The Ride Bike Shop

10/06/2022

October Full Moon Ride

Hello all, this weekend we will have a Saturday Full Moon Loop Trail Ride instead of Sunday Morning Gravel.

We will depart The Ride... at 123 N. Court St. at 6pm.

We will return downtown for dinner/drinks Shokai Sushi-Fairfield afterwards.

The weather looks great, bring a windbreaker and/or layer up.

You're going to need lights and flashers for this one.

Bring a friend and enjoy the rise of the Hunter Moon by bike!

See you Saturday evening,
Mark of The Ride...

The Route:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41131437

18.6 mi, +715 ft. Bike ride in Fairfield, IA

10/04/2022

Super Loco!

10/02/2022

Remember: This week Sunday Morning Gravel departs Cider House, 1949 Pleasant Plain Road, at 10:30am tomorrow morning NOT from The Ride...

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

09/28/2022

Harvest Rush

Hello all, join us for Sunday Morning Gravel! Since the original Harvest Rush routes were rained out for the event last Sunday, I thought we'd ride them this Sunday. Jefferson Co. and its surrounding environs are the land of the 'Level B' and these routes have a lot of what probably attracted you to this ride in the first place. So come join us if you can and enjoy the 'MMR'.

We depart the Cider House at 10:30am.

All routes end at Cider House.

No snack stations, or support this time so plan accordingly.

See you Sunday,
Mark of The Ride...

The Routes:

Short, 32.6 miles
Harvest Rush - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40516863

Medium, 58.6 miles
Dirt Road Anthem, revised - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40516817

Long, 115.5 miles
Dissident Aggressor, revised - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40855294

Ignore Ride w/ GPS road surface info. Route is 33% 'Level B', or dirt roads. Enjoy! - 32.6 mi, +1680 ft. Bike ride in Jefferson County, IA

09/23/2022

media2.giphy.com

Hello all, please read the Chamber's gravel ride update. We are using the rain routes. Please download the routes to your 'devices'.

See you tomorrow,
Mark of The Ride...

09/23/2022

Dirt Road Anthem, revised

Hello all, this Harvest Rush Gravel Grinder update isn't on the Fairfield Chamber website yet, but it will be tomorrow. So, if you're planning on doing the medium, or long route take heed: they have both been slightly revised due to a rather muddy low water crossing.

Here are the revised routes. You will know you have the right one downloaded/uploaded if it has the word 'revised' in the title.

Dirt Road Anthem, revised - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40516817

Dissident Aggressor, revised - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40855294

The short route has not been revised.

Saturday is looking to be a sunny, crisp, beautiful early fall day. Perfect riding weather!

See you all there,
Mark of The Ride...

Ignore Ride w/ GPS road surface info. Route is 38% 'Level B', or dirt roads. Enjoy! - 58.6 mi, +3127 ft. Bike ride in Jefferson County, IA

09/16/2022

Sunday Gravel #2

Hello all, Sunday is the new Thursday. The gravel rides will generally start at 10:30am this fall, unless we're doing a 'drive and ride' to explore new territory, (in which case they'll begin at 1pm).

This weekend the forecast calls for rain, but Sunday in the day looks dry. The routes have some 'Level B'; if they're too muddy we'll take a gravel, or a pavement workaround as needed, but I think they'll be passable even with some moisture.

We depart The Ride... at 123 N. Court St. at 10:30am on Sunday, Sept 16th.

All routes end at Cider House for brunch!

Enjoy,
Mark of The Ride...

The Routes:

Short, 12.1 miles
Sunday Gravel #2 - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40955733

Medium, 25 miles
Sunday Gravel #1 - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40955700

12.1 mi, +498 ft. Bike ride in Fairfield, IA

09/07/2022

S*!# for Brains

Hello all, I might not be brightest match in the pack, but I can read a forecast and Sunday looks wet. So let's ride...one more week on Thursday evening! Only a short and a solid medium effort so we'll have enough daylight and the weather looks great!

One more Thursday Night Gravel...

We depart from The Ride...at 123 N. Court St. at 5:30pm on Thursday, Sept. 8th.

All routes end at Shokai Sushi-Fairfield this week. (BTW, thank you all for the wonderful post-ride conversation last week.)

Mark of The Ride...

The Routes:

Short, 7.2 miles
S*!# for Brains - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40856862

Medium, 17.5 miles
Just Enough Brains to Breathe - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40856845

7.2 mi, +278 ft. Bike ride in Fairfield, IA

08/31/2022

Shokai Short

Hello all! Thanks to everyone for cheerfully putting up with the 'hike-a-bike' section last week. We'll have to do that again...in like 5 years.

