Those looking for a better way to train, or who are just yearning for like-mind camaraderie, will find the answer on this list. It includes the best shop rides in California; plus one from Baja. A shop ride is like embarking on a Club Med trip for mountain bikers: You'll find the best places to ride and meet new friends. Learn new riding and training technique. See how other people set their bikes up and what products they're using. See how your fitness and skill compares against others. Push yourself harder and discover greater heights in fitness and skill. Learn how to ride in close contact with others. Those are just a few of the advantages of riding with a shop. Don't be a loner; get out there and hammer with others!
NOR CAL SHOP RIDES -- May 2003 issue
1. BACK COUNTRY BICYCLE
Starting in the spring twice a week rides meet at the shop. The favorite local ride is Bald Hill Trail. It's a granny grind the first 1-1/2 miles, then 3-1/2 more miles up to epic singletrack. Town: Crescent City. Contact: (707) 465-3995.
2. FIFTH SEASON
MTB rides generally meet Tuesday at the shop. Ride the Tunnel Trails or the Sisson Trail loop up on the Rainbow Ridge and access the South Fork. Maybe you'll get to ride with former KHS pro Sean Doyle. Town: Mt. Shasta. Contact: (530) 926-3606.
3. ADVENTURES EDGE
Call for the current Wednesday or Thursday schedule. The rides meet 6 p.m. at the shop and head into the Arcata Forest. Within an hour you'll go from sea level to 1000 feet. Four to ten riders. Town: Arcata. Contact: (707) 822-4673.
4. REVOLUTION BIKE SHOP
Wednesday, 6 p.m. rides year-round and weekend rides during the summer. Winter rides at the 700 acre Arcata Forest. Summer rides at Tish Tang, Willow Creek, Prairie Creek, and other local spots. Town: Arcata. Contact: (707) 822-2562.
5. REVOLUTION DOWNHILL
These summer sessions meet 8 a.m. Sunday. Then carpool to the shop's private course. The course goes down a rugged watershed and drops 2800 feet in five miles. Cross-country riders can ride up from the bottom. Town: Arcata. Contact: (707) 822-2562.
6. WINTER DOWNHILL SERIES
Henderson Center Bicycle puts together these free, every other month bouts. A different course it used each time. The rider with the best combined score wins. Come out and see if you can beat Matt Snyder. Town: Eureka. Contact: (707) 443-9861.
7. ELLISON'S BICYCLE SHOP
Wednesday, 5 p.m. at Lowden Park. "We ride the Basin Trail System. The singletrack is well developed. It's the former site of the La Grange Classic and a great place to meet key riding partners." Town: Weaverville. Contact: (530) 623-3377.
8. CHAIN GANG BIKE SHOP
Sunday mornings and Thursday nights starting in April. Sunday an easier ride on the River Trail. The night ride is more advanced. We usually meet at and ride Wiskeytown Park. Up to 20 riders. Town: Redding. Contact: (530) 223-3400.
9. THE BIKE SHOP
"We usually meet at Wiskeytown for our Wednesday evening rides. The 9 a.m. Saturday ride currently meets at Sunset Market on Hgwy. 299. From there ride Wiskeytown, French Gulch and other local spots." Town: Redding. Contact: (530) 223-1205.
10. VILLAGE CYCLERY
The 6 p.m. Wednesday ride meets at Carnegies. Groups gather at Sunset Market 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. The Saturday ride regularly has 30 riders and goes on Wiskeytown, Westside and Mary Lake trails. Town: Redding. Contact: (530) 223-2320.
11. SPORTS COTTAGE
"With 6000 feet of vert, French Gulch -- the new site of the Lemurian Classic -- is one of the bigger summits between here and the coast. Or take a shuttle up Buckhorn Summit. Call us for latest ride info. Town: Redding. Contact: (530) 241-3115.
12. FAST WHEELS
"There's a ride going out of here once a week. We have a few secret singletrack trails that you'll never find unless you come with us." Chester is also another great spot with fairly technical singletrack." Town: Red Bluff. Contact: (530) 529-1388.
