and friends there for a picnic, or a hike, (and an eventual ride back into town).

A special thanks to everyone who rode and/or volunteered in 'The Level B Service Ride' last Saturday. We had great weather, better turnout than last year and positive feedback on the routes. And an even more special thanks to Wolf Creek Farm, Polishville Community Center, (Billy Peck) and Lloyd and Jeanine Thornburg for graciously allowing us to use their property for water/snack stops.

3 cool routes w/ rather pedestrian names cuz' I wasn't feelin' it tonight.
short: 17.1 mi., medium:23.7 mi., long: 36.5 mi.

Mark of The Ride...

Perlee Loop - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37671139

Medium loop - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37671169

Ding Darling Loop - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37671102

clockwise direction - 36.5 mi, +1671 ft. Bike ride in Fairfield, IA

09/25/2021

Hello all, don't sweat the recent rain shower. All it's done is settle the dust and brighten the landscape for 'The Level B Service Ride' tomorrow!

I look forward to seeing you all on the roads tomorrow.

Mark of The Ride...

09/24/2021

Gravel Ride | Bike Fairfield

Hello all, one last reminder to come out and ride 'The Level B Service Ride' tomorrow morning, Saturday the 25th.

Weather looks great! Road conditions look great! Come on out and enjoy Southeast Iowa's backroads on bicycle and support Fairfield community spirit and the local cycling scene.

Here's the link with all the pertinent info:
https://bikefairfield.com/gravel-ride/

See you then and there,
Mark of The Ride...

Level B Service Ride   Come Ride Jefferson County's Gravel & B Level Roads Fairfield, IA Date: Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021Rain Date: Oct. 2, 2021Location: Central Park - Fairfield, IARegistration Check-in: 6:00am - 9am** ** Please go to the route section below for start and end times ...

09/22/2021

Gravel Ride | Bike Fairfield

Hello all, their will be no Sunday Morning Gravel the 26th because of better gravel challenges on Saturday the 25th. The 2nd annual 'Level B Service Ride' is finally here! https://bikefairfield.com/gravel-ride/. Register online now, or the morning of, (cash only), and show yourself how far you've come this season 🙌no matter what your level: short 31+mi., medium 50+mi. and long 117+mi.

The weather forecast looks crisp and sunny, the gravel and dirt should be dry and fast and the winds mild. Come join us in celebrating the scenic backroads of Jefferson County in Southeast Iowa on BIKES!!!

Remember, its all about the ride so have a good one!
Mark of The Ride...

The link once again: https://bikefairfield.com/gravel-ride/

Level B Service Ride   Come Ride Jefferson County's Gravel & B Level Roads Fairfield, IA Date: Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021Rain Date: Oct. 2, 2021Location: Central Park - Fairfield, IARegistration Check-in: 6:00am - 9am** ** Please go to the route section below for start and end times ...

09/17/2021

Chuck

Hello all, summer is hangin' on... so let's ride. We depart The Ride... at 123 N. Court at 9:30am and, no matter the route, end up back at the town square for brunch at Mike and Nikki's if you so desire.

Next week is 'The Level B Service Ride' on Saturday the 25th so there will be no Sunday Morning Gravel next Sunday the 26th. Come on out and ride the 'Level B' on Saturday and further support the local cycling scene. It's an end of season stretch no matter what your level, (short 31+mi., medium 50+mi., and long 117+mi.). Challenge yourself and have a good time on gravel! Register online here: https://bikefairfield.com/gravel-ride/ or register the day of.

For snicks, I've color coded the routes. RED is pavement, BLUE is lime chip, BLACK is gravel, PINK is dirt, GREEN means you're on grass, underwater or ever so briefly trespassing so ride accordingly.

Ride w/ GPS, (the app/website I use to create these routes), has a surfaces breakdown embedded in it's route data. I recommend you mostly ignore it. By their reckoning most of our routes are 80-90% paved...yeah, whatever. Otherwise it's a great tool.

The routes: short 13.4 miles, medium 21.7 miles, long 32.7 miles

Enjoy,
Mark of The Ride...