Come on out for the last Thursday Night Gravel of the year this Sept. 1st. The weather looks great.

We'll move the gravel rides to Sundays in the fall as it gets too dark to ride in the evening. We'll resume Sept. 11th and ride, weather permitting, until the season ending Holiday Lights Ride just before Christmas. More details to come.

A reminder that the Fairfield Chamber's Harvest Rush Gravel Grinder is about a month away, Sept. 24th. I'm nearly done with the routes and it's looking like all three will have over 1/3rd of the total miles on Level B. I don't think many gravel rides offer that much Level B. I'll take a mile of Level B over 10 miles of so called 'champagne gravel' any day. Check it out and register here: https://www.fairfieldiowa.com/calendar/harvest_rush_gravel_grinder/

We depart The Ride... at 123 N. Court St. at 5:30pm on Thursday, Sept. 1st.

All routes end at Shokai Sushi-Fairfield this week.

Please wear/use HELMETS, LIGHTS and FLASHERS!

See ya',
Mark of The Ride...

The Routes:

Short, 10.6 miles
Shokai Short - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40775615

Med./Long, 21.4 miles
Shokai Long - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40776248

10.6 mi, +435 ft. Bike ride in Fairfield, IA

08/24/2022

A Romp Through the Weeds

Hello all, only a few more Thursday Night Gravel rides before we switch to Sundays after Labor Day due to the shortened days...So let's ride! Weather looks great! Please note that both routes this week have a 'cyclocross' section, (i.e. dismount and carry) at 4.6 mile mark. It's totally fun and do-able, unless you have an e-bike or child trailer. The workaround will be to continue north on Kelp Ave. to a left, or right, (depending on the route), at 185th St. instead of turning left onto Sunset Drive. If you have questions talk to me before the ride.

We depart at 5:30pm from The Ride... at 123 N. Court St. on Thursday, 8/24

All routes end at Cider House.

Enjoy!
Mark of The Ride...

The Routes:

Short, 10.2 miles
A Romp Through the Weeds - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40703253

Med./Long, 24.6 miles
Chigger Fest! - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40703186

10.2 mi, +436 ft. Bike ride in Fairfield, IA

08/17/2022

Short, 8/18/22

Hello all! Well, one dubious benefit of this drought is that it has made gravel and dirt riding super easy, (if a little dusty). I would prefer a little more rain. Oh well, the pattern holds, more perfect riding conditions for Thursday Night Gravel.

We depart The Ride... at 123 N. Court St at 5:30pm on Thursday, Aug. 18th

This week, all routes end at SOMM Wines- Fairfield, Iowa, (right behind the bike shop). Come enjoy the wine, the cheese platters, the porch, the patio/yard, the sweet vibe and killer hospitality of Sommelier Krista Matthes.

Use your lights and flashers! Darkness falls...

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

The Routes: Forgive me, I'm not always inspired with clever names/themes each week. No need to force it.

Short, 11 miles
Short, 8/18/22 - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40606819

Medium, 21 miles
Medium. 8/18/22 - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40606782

Long, 28.4 miles
Long, 8/18/22 - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40606736

11.0 mi, +434 ft. Bike ride in Fairfield, IA

08/10/2022

Jason Aldean - Dirt Road Anthem

Hello y'all, this week Thursday Night Gravel goes country! After all it IS in the country, and a country boy like me didn't learn these roads by accident.

Call it a vocation, and this song describes it best:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lb9q1ScC4cg

Weather looks great!

We depart The Ride... at 123 N. Court at 5:30pm on 8/11. All routes end at Cider House.

We're losing daylight. Use Helmets, Lights, Flashers!

"I'm turnin' off of real life drivin', that's right, I'm hittin' easy street on mud tires."
Mark of The Ride...

The Routes:

Short, 5.1 miles
Dirt Road Anthem #1 - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40529589

Medium, 22.9 miles
Dirt Road Anthem #2 - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40529581

Long, 32 miles
Dirt Road Anthem #3 - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40529606

“Dirt Road Anthem” from My Kinda Party, available here: http://smarturl.it/aldean-mykindapartySubscribe to Jason’s channel: http://smarturl.it/jasonaldeancha...

08/03/2022

Family Short, 8/4/22

Hello all, another week, another gravel ride. The rain should settle the dust and it won't be enough to 'mud up' the dirt so road conditions should be about as good as can get. Weather will be warm and sunny with decreasing, light, northerly breezes.

We have a super short family distance this week cuz kids like to ride too!

We depart The Ride... at 123 N. Court St. at 5:30pm on Thursday, Aug. 4th.