13. BODFISH BICYCLES AND QUITE MOUNTAIN SPORTS
Thursday and Friday, 6 p.m. sessions at the south slope of the Cascade Mountain Range. "It's the point where the Cascade's and Sierra's collide. There's incredible riding with 5000 feet of available climbing. Town: Chester. Contact: (530) 258-2338.
14. THE BIKE STATION
Show at the old railroad depot 5:30 p.m. Wednesday. "We usually head out Bizz Johnson Trail and comes back on sections of singletrack. "It's about an 18 mile ride and we'll add more for an advanced group. Town: Susanville. Contact: (530) 257-2525.
15. CHICO SPORTS
Contact the shop to see when the employees are doing the next ride. Upper Bidwell starts with a gravel access road that branches onto rolling singletrack. There's 70 miles of rocky, technical trail. Town: Chico. Contact: (530) 894-1110.
16. NORTH RIM ADVENTURE SPORTS
Info on the 6 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday rides is available at the shop. The ride meets at Hooker Oak. Routes vary, but 1500 feet of gain on the North Rim Trail makes it the ride with the most climbing. Town: Chico. Contact: (530) 345-2453.
17. CHICO BIKE AND BOARD
Noon time Sunday and 7 p.m. Wednesday outings. These are kicked back pavement and bike path rides with five other people. A favorite is riding to Greengate, eating, heading to the airport and back. Town: Chico. Contact: (530) 343-5506.
18. CYCLESPORT
Meet 5 p.m. at the shop on Tuesday and Thursday. Then head to Bidwell Park and enjoy the formidable singletrack with up to ten other riders. Town: Chico. It's rocky and there's up to 1300 feet of climbing. Town: Chico. Contact: (530) 345-1910.
19. FORT BRAGG CYCLERY
Meet 10 a.m. Sunday. Ride the 50000 acre Jackson State Forest. The terrain is epic: year-round damp soil, open and tight singletrack, and endless sub-1200 foot climbs. Up to 20 riders and a medium pace. Town: Fort Bragg. Contact: (707) 964-3509.
20. CATCH A CANOE AND BICYCLES TOO
Fast, technical, four hour rides with a group of five-plus hammer heads. Both weekend and 5 p.m. weekday rides held. The typical ride has 3000 feet of climbing. Expect some on-road riding between trails. Town: Mendocino. Contact: (707) 937-0273.
21. BICYCLE RACK
Bogg Mtn., 6 p.m. meets. The technical singletrack head through heavy foliage and lots of short, steep climbs. Expect more of a recreational pace from the group of 3 to 15. No one gets dropped! Town: Lakeport. Contact: (707) 263-1200.
22. VANS BICYCLE CENTER
This shop is hooked up with the Yuba-Sutter Bicycle Club. Everyone is welcome on these weekend and weekday evening rides. Ride Bullards Bar, Nevada City or Grass Valley. Group size between 12 and 24. Town: Yuba City. Contact: (530) 674-0179, (530) 755 1755.
23. BONC MOUNTAIN RIDE
Meet 10 a.m. Sunday at the Flour Garden by the Safeway. Ride Bullards Bar, Round Mtn. or the Pioneer trail. The ride heads down to the Auburn area during the winter. Group size is eight to ten riders. Town: Grass Valley. Contact: (530) 265-2187, (530) 274-3478 dirt.
24. TOUR OF NEVADA CITY BICYCLE SHOP
The Wednesday ride meets 7:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. during the winter. Saturday rides are 10 a.m. It takes a little pavement to various local loops. The weekend ride might meet at a further out destination. Town: Nevada City. Contact: (530) 265-2187.
25. DOWNIEVILLE OUTFITTERS
Shuttle up to the saddle at the top of the Sierra Buttes and enjoy 5000 feet of intermediate to advanced singletrack descending. But if you climb for 1000 feet you can 6000 feet of downhill singletracking. Town: Downieville. Contact: (530) 289-0155.
26. THE BACKCOUNTRY
The Tahoe group sometimes head 15 miles north to meet up with these guys. During the summer it's hot and the daily rides will either be in the morning or mid-afternoon. Base elevation is 6200 feet. Town: Truckee. Contact: (530) 582-0909.
