How many bike clubs do you know in which the "in" group rides 10 - 12 mph and happily answers to the nickname "Turtles?" In Folks on Spokes, a club of about 250 members in the south suburbs of  Chicago, the group which "stops to smell the roses" is the fastest growing segment of the club -- both because they are friendly and fun-loving and because their slower pace welcomes new riders.

The Turtles group rides together on the club's regular Sunday morning rides. It has Wednesday and Thursday evening rides with an ice cream stop, and it plans weekend outings. Rides planned by the Turtles offer entertainment in addition to riding for distances and at a pace comfortable to new riders.

Candace McFadden, a Turtles ride leader, remarked, "New riders are the riders who most need encouragement to continue.   By staying together and seeing that no one is dropped, we provide friendship and that necessary encouragement."

The Wednesday night Turtles rides starting from 116th St and Avenue L began in the summer of 1993.  Co-founder Judy Dunn reports they now regularly have 22-25 on these rides. Some of those who started out with the Turtles now ride several thousand miles per year, including commuting to work.

Folks on Spokes has always tried to encourage new riders by having the "ride leader" ride at the back of the group --instead of the front, in order to stay with the slowest person. However, we've found that people who voluntarily ride at a slower pace are a much better source of support and encouragement to new riders than faster riders who take their turn riding at the back.

Craig Oberman, Turtle leader and co-founder, explained, "I'm a slow rider, not a new rider -- being a Turtle is a state of mind."The welcoming attitude and comfortable pace of the Turtles, as well as learning rides and many social events have helped Folks on Spokes attract a lot of new riders -- many of whom enjoy a leisurely pace.

Regularly scheduled rides begin in early May and run through October.Folks on Spokes also helps members learn to ride safely and confidently on roads.

Several club members are trained as League of American Bicycists Cycling Instructors, and at least one LAB Smart Cycling course is offered for members each year. The LAB Smart Cycling course helps people to refine and refresh their cycling skills; to ride a bike confidently and safely for transportation, fitness, and recreation, in traffic and on trails. It covers bicycle safety checks, fixing flats, essential on-bike handling skills, traffic cycling skills, and crash avoidance techniques.

See this link for more information on the classes.