All routes end at Cider House.

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

Mark of The Ride...

The Routes:

Family Short, 4 miles
Family Short, 8/4/22 - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40447753

Medium, 20.2 miles
Medium, 8/5/22 - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40447622

Long, 29.6 miles
Long, 8/4/22 - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40447823

4.0 mi, +131 ft. Bike ride in Fairfield, IA

07/27/2022

Short, 7/28/22

Hello all, we may not be on RAGBRAI, but we can still ride. Thursday Night Gravel will be dusting up the roads again this week. Weather looks great... again. Come on out and join us.

We'll depart The Ride... at 123 N. Court St. at 5:30pm on Thursday, July 28th

All routes end at Cider House.

Remember to use your lights and flashers and wear your helmets.

Buddy up, bring plenty of water and help each other out.

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

The Routes:

Short, 14.5 miles
Short, 7/28/22 - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40350433

Medium, 23.7 miles
Medium, 7/28/22 - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40350416

Long, 32.1 miles
Long, 7/28/22 - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40350395

14.5 mi, +674 ft. Bike ride in Fairfield, IA

07/20/2022

Short 7/21/22

Hello all, sorry for the late notice, but sometimes ya gotta wait for that forecast wind change that ya have a hunch is comin'. Weather looks great! Hot, yes, but it's July and we've all acclimated ourselves, so let's ride.

We depart from The Ride... at 123 N. Court St. at 5:30pm on Thursday, 7/21/22.

All routes end at Cider House.

Enjoy,
Mark of The Ride...

The Routes:

Short, 13.3 miles
Short 7/21/22 - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40266978

Medium, 19.2 miles
Bill - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40266949

Long, 36.4 miles
Last Minute RAGBRAI Training Route - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40266904

13.3 mi, +535 ft. Bike ride in Fairfield, IA

07/17/2022

In Stock - Shop Bikes | Redline

Hello all, 3 of my bike brands: Diamondback, Redline and IZIP is running a pretty serious sale on most in-stock bicycles thru Labor Day. Contact me at the shop (641) 472-1719, and/or check out these websites for more info:

https://www.diamondback.com/bikes/in-stock

https://www.izipbikes.com/bikes/in-stock.html

https://www.redlinebicycles.com/bikes/in-stock.html

Mark of The Ride...

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07/13/2022

Really Short, 7/14/22

Hello all! Thanks to everyone who came out last week in remembrance of Kristina and to enjoy, some for the first time, the fabled Lockridge Loop. Hmmm... might have to do that one again sometime.

Now it's back to the GRIND! The Gravel Grind!

Weather looks Awesome! So let's ride, no excuses.

Safety First: Helmets, Lights, Flashers, Ride Right, Buddy Up. Do it all and lend a hand if needed.

Thursday Night Gravel departs The Ride... at 123 N. Court St. at 5:30pm on 7/14/22.

All routes end at Cider House.

Enjoy,
Mark of The Ride...

The Routes:

Family distance: 3.6 miles
Really Short, 7/14/22 - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40171726

Standard short: 14.5 miles
Short, 7/14/22 - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40171706

Medium: 21.2 miles
Is It Spicy? - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40171785

Long: 31.8 miles
Dip Yer Wheel in the Skunk - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40171835

3.6 mi, +175 ft. Bike ride in Fairfield, IA

07/07/2022

The Kristina Gelfand Hot Pink Car Back Memorial Lockridge Loop Ride

Hello all, sorry for the delayed post, but I was hoping for a clearer forecast. So much for that...so let's ride anyway! We'll stick to the blacktop as it will likely be wet, but probably not actually raining. Just one loop route this time. If you would like to shorten it, I recommend an out and back variation. The route ends at Cider House.

This ride is in honor of Kristina Gelfand, who recently slipped her mortal coil. She was a long-time roadie, (before gravel was a thing) and really just a helluva gal. Come ride for a fun workout and in remembrance of Kristina if you had the pleasure of knowing her.

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

Mark of The Ride...

The Route: 32.4 miles

The Kristina Gelfand Hot Pink Car Back Memorial Lockridge Loop Ride - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40092068

32.4 mi, +1494 ft. Bike ride in Fairfield, IA

06/28/2022

To Selma and Back

Hello all. Another week, another great weather gravel ride! Long days, longer routes. Enjoy the beautiful evenings on SE Iowa's backroads and finish with a sublime meal and drinks at Cider House!

Remember to hydrate well!

Buddy up and help each other out.

Helmets, Lights, Flashers... Wear 'em and Use 'em.

Gravel rides make great RAGBRAI training rides.