27. OLYMPIC BIKE SHOP
After work evening rides are held weekly. Take Barker Pass out of Blackwood Canyon to Brockway Summit at Hgwy 267. Typical rides have 1000 to 2000 feet of climbing and are bent on finding new loops. Town: Tahoe City. Contact: (530) 581-2500.
28. CYCLEPATHS
Tuesday, 6 p.m. and Sunday, 2 p.m. sessions meet at the shop. Either ride the trails right out from the shop or the trails 20 minutes down the bike path. Full moon rides also scheduled. Town: Tahoe City. Contact: (530) 581-1171.
29. TAHOE EPICS
Call CyclePaths to see when they are going to schedule the next Sunday shuttle. Ride the Flume or The Rim on the east shore, Emigrant Trail in Truckee or Hole in the Ground at Donner Summit. Town: Tahoe City. Contact: (530) 581-1171.
30. WRECK-LESS CAMPS
Both XC and FR camps on local trails, Blackwood Cyn. or Northstar. Learn basic trail etiquette; how to do a Manual, Bronco and other techniques used to ride log lengths and teeter totters. Town: Tahoe City. Contact: (530) 581-1171.
31. THE BACKCOUNTRY
Both recovery or hardcore training rides can happen on any day. The incredibly scenery and legendary trails make any of the Tahoe Rim trails a good choice. How does 5000 vertical feet of climbing sound? Town: Tahoe City. Contact: (530) 581-5861.
32. TAHOE WINTER RIDES
When they're not schlussing powder, The Backcountry plans Wednesday trips down to Downieville or to Nevada City to ride the South Yuba singletrack. The Yuba is a river trail with 1500 foot climbs. Town: Tahoe City. Contact: (530) 581-5861.
33. CAMBRIA BICYCLE EMPORIUM
At the shop, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday meets. Various rides in state recreation area and the trail system in the middle and north fork of the American River. It's primarily singletrack with steep climbs. Town: Auburn. Contact: (530) 823-2900.
34. AUBURN BIKE WORKS
The shop rides are typically 6:30 p.m. on Monday. Ride all over the mountainous terrain of the American River Canyon. Expect 5 to 10 riders and 1000 feet of climbing. The pace is recreational. Town: Auburn. Contact: (530) 885-3861.
35. MAIN STREET CYCLERY
Show 6 a.m. Sunday at the shop. The XC rides are at Forest Hill Divide, Clemoninte or Pioneer Trail. Downhill trips include the lifts at NorthStar or shuttles at Mammoth Bar. Six to eight riders. Town: Woodland. Contact: (530) 661-6800.
36. SACRAMENTO SINGLETRACK SCORCHERS
The all-girl SASS group schedules Friday, Saturday and Sunday rides every week (www.sassmtnbike.org). Ride spots range from American River, Napa, Auburn, Salmon Falls, Tahoe to the bay area. Town: Woodland. Contact: (530) 661-6800.
37. ASUCD BIKE BARN
Mountain bike rides are planned every weekend as well as random Tuesday morning ride. Ride Rockville, Clemontine or Forest Hill Divide. It can have up to 15 riders and a very hard pace. Town: Davis. Contact: (530) 752-2575.
38. TEAM UCD TRAINING RIDES
If you want some serious breakthrough training, try one of the collegiate rides. They meet 3:15 p.m. daily in front of the Bike Barn. Tuesday, Wednesday (hills) and Thursday are the hard days. Town: Davis. Contact: (530) 752-2575.
39. BOB'S CYCLE CENTER
Mostly 7 p.m. Thursday and occasional 8 a.m. Sunday trips. "We generally go up to Auburn Ravine or around Folsom Lake. There's both a mix of singletrack and fire road. Auburn has tougher climbs." Town: Roseville. Contact: (916) 784-2255
40. SPIN CITY BICYCLES
The Saturday rides meet at the Auburn-Confluence area. The mountainous singletrack has up to 1100 foot climbs. There are technical and easy trail options. Up to 15 riders and a no-one-gets-dropped pace. Town: Roseville. Contact: (916) 773-7057.
41. RIVER RAT MOUNTAIN BIKE
A 6 p.m. Thursday ride on the American River loop or the singletrack at Lake Natomas and Folsom Lakes. The decomposed granite drains well and can be ridden wet without trail damage. Meet at the shop. Town: Fair Oaks. Contact: (916) 966-6555.
