Cycle2Health

To participate in Cycle2Health Howard County (C2H), it will be important to review the Bicycle Guidelines and then register online.  A $15 fee will be collected at the time of registration (renewed annually).   

Registered participants are encouraged to join the Cycle2Health Listserv to receive ride updates and cancellation notices. To join, email cycle2healthhowardcounty@gmail.com.

Registered participants may opt to join the associated Google Group, Seniorbikers (not affiliated with the Office on Aging and Independence) to access ride cue sheets and connect with other riders. Click here to request to join the Google Group.  Email edwarner@hotmail.com with questions about Seniorbikers.

Rides take place during the week, during daytime hours, and depart from various locations in and around Howard & surrounding counties. Rides typically depart in the morning, with the exact departure time varying by route and season. Plan to arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled ride time to prepare yourself and bicycle for an on-time start. 

To provide an opportunity for safe and enjoyable riding for all C2H participants, two different level rides are offered each week throughout the riding season:

Casual rides are rides of less than 12 miles on relatively flat terrain at a relaxed pace. These rides are on pathways, trails or quiet residential streets with frequent re-grouping.

Moderate rides are rides of less than 20 miles at 10-12 MPH with some moderate short hills and maybe a longer hill. Moderate riders should be comfortable riding in some traffic and should know basic group riding etiquette.

Advanced rides are rides of over 20 miles at 13-15 MPH and will include moderate to steep hills with limited rest stops. Riders should be aware of their riding ability and limitations before participating in an advanced ride.

Cue sheets will be made available in advance of the ride and riders are encouraged to drive the route to determine if the route is appropriate for them. Riders just getting back to riding or those who haven’t had experience riding in a group venue are encouraged to start with the Casual Ride group.

Yes. Guests are welcome on Cycle2Health rides. They must sign a waiver to participate on the ride. Guests and unregistered participants must register after one ride to continue participating.

Instructional clinics are available at various times during the riding season. The instructional clinics focus on bike control, bike safety, rules of the road, and group riding etiquette. C2H registration is required to participate in the instructional clinics.

In the event of inclement weather, the ride leader may move the ride start time one hour earlier or later. Rain cancels the ride. Participants are encouraged to join the C2H list serve for ride updates and cancellations. To join, email cycle2healthhowardcounty@gmail.com 

Each participant provides their own bicycle, helmet, water, spare tube, bicycle air pump, tools to change a flat tire, and snack/lunch money as rides may conclude with a lunch outing. Each participant should wear a road ID on all rides. A courtesy road ID is given to participants upon registration.

A bike with a solid frame that is fitted for your height and equipped with multiple gears to assist in managing hills. Bicycles should be in working order to ensure safe and enjoyable riding for both the participant and group. We welcome e-bikes on rides; please notify your ride leader that you use one on ride day & select the appropriate ride level for yourself.

Dress for the weather, layers may be necessary in the spring and fall months. A neon, or other brightly colored shirt or jacket is recommended.