We depart The Ride... at 123 N. Court St. at 5:30pm on 6/30/22.

Routes end at Cider House.

Enjoy,
Mark of The Ride...

The Routes:

Short, 14.5 miles
Short 6/30/22 - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39993012

Medium, 20.1 miles
Medium 6/30/22 - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39993501

Long, 40.9 miles
To Selma and Back - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39992960

40.9 mi, +1459 ft. Bike ride in Fairfield, IA

06/25/2022

John Salerno says:

Cyclists,

Let meet on Sunday at 10 am in front of FACC
Weather looks splendid with 10 am temps in low 70s and afternoons highs around upper 70s, partly sunny and winds NNW 15 mph

all bikes welcome including e-bikes, gravel bikes, trikes and recumbents, etc

see u all there

if running late, call 451-7096 to get route out of town
unless wind changes, it will most likely be NW toward Packwood

Enjoy,
Mark of The Ride...

06/22/2022

Hello all, evenings don't get any longer or luscious than right now so let's ride! This Thursday we have routes worthy of these long evenings so come out and build your base for those gravel grinders I know you're planning on doing this year. Or even better, ride cuz it's just plain fun!

The weather looks great!

Thursday Night Gravel departs The Ride... at 123 N. Court St at 5:30pm on 6/23/22.

All routes end at Cider House.

Enjoy,
Mark of The Ride...

The routes:

Short, 14.1 miles
Mmmm, said the Duke! Ahhh, said the Duchess - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39914876

Medium, 21.7 miles
Sh#t Show from the Git go - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39914851

Long, 40.5 miles
To Lambirth and Back - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39902825

06/15/2022

Hello all, this Thursday looks hot, but pretty low humidity; so, if you bring plenty of water, pick a 'doable ' route for you and buddy up I think all will go well. The routes this week range from ridiculously easy to ridiculously hard. Choose wisely.

Even though these are some of the longest days of the year I implore you to ride with flashers on anyway. Helmets are a must and ride right and obey the rules of the road.

Thursday Night Gravel departs from The Ride... at 123 N. Court St. at 5:30pm on 6/16.

All routes end at Cider House this week.

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

The Routes:

short, 3.6 miles
Super Short - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39822530

medium, 15.3 miles
Pretty Much the Loop Trail - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39822543

long, 37.1 miles
Call in Sick on Friday - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39822615

06/11/2022

Tim Messenger says:

Road ride Sunday @ 10 am leaving from the convention center.

An easterly wind always makes for an interesting day.

Enjoy,
Mark of The Ride...

06/08/2022

Short 6/9/22

Hello all, it looks like more perfect weather for Thursday Night Gravel...so let's ride! If you get this via email feel free to forward it to someone you think might be interested. If you get this via social media share the post around. The more the merrier!

Remember: download/upload the route link you want to ride, or ride with people who are riding the route you want to ride, or memorize the route, I guess.

Departing: The Ride..., 123 N. Court St. at 5:30pm on 6/9/22

This week all routes end at Arandas Mexican Restaurant, 203 W. Broadway. Come enjoy their patio, food and drinks on what should be an exquisite early summer evening.

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

Mark of The Ride...

The routes:

Short, 11.1 miles
Short 6/9/22 - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39734145

Medium, 20.7 miles
Medium 6/9/22 - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39734028

Long, 29.8 miles
Long 6/9/22 - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39734001

11.1 mi, +329 ft. Bike ride in Fairfield, IA

06/04/2022

David Weiser says...

Hi all,

Road ride, or whatever we feel like, Saturday morning, June 4, 10:00 in front of FACC. Ride whatever you like and we’ll try to accommodate.
The weather looks great. My cell is 717-725-2684.

John Salerno is riding Tomrv this weekend.

David Weiser

Enjoy,
Mark of The Ride...

06/01/2022

The Dude Abides

Hello all, I know it has nothing to do with cycling, but sometimes I really miss the '90's.

Anyway, the weather looks great for this week's rendition of Thursday Night Gravel.

When: Thursday, June 2nd at 5:30pm

Departing: The Ride..., 123 N. Court St.

Destination: The Cider House

Enjoy,
Mark of The Ride...

The Routes:

Short, 14.5 miles: The Dude Abides - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39641187

Medium, 22.4 miles: Shut the F#^* Up, Donny! - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39641226

Long, 31.1 miles: The Big Lebowski - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39641258

14.5 mi, +716 ft. Bike ride in Fairfield, IA

05/28/2022

TOMRV - Quad Cities Bike Club

Hello all! Anyone looking to do an organized regional ride I encourage you to check out TOMRV, (Tour of the Mississippi River Valley). It's always the second weekend in June, this year June 11 and 12. The routes have changed somewhat and there are more options compared to yesteryear, but it's still a good way to get your 'sea legs' under you for the rest of the season.

https://qcbc.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=505193&module_id=324415

Enjoy,
Mark of The Ride...