42. ROCK CREEK RIDE
River Rat's first spring epic is at the El Darado National Forest OHV area. This is a single day, 35 miler with 4000 feet of climbing. There are plenty of bail out routes if the climbing gets too tough. Town: Fair Oaks. Contact: (916) 966-6555.
43. HUNTER'S TRAIL
The legendary spring ride is on the 42 miles of singletrack that stretches along the Rubicon River. This is difficult singletrack with 4000 feet of climbing. There's a BBQ feast waiting at the end. Town: Fair Oaks. Contact: (916) 966-6555.
44. BOB'S CYCLE CENTER
"We're a group of real dedicated riders with egos to match." The west side of Folsom Lake is rolling while the east side is rocky, technical and has lots of climbing on constantly up and down terrain. Town: Fair Oaks. Contact: (916) 961-6700.
45. BOB's FREERIDE
Auburn is a 1500 foot descent down and a four mile climb out. The weekday evening and weekend rides average about three hours. A lot of the locals are into 4X and aren't afraid to climb a DH bike. Town: Fair Oaks. Contact: (916) 961-6700.
46. BICYCLE PLANET
Thursday rides leave from the shop at 6 p.m. This is a casual, 1-1/2 hour rides on the bike paths along the American River. Most people show up on road bikes, but it's quite okay to use your mountain bike. Town: Folsom. Contact: (916) 355-1234.
47. FOLSOM BREAKOUTS
Every Tuesday this 30-rider strong group meets 6 p.m. at the base of Sutter St. and Old Town Folsom. They ride the singletrack and dirt paths around Folsom Lake or Lake Natomas. Enjoy pizza after the ride. Town: Folsom. Contact: (916) 355-1234; (916) 961-2541.
48. BICYCLES PLUS
Shuttle downhill day, downhill night and dirt jumping sessions. Mammoth Bar, Cool and Auburn has everything from beginner to fully advanced fire road and singletrack runs. These guys know the best jump spots in Sac. Town: Folsom. Contact: (916) 355-8901.
49. PLACERVILLE BIKE SHOP
Wednesday, 6 p.m. rides. The MTB ride heads around Sly Park Lake or does the Benetti loop in the Pollock Pines area. A third of the group on the Apple Hill road ride will be aboard mountain bikes. Town: Placerville. Contact: (530) 622-3015.
50. GOLDEN SPOKE BIKE SHOP
Ride the local foothills or Auburn, Lake Tahoe and all around El Derado County. The average group size is between 15 and 20. This is a casual, friendly, sometimes all day ride with lots of moms. Town: Placerville. Contact: (530) 626-8370.
51. BICYCLE PRODUCTS
Sunday rides meet 7 a.m. at the shop. The up and down countryside at Auburn is the destination to find the hard climbs. The trail at Salmon Falls follows Folsom Lake and offers more moderate terrain. Town: Carmichael. Contact: (916) 488-5353.
52. BICYCLE PRODUCTS
The 6 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday outings typically take to the Auburn Recreation Area, Salmon Falls trails or the Folsom foothills. The trail is mostly mountainous, intermediate-difficulty singletrack. Town: Rancho Cordava. Contact: (916) 351-9066.
53. VENTANA'S PRAIRIE CITY RACE SERIES
A ten race series starting the first Wednesday after daylight savings. A different four mile course every week with 300 feet of climbing. Race time is 6 p.m. Turnout is between 140 to 230 riders. Town: Rancho Cordova. Contact: (916) 631-0544.
54. VENTANA DEMO RIDES
Call to see if Ventana is holding one of the weekend rides. Meet at Darington Trails or the Auburn/Forest Hill area. If the group is full of single speeders be prepared for a hammer session. Town: Rancho Cordova. Contact: (916) 631-0544.
55. BOB'S CYCLERY
This new shop is located right next to Cool Trail and Salmon Falls Trail and can be holding a ride at any time and on any day. Expect a mostly recreational pace that will go hard if someone jumps. Town: El Darado Hills
Contact: (916) 939-2001
56. AMERICAN RIVER BIKE SHOP
This is more of a freeride shuttle session on the Dark Side Trail. Meet in Auburn at 8 a.m. The gnarly trail is loose, rocky and has lots of drops and off-chamber. Also trips to local jump spots. Town: Sacramento. Contact: (916) 363-6271.