50 Million Pounds of Salmon - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37527446

So There I Was, Surrounded by Fire... - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37527475

Chuck - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37527527

32.7 mi, +1424 ft. Bike ride in Fairfield, IA

09/10/2021

First Sunday, Long

Hello all, Sunday Morning Gravel is here again! We'll be rollin' out from The Ride... at 123 N. Court St. at 9:30am. The road cyclists will be meeting at the same time and place. John Salerno will be posting road ride details in a separate post. Feel free to try something new if you've been wondering about the other side of the fence.

Nothing has changed; helmets, lights and flashers are still a no-brainer.

Remember: 'The Level B Service Ride' is a little over two weeks away. We are seeing registrants in all 3 routes with 'The Beast' holding a slight lead so far. Sign up and come on out for some sweet routes that have a little bit of everything from long, high and lonesome hammer gravel to gnarly dirt to grass track to roller hills and some pretty serious elevation gain for these parts. Check out the link here: https://bikefairfield.com/gravel-ride/

This year Sunday Morning Gravel will be ending with BRUNCH! at Mike and Nikki's on the town square at 53 E. Broadway, (formerly Amore Mio). Here's an article about them: https://www.southeastiowaunion.com/news/mike-and-nikki-to-open-restaurant-in-downtown-fairfield/

To the routes: 10.8 miles, 20.2 miles, 35.7 miles

First Sunday, Short - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37455288

First Sunday, Medium - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37455316

First Sunday, Long - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37455361

See ya' then and there,
Mark of The Ride...

35.7 mi, +1380 ft. Bike ride in Fairfield, IA

09/01/2021

A Short Long

Hello all, this week is the last Thursday Night Gravel Ride of the year so let's ride! After a Labor Day hiatus the gravel rides will resume on Sunday morning, Sept. 12th at 9:30am until the weather says NO!

September 25th marks the return of 'The Level B Service Ride'. 3 routes: 31 miles, 50 miles and 117 miles. Set your goal, pick your poison and come support local business, the Fairfield Chamber and a part of our cycling scene. The routes each have about 1/3 dirt, lots of elevation gain and very little traffic. Check it out here: https://bikefairfield.com/gravel-ride/

Only short and medium routes this week since darkness falls earlier. To that end: GET LIGHTS AND FLASHERS AND USE 'EM! To motivate you: 10% OFF LIGHTS AND FLASHERS AT THE RIDE... IN SEPTEMBER.

Wear a helmet.

We depart from The Ride... 123 N. Court St. at 5:30 Sept. 2.

We end up at Cider House.

See you there and then,
Mark of The Ride...

2 routes: 15.3 miles, 24.3 miles

A safe 15 - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37351564

A Short Long - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37355406

24.3 mi, +988 ft. Bike ride in Fairfield, IA

08/25/2021

The Rolling Stones - Shattered - 1978

Hello all, summer wanes... so let's ride! Weather looks 85% perfect, whatever that means.

Glad to hear so many rode Bike Van Buren. Hope to see you Thursday.

John La Fave, you really should consider gravel so we can all watch your cool 'Relive' videos.

A big shout out to Clint Stephenson, runner up for 'The Most Interesting Man In The World' last week... just joking... Clint did something far more interesting last weekend. He rode the 150 miler at the Gravel Worlds in eastern Nebraska. I'll let him retell the epicness of it all. Great job, Clint!

Enough gossip.

We depart from The Ride... at 123 N. Court St. at 5:30 on Thursday, August 26 and all routes lead to Cider House!

Remember, it's all about the ride so have a good one!
Mark of The Ride

Route 1: 16.7 miles
Eight Ways From Sunday-https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37278583

Route 2: 23.9 miles
Hmmm... I Wonder-https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37278612

Route 3: 35.5 miles
If I Wasn't Laughin' I'd Be Cryin'
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37278662

Hey man, Charlie Watts, the backbone of the Stones, the gentleman of rock, just passed. :(
Here's a funky Stones track in his honor. Enjoy!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IvxpNTNmzs

The Rolling Stones Some Girl Album released in 1978. The photos are 1970's New York City.