Each week through August 31, hundreds of bike riders of every age, shape, and experience level are expected to take part in SPIN! Bike Rides. Two years ago, more than 6,500 rides were taken. The numbers were lower last summer due to heat-related ride cancellations.

 

“We have always had a charitable component to our rides, but this new program is the first time that we’ve tied donations directly to the number of rides taken. The cyclists know that they are not only having a great time riding with us, but that they are benefitting those served by Heart to Heart,” says SPIN! co-owner Gail Lozoff. 

 

In addition to partnering with Heart to Heart, SPIN! is working with local bike shop, BikeSource, whose technicians regularly offer free minor bike adjustments at rides and a chance to win gift cards.

 

SPIN! Bike Rides offer options for cyclists of all ages and skill levels with rides four days a week and a variety of routes — including shorter rides perfect for families, novices, and those who haven’t ridden bikes in a while; challenging courses for advanced cyclists; and a mountain bike trail. The organized rides are led by experienced cyclists who emphasize fun, safety, and camaraderie.

 

With a motto of "We Ride, Then We Eat Pizza," most riders stay after the rides and enjoy being part of the SPIN! Bike Rides community that develops through the rides. Cyclists and their friends and family who join them, receive a 10 percent discount on food at SPIN! following the rides.

 

SPIN!’s décor incorporating bike wheels, sprockets, art, and patio rails that are actually bike racks accentuate the connection between SPIN! and cycling.

 

This is the sixth year that SPIN! has sponsored the free community bike rides.

 

Lozoff says that inexperienced riders can feel confident that the cyclists hired to lead SPIN! Bike Rides have the experience to help them feel comfortable riding safely with groups and on the road. 

 

“First timers who are a little nervous will be paired with a buddy who will help him or her learn the route and get comfortable with their bike,” she says. “This is a chance for bicyclists to have the fun and security of riding in a group, get cycling tips and advice, and learn the rules of the road. Spandex cycling gear isn’t required, just a helmet.”

 

Advanced cyclists who ride at a faster pace or are looking for a recovery or training ride find a committed and diverse group of long-distance riders who follow both guided and un-guided 18-20 mile routes several times a week. Cyclists preparing for local organized charity rides also join the longer SPIN! Bike Rides to train.

 

No advance registration is ever necessary. Participants just need to show up and sign in.

 

JP Shores, who designs and manages the SPIN! Bike Rides, has a bachelor's degree in sports science/athletic training and an M.S.Ed. in health education.

 

The weekly rides will continue through August 31 at four of SPIN!’s five Greater Kansas City locations. Twelve and 20-mile rides are held at 6:15 p.m. on Mondays at SPIN! in Overland Park, Kansas, 6541 W. 119th St. A 10-mile ride begins at 6:15 p.m. on Wednesdays in the second tier parking lot behind the SPIN! at 4950 Main St. in midtown Kansas City, Missouri. On Thursdays, riders at the Lenexa, Kansas, SPIN!, 9474 Renner Rd., can choose from a 6:15 p.m. guided mountain bike trail exclusively for experienced riders or un-guided 14 or 19-mile road rides. At 9:15 a.m. on Saturdays, riders enjoy a choice of 16 and 20-mile routes around Longview Lake before returning to SPIN! at 1808 NW Chipman Road in Lee’s Summit, Missouri.

 

SPIN! has been named best pizza by every major Greater Kansas City publication. SPIN!’s menu is created in collaboration with James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Smith. Founded in 2005, SPIN! has five locations with a sixth under construction in the Greater Kansas City area and its first franchise will open in May in Southern California.