Shiloh Bicyclers Group

Fellowship, Fitness, and Fun!

 

Welcome to the page for the Shiloh Bicyclers Group!  Thank you for stopping by!  The information below should give you a good idea of what this group is all about.

 

1. First and foremost, we are about Fellowship.
   1. We’ll start each ride with a prayer (see the Ride Format below)
   2. Riding along with another person from the Congregation gives us the opportunity to get to know each other better!
   3. Invite friends along!  They’ll see that we’re not just “boring church people” – we’re FUN to be around!
2. Bicycling is a great way to get or stay Fit!
   1. There are many physical benefits to riding a bike!

                                                              i.      Reduced risk for:

1.      Cardiovascular Disease

2.      Stroke

3.      Certain types of cancer

4.      Type 2 Diabetes

                                                            ii.      Bicycling builds muscle

                                                          iii.      Bicycling helps maintain healthy weight or promotes weight loss

2. There are mental health benefits as well!

                                                              i.      Reduces Anxiety

                                                            ii.      Reduces Depression

3. The information above is from the BicyclingInfo.org web site at http://www.bicyclinginfo.org/why/benefits.cfm.  Click on the link to learn even more!
2. It’s Fun!!!
   1. We get to enjoy God’s beautiful world in ways that are not possible driving a car!
   2. We get to make new friends!
   3. For those of us, umm, chronologically advanced folks, it can make us feel like a kid again!
   4. Afraid you’re too old?  Maybe not!  There are many models of bikes that make it easier and safer to ride!

 

We use technology tools to communicate and coordinate our rides.  

• If you are a texter, we may send out group texts.
  • This is also an easy way for the Ride Leader to let folks know that the ride might have to be rescheduled (due to weather concerns, etc)
• A Google Group has been set up at http://groups.google.com/group/shiloh-bicyclers.  
  • For safety and privacy, you must request access to this group, but rest assured that your request will be processed quickly!  An email will be sent immediately to the moderator of this group, and as long as you are recognizable by your email address, your access will be granted.  If your email address is a bit obscure and the moderator cannot determine who you are, he/she will send you an email directly asking for your first and last name.  Once you have responded to the email, your access will be granted.
  • As a member, you can send an email to the entire group using the email address, shiloh-bicyclers@googlegroups.com.
    • Keep in mind that if you reply to an email from shiloh-bicyclers@googlegroups.com, everyone in the group will see your response.  If you wish to be more private, make sure you reply directly to the email address of the true sender.
• WIKI
  • Currently we are exploring ways of how this can be of value to the Bicyclers Group

 

Ride Format

The ride format will ultimately be decided by the Ride Leader.  The ideas below are meant to be guidelines and not strict rules.

1. The Ride Leader will determine and communicate the following:
   1. Date and Time of the ride
   2. The starting and ending points of the ride
   3. Any common meeting places along the ride
2. Immediately before the ride, the Ride Leader will gather the group together in a circle, joining hands
   1. The Ride Leader will:

                                                              i.      Review the rules of the bike path.

                                                            ii.      Highlight places along the way that might require riders to pay particular attention.

2. Prior to the ride, there will be a time of prayer

                                                              i.      The Ride Leader will explain the prayer format (see below for more information)

                                                            ii.      The Ride Leader will begin and end the prayer

3. Nobody rides alone!
   1. In support of Fellowship, if you see anyone riding alone, take the opportunity to ride up alongside and start up a conversation.
   2. If you are concerned that you cannot ride the entire distance, no problem!  Just make sure the Ride Leader knows your concern and he/she will make sure that you safely return to the starting point!

Prayer Format

The Ride Leader will ultimately decide the prayer format.  The ideas below are meant to be a guideline and not strict rules.

1. The group will gather together in circle, joining hands
2. The Ride Leader will begin the prayer
3. When the Ride Leader has completed their prayer, he/she will gently squeeze the hand of the person to their right
4. When you feel a gentle squeeze on your left hand, that means it’s your turn
   1. This is an opportunity for you to:

                                                              i.      Thank God for anything that comes to mind.

                                                            ii.      Share a joy.

                                                          iii.      Share a concern.  We can all pray for you or whom you are concerned for, right then and there!

2. Don’t have anything to say?  No problem! 
3. When you have said all you have to say, gently squeeze the hand of the person to your right
4. When the “squeeze” gets back to the Ride Leader, the prayer is complete
5. It might be fun for the Ride Leader to proclaim, “…and with that, God’s people say”, followed by a rousing “Amen!!!” from the group

Rules

In the interest of safety, there are a few rules that should be followed:

1. All of the rules of the particular bike path will be followed
2. Helmets are strongly encouraged for all riders
3. Parents of young children must:
   1. Stay with their child at all times during the ride
   2. Make sure the child adheres to the rules of the bike path
4. While riders are free to use musical devices such as iPods along the ride, it is suggested that we keep the volume low so as not to diminish the opportunity for Fellowship with other riders.