57. NATOMAS BIKE SHOP
"We don't ride anything but singletrack." Sunday 10 a.m. meets at Rockville, Auburn, Salmon Falls and other locations. This is mainly an XC oriented ride: "We ride what the others shuttle." Town: Sacramento. Contact: (916) 641-8640.
58. DAVE'S BIKE SPORT
Call this shop and get hooked up with a Nor Cal Velo or Redwood Empire Velo team training ride. Mostly weekday evening excursions with three to five people. It can be either a recovery or breakthrough session. Santa Rosa. Contact: (707) 528-3283.
59. BIKE PEDDLER
This shop is only two miles away from 5000 acres of great singletrack at Annadel Park. They schedule rides over the weekend. Group size is from five to ten riders and the pace is purely recreational and fun. Town: Santa Rosa. Contact: (707) 571-2428.
60. SANTA ROSA CYCLERY
Call for the ride schedule. Annadel Park is the home of the original Rockhopper race and Jacquie Phelan's infamous Wombats. There's varied fast and technical singletrack. Plan on packed, rocky terrain. Town: Santa Rosa. Contact: (707) 537-2254.
61. PALISADES MOUNTAIN SPORT
Call to find what ride is on for the day. It will leave from the shop or the Calistoga Roastary. Oat Hill has 2000 feet of vertical gain in five miles. These are rides for experienced cyclists. Town: Calistoga. Contact: (707) 942-9687.
62. ST. HELENA CYCLERY
These rides meet twice a month at the shop, trailhead or at Safeway. Call the shop for the exact schedule or for ride assistance. The sessions are mostly on weekday evenings and with up to ten riders. Town: Saint Helena. Contact: (707) 963-7736.
63. CAMBRIA BICYCLE EMPORIUM
Wednesday at 7:15 p.m. there's a meet at Mary's Pizza Shack behind Howarth Park in Santa Rosa. The group of up to 25 riders goes for two to three hours. It's mostly singletrack with 2000 feet of vertical. Town: Rohnert Park. Contact: (707) 206-9500.
64. BICYCLE TRAX
Sunday, 5 p.m. rides are always a on. Ride the Skyline Wilderness Park; the former site of the World Cup. The rides starts with a five mile, fire road climb that breaks into endless singletrack. Town: Napa. Contact: (707) 258-8729.
65. BICYCLE MADNESS
Monthly trips to either Northstar are Downieville are organized by this shop. Northstar has extreme terrain with built up obstacles, while the latter has more XC and DH terrain. Will shuttle or pedal up. Town: Napa. Contact: (707) 253-2453.
66. RAY'S CYCLE
If they don't hook up with Vacaville this Ray's might end up going to Lagoon Valley Park. It's an open ridgeline with a steep, 900 foot climb up to Quick Radio Tower and more of a moderate climb up to the AT&T tower. Town: Fairfield. Contact: (707) 428-1911.
67. RAY'S CYCLE II
Thursday, 6:30 p.m. at Rockville. It's an 800 acres of singletrack riding through the trees. There are both technical trails with off chambers, steep sections, and 800 foot climbs as well as easy trails. Town: Vacaville. Contact: (707) 448-1911.
68. MT. VACCA
Meet 8:30 a.m. Sunday on the backside of Vacaville. That's where the fabled, 2500 foot Mt. Vacca climb begins. All skills welcome, although every ride turns into a race -- somebody always tests the others. Town: Vacaville. Contact: (707) 448-1911.
69. THE ROCK GARDEN
Rockville Park also has a great freeride spot with an endless supply of drops and rock obstacles. Ray's also hosts a 6 p.m. Thursday "No Drop" recovery ride that is the hot ticket for flushing the legs. Town: Vacaville. Contact: (707) 448-1911.
70. SUNSHINE BICYCLE CENTER
Weekend rides group at Albertsons. The parking lot is right next to Tamarancho's traversing singletrack with teeter totters and bridges. The shop sells the $5 one day passes required to ride the trails. Town: Fairfax. Contact: (415) 459-3334.