05/28/2022

John Salerno says:

Cyclists,

let's meet at 10 am this Sunday for a road ride
meet in front of FACC
Weather looks seasonable--sunny with temps at 10 am predicted around mid 70s with late afternoon highs in upper 80s with winds out of S 18-20 mph

call 641-451-7096 if running late to get the route out of town

see u all there

Enjoy!
Mark of The Ride...

05/25/2022

The Shortest Route to the Bar

Hello all, I held off on calling it, but I think the weather will allow it, so let's ride! It's going to be a bit cool, but the routes are high road gravel so we should be fine. Bring a windbreaker, or layer up.

When: 5:30pm departure

Where: 123 N. Court St. aka The Ride...

Destination: Cider House

Lights, Flashers, Helmets, Buddy up, Ride right. Use 'em and do 'em.

See ya'
Mark of The Ride...

The Routes:

Short, 7 miles:
The Shortest Route to the Bar - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39558430

Medium, 19.1 miles:
The Definite Article - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39557135

Long, 28.9 miles:
I'll Give You $10 bucks if You Do This Ride Tomorrow - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39558812

7.0 mi, +222 ft. Bike ride in Fairfield, IA

05/16/2022

Long, (but not too long)

Hello all! Good one last week, no one died in the heat. This Thursday the weather is looking sublime, so let's ride.

All routes start at The Ride... 123 N. Court St. at 5:30pm and end at The Cider House.

I saw a lot of flashers that weren't turned on last week. Let's get VISIBLE! It could save your life.

Helmets are a must, ride right, buddy up and obey the rules of road.

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

The routes:

1) Easy: The 'Ol Standby - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39448951

2) Medium: Reverse Cowgirl - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/34310896

3) Hard: Long, (but not too long) - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39449102

32.6 mi, +1213 ft. Bike ride in Fairfield, IA

05/13/2022

John Salerno says:

Cyclists,

Come join us for a pleasant ride tomorrow Saturday at 10 am. We will meet in front of FACC.

All bikes welcome---road, gravel, mountain, trikes, recumbent bikes, electric bikes, and even unicycles.

Weather will be partly sunny and more seasonable with temps in low 70s at 10 pm warming to mid80s by late afternoon. Winds out of N at

05/09/2022

Heat Stroke #3

Hello all!

Thursday Night Gravel is back! Come see what makes gravel and dirt riding so compelling, (use your imagination, ha ha :)! This week we just fast forwarded to July so be careful not to become overheated. Bring plenty of water, take breaks, buddy up and maybe take the easier route option to start the season.

We depart The Ride... 123 N. Court St. at 5:30pm Thursday May 12th.

All routes end this week at Cider House, where you can relax and rehydrate.

Be safe! Ride right. Wear/use helmets and flashers and obey the rules of the road.

The Back Roads Beckon...
Mark of The Ride...

The Routes:

1) Easy
Heat Stroke #1 - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39323373

2) Moderate
Heat Stroke #2 - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39323324

3) Hard
Heat Stroke #3 - https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39323395

p.s. download the routes to your phone, use your ride w/ gps app, your strava app, your gps device or simply show up and follow along.

35.5 mi, +1358 ft. Bike ride in Fairfield, IA

05/06/2022

John Salerno says:

Cyclists,

Lets meet tomorrow Saturday in front of FACC for a road ride at 9 am. Weather now looks more favorable tomorrow than Sunday. Sat prediction is sunny highs near 70,

04/25/2022

Hello all, The Ride Bike Shop will be closed Tuesday, April 26th. Once again I will be doing a controlled burn. We next open Wednesday, April 27th at 10AM.

Thx,
Mark of The Ride...

04/15/2022

Hello all! Please note that The Ride Bike Shop will be closed tomorrow, Saturday April 16th. I will be doing a controlled burn on the Nady Prairie on the north edge of town. Sorry for the inconvenience. We resume our usual hours: (Tues - Sat. 10-5), on Tuesday, April 19th.

Thx,
Mark of The Ride...

04/01/2022

Just a reminder: Starting tomorrow we'll be on our 'summer' hours, (April - December), which are... 10am - 5pm Tuesday - Saturday.

Thx,
Mark of The Ride...

04/01/2022

The Ride Bike Shop updated their business hours.

The Ride Bike Shop updated their business hours.