General Cycling Discussion - Organizing, to Club or not to Club

A friend just set up a bike shop in my town. http://www.shawneecycles.com Harrisburg has about 10,000 people and several bike riders. I am trying to get group rides together and not having much luck. I really want to avoid the politics of a bike club. Just want people to show up and ride. I am starting to think that if people don't have a organization to join they may not show up. Or it could just still be early and too cold for some people to get going.

Try putting together a computer e-mail group. Then anyone can post when they plan a ride. Other members of the group can show up or not as they see fit. Minimum planning, no politics, next to no organization.

Are there no cycling clubs in your area?
If you were to form a club, would it address/accomplish things
that existing clubs in your area could not already be capable of?
Maybe the demand is already being met, based on your population figures.

The closest cycling club is about an hour away.

I see riders every now and again and I know there are more, they just seem to always be riding alone. Could be by choice though?

Good to see a bike shop in Harrisburg Gattm.
Getting a club going may be tough but you never know! The problem is finding a bunch of people who ride about the same speed. Some don't want to wait for slow riders and some don't want to be dropped and left out on their own.
I heard the bike club in Mt Vernon folded up. They had a great club at one time. Two of the clubs in Carbondale merged together, so I hope they are doing well.

I tried emailing you on the PM for the Tunnel Hill ride but it came back undeliverable.
I have to work Saturdays.

Just something to think about if you decide to officially organize a club ... insurance. You'll want to check with your local cycling association (provincial/state), or with the cycling association of your country, and see what their insurance policies are.

Make it an informal ride. Don't get too caught up with making it an official club unless you get a bunch of regulars + more.

Bah... insurance, that sounds like trouble

Stupid question, but what's the best way to organize an informal ride?

Email the posse. Post a ride time, distance, and start location, and ride agenda (training ride, leave the hammers at home, etc.) if any. Typically, a few riders will have lists going and you can hook up with the ones you want.

Or, a ride that always starts from the same place at the same time... just get the word out and it'll take on a life of it's own. Pick a convenient time and a good starting location.