71. GRAVY WHEELS
This group gathers 9 a.m. Sunday at The Hut. Ride the singletrack at Pine Mtn., China Camp and Tamarancho, or climb up Mt. Tam. If there's no road ride a 9 a.m. Saturday session will also be held. Town: San Anselmo. Contact: (415) 454-2949.
72. MIKE'S BICYCLE CENTER
Show at the shop for these 8 a.m. outings. Ride the bicycle-specific singletrack at China Camp and Tamarancho, or ride at Mt. Tam; site of repack and where the sport of mountain biking was born. Town: San Rafael. Contact: (415) 454-3747.
73. SAUSALITO CYCLERY
This shop groups with the pack from Mike's in San Rafael. The numerous loops at China Camp or Tamarancho can be linked together for up to four hour long rides. It's a one hour climb to the top of Mt. Tam. Town: Sausalito. Contact: 415 332-3200.
74. PACIFIC BICYCLE
Weekday evening and Sunday morning rides at Skaggs or Mount Tamalpais. The singletrack at Skaggs is technical with Category 2 climbs. Ride intensity will be harder on the evening rides. Town: San Francisco. Contact: (415) 928-8466.
75. VISION CYCLERY
Downhill and slalom oriented, early morning weekend rides with five riders. Head up north to the Marin area or down south and off of Skyling Blvd. All sessions are of the hike and ride variety. Town: San Francisco. Contact: (415) 221-9766.
76. BIKE ROUTE
Ride Montara Mtn. (Devil's Slide) or the chronic singletrack at Whittemore Gulch (Purisima Creek) or Skegg's Point (El Corte de Madera Creek). These are intermediate to advanced rides with five others. Town: San Bruno. Contact: (650) 873-9555.
77. BIKE ROUTE FREERIDE
This shop is the source to find the best freeriding in the Pacifica area. No matter how big the bike, this group pedals to the top of the mountain. Urban trips planned to downtown San Francisco. Town: San Bruno. Contact: (650) 873-9555.
78. THE PEDALER
If the shops not racing they'll do a Sunday ride. Call to see where the 9 a.m. meet will be. This will be a hard, fast paced ride at China Camp, Rockville, Annadal, Mt. Tam and other spots. Town: El Sobrante. Contact: (510) 222-3420.
79. PLEASANT HILL CYCLERY
The Tuesday Thursday and Saturday rides all meet at 7 a.m. Ride locations include Mt. Diablo, Las Trampas or Briones; the former site of the Bud Light Cal State Championships. Town: Pleasant Hill. Contact: (925) 676-2667.
80. CLAYTON BICYCLE CENTER
The single weekday afternoon ride meets at the shop. The area's mecca of mountain biking is Mt. Diablo. The panoramic view of the Sierras give it the best view in America. An intermediate to advanced ride. Town: Clayton. Contact: (925) 672-2522.
81. SHARP BICYCLE
Show up 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at Briones Park's Bear Creek entrance. The 20 riders typically split into hard and moderate pace groups. It's mostly fire road, but is very hilly with a 1000 feet of climbing. Town: Lafayette. Contact: (925) 284-9616.
82. ENCINA BICYCLE CENTER
The more intense road shop between them and the other Bicycle Center, Encina is more than happy to set you up with the group from Clayton. The more difficult trails are on Encina's side of Mt. Diablo. Town: Walnut Creek. Contact: (925) 944-9200.
83. DANVILLE BIKE
This shop hooks up with the 7 a.m. group from Pleasant Hill. Beginners are welcome and will be tutored. Special trips to the Oakland hills, Marin or Santa Cruz are occasionally planned. Ten riders average. Town: Danville. Contact: (925) 837-0966.
84. CALIFORNIA PEDALLER
More of a recreation ride in the hills right behind the shop and on the steeper, more technical terrain at Las Trampas. Or head to the tamer fire road at Mt. Diablo. Meet at the shop 7 a.m. Saturday. Town: Danville. Contact: (925) 820-0345.
85. MIKE'S BIKES
At least two rides a week. The schedule is posted on www.mikesbicyclecenter.com. Mike's mostly rides Redwood Park and Joaquin Miller, but occasionally plans trips to Marin. Town: Berkeley. Contact: (510) 549-8350.
86. SOLANO AVE CYCLERY
Rides meet at the shop. 7:30 a.m. Sunday. Mt. Tam has 2500 to 5000 foot climbs with great scenery, and the singletrack at Boy Scout Camp and China Camp is on rolling terrain with moderate climbing. Town: Berkeley. Contact: (510) 524-1094.
87. WHEELS OF JUSTICE
Meet at the shop 7 p.m. Monday. Then ride the west and east loops at Redwood Park. There are grinding climbs that go up 800 feet in 3/4 of a mile. If the UCB team riders show up, watch out! Town: Oakland. Contact: (510) 339-6091.
88. CYCLE SPORT
Both 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. Wednesday rides meet at Skyline Gate. From there it's possible to branch off onto ten different rides. Log on to www.cyclesportsonline.com for the info on weekend morning rides. Town: Oakland. Contact: (510) 444-7900.
89. ALAMEDA BICYCLE
The night rides are at Redwood. When the days get longer the group of six to ten full-suspension converts goes to San Rafael. Expect a recreational pace. (Unless you want to try racing group leader Jason.) Town: Alameda. Contact: (510) 522-0070.
90. EDEN BICYCLES
Five-plus riders regularly make this 8 a.m. Sunday at-the-shop meet. This is an intermediate to advanced, two hours-plus ride with a lot of racers. Destinations include Lake Chabot, Redwood and Juaquin. Town: Castro Valley. Contact: (510) 881-5000.
91. CASTRO VALLEY CYCLERY
These 8 a.m. Saturday and Sunday rides meet at the shop or trailhead. Juaquin Miller is mostly singletrack, Lake Chabot is fire road, and El Corte de Madre and Redwood Park has a mix of both. Town: Castro Valley. Contact: (510) 538-1878.
92. MOVIN'-ON CYCLERY
"We go on daytime or evening rides all the time. Lake Chobot is real close and has miles of riding. Our group of up to seven riders also goes to Skagg's or Soquel. Loaner lights are available for night rides." Town: Hayward. Contact: (510) 276-5660.
93. PERFORMANCE BIKES
Up to two rides per week at the Demonstration Forest in Santa Cruz. It's a two mile fire road climb up, fast and technical singletrack down and a three mile fire road climb out. A friendly, intense pace. Town: Fremont. Contact: (510) 494-1466.
94. MIKE'S BIKES
Either a choice of an 8 a.m. Sunday road ride -- if you can hang on your mountain bike -- or off-road ride on local trails. More of an intermediated ride on singletrack and access road. Town: Palo Alto. Contact: (650) 493-8776.
95. STANFORD COLLEGIATE CYCLING TEAM TRAINING RIDES
Contact Mike's Bikes for info on these very intense road and mountain hammerfests. The road rides have 25 people and the mountain have 10 to 15. There's a Wednesday morning and a daily afternoon rides. Town: Palo Alto. Contact: (650) 493-8776.
96.. FUN SPORT BIKES
Call to confirm that the 6:30 a.m. Sunday ride is on. New Malones has multiple trails and log jumps while Hogan's switchbacked singletrack covers rolling terrain. Expect more of a casual pace. Town: Stockton. Contact: (209) 477-2650.
97. CITY BICYCLES
Mountain bikes are more than welcome on these moderate pace road rides. The group of up to 40 meets at various location and rides all through the wine country. Call the shop for meet info. Town: Lodi. Contact: (209) 339-4371.
98. JACKSON FAMILY SPORT GOODS
Sunday morning, at-the-shop carpools up to Kirkwood, Silver Lake, and the better yet at Leak Spring Hill. The latter offers 2000 to 3000 feet of climbing and is mostly on overgrown Jeep trails. Town: Jackson. Contact: (209) 223-3890.
99. MOUNTAIN PEDALER
Meet at the shop 5:30 p.m. or out at the New Malonies Reservoir/Glory Hole Recreation Area 6 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. There's 17 miles of singletrack with a total of 800 feet of elevation gain. Town: Angel's Camp. Contact: (209) 736-0771.
100. SONORA CYCLERY
"Our twice a week, 5:30 p.m. rides meet at the trailhead. Lyon's Reservoir is pretty flat and Glory Hole is more technical with some climbing. Group size ranges anywhere from two to eight. Town: Sonora. Contact: (209) 532-6800.
101. J.T. CYCLES
Meet at the shop 5 p.m. Wednesday and 9 a.m. Sunday. A variety of local fire road and singletrack rides that start out a 3000 feet and can climb up to 8000 feet of elevation. Or travel down lower if there's snow. Town: Sonora. Contact: (209) 536-9882.
SHOP RIDES THAT BRIDGE NOR CAL TO SO CAL -- September 2003 issue
102. FUN SPORT BIKES
Meet Sunday morning at La Loma Park. Then ride the paved and mild singletrack trail at Dry Creek. It's an easy ride with up to six others. Call for the current weekday evening schedule. Town: Modesto. Contact: (209) 523-2700.
103. WORLD OF WHEELS
This group usually hooks up with the pack from Fun Sport. Their night rides usually go downtown to the college area. They usually do a lot of stair riding and other obstacles. Most are on mountain bikes. Town: Modesto. Contact: (209) 522-0804.
104. MAMMOTH SPORTING GOODS
Meet at the shop 5 p.m. Wednesday and 8 a.m. Saturday. Ride lower Rock Creek, Uptown-Downtown Trail or up the mountain. This is usually more of an XC group, but occasional freerides are thrown into the mix. Town: Mammoth Lakes. Contact: (760) 934-8474.
105. BICYCLE OUTFITTER
Show 9 a.m. at Stevens Creek Dam's upper parking lot the second and fourth Sunday of each month. Five riders hammer out the singletrack and fire road that covers the rolling topography. Town: Los Altos. Contact: (650) 948-8092.
106. SUN BIKE SHOP
Eight a.m. Saturday and Sunday rides at the Demonstration Forest. Natural and manmade obstacles are included in the expert-paced ride. Most of the group is on bikes like Blurs, Bullets and AC's. Town: Milpitas. Contact: (408) 262-4360.
107. REEDS SPORT SHOP
These spur of the moment Saturday morning rides meet at the shop. Ride Santa Cruz, Demonstration Forest or Wilder Ranch. It's an intermediate paced pack that likes to throw some extreme freeriding into the mix. Town: San Jose. Contact: (408) 926-1600.
108. TRAIL HEAD CYCLERY
A recreational cross country ride with up to eight others. Ride Soquel Demonstration Forest, Stevens Canyon, El Corte de Madre or Wilder. The ride meets Monday morning at the shop or trailhead. Town: San Jose. Contact: (408) 369-9666.
109. CALABAZAS BICYCLES
"Call us up and we'll turn you loose with ROMP President Paul Nam (www.romp.org). "There's a ride almost daily -- So Cal Demo, Wilder, Kennedy, Montebello, Saratoga Gap, Santa Cruz Mtn., plus more. Town: San Jose. Contact: (408) 366-2453.
110. SUMMIT BICYCLES
Five p.m. Sunday gatherings after closing. Up to 40 riders take to the multiple loops at the Demonstration Forest. "It's mostly singletrack; climb for three miles, descend for six to ten, and climb back out." Town: Los Gatos. Contact: (408) 399-9142.
111. ANOTHER BIKE SHOP
"We ride one or two days after work," says Dave Gittelman. "There's a 10 a.m. ride every Saturday at Wilder. "It's a fire road and singletrack mix on fairly mountainous terrain that overlooks the ocean." Town: Santa Cruz. Contact: (831) 427-2232.
112. THE BICYCLE TRIP
The Monday night moto meets 6 p.m. at the shop. Up to 30 riders head to the west side; to Gray Whale, Wilder Ranch and other state parks. "During the race season it will become more of an intense ride." Town: Santa Cruz. Contact: (831) 427-2580.
113. CYCLE WORKS
Show 5 p.m. Sunday at the shop. Ride from the shop to Niscene Marks or de la Vega. It's all singletrack and Vega has lots of jumps and drops. "Most of us are on dual crowns FSR's, but anyone is welcome." Town: Capitola. Contact: (831) 476-7092.
114. SUNSHINE BICY
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