For years I've been trying to get a group together to ride.On May 22 2016 it will happen.Two people are riders who need to get in shape. They have 12 days.One is my daughter who had a baby in March and just got cleared to exercise.The other had a recent HEART operation and he was cleared to exercise.

Being the leader of the ride I feel some responsibility.We will ride 15 miles.If all want to continue I have a B plan to add 10 miles.

I am always curious as to what people do for a living.So I'll name with their profession.We have Noreen 30 yrs old ,insurance sales manager,aka my daughter,Bio Chemist Mike 30yrs old,Marybeth Financial consultant 39 yrs old,Brian computer programmer 55 yrs old,Mick insurance under writer,aka my son,Logan doctor 30 yrs old ,me pipe fitter 62 yrs old.I am excited!

Good deal!!! Just go easy on them. Even an easy 15 miles could feel like a century.

I read through that list of titles and got to "pipe fitter", that wow's me. I had a friend go into that and know it requires many skills and much knowledge of codes and regulation. Are you still working?

Sorry off topic. Will it be a flat 15 miles? I'd say if there isn't climbing everyone should be fine but 1 rough hill can certainly make one rethink cycling.

I agree, plan a nice slow ride, so noone gets exhausted too easily. Of course, it could also turn out, that they all yell at you to hurry up, lol.

Several years ago I did an outdoor leadership course with the Appalachian Mountain Club. This is a great program with ongoing instruction and practice periodically over several years. The main skill to be learned is that of promoting an environment where individuals in a group activity develop a commitment to the success of the group. This is easier said than done but the skills can be learned with guidance from an experienced group leader. I found it interesting to observe so called leaders I would encounter in everyday life, particularly political or business leaders. Your outing with friends and family will likely be a memorable experience and you are thinking ahead to options. In mountain travel, a leader would have a bailout option in the event of an emergency or adverse weather overtaking the party. Post pics of happy and smiling cyclists.

I've led a few informal rides (about 20 miles with a stop in the middle for breakfast). Have had everything from teens to people in their 60s. Average pace was usually around 10MPH and everyone, even those who weren't really in riding shape, enjoyed them. Ideally you need a leader (to set pace and keep on course) and a sweeper (so no one gets dropped). Keep the pace slow enough to keep everyone together and you'll have a blast!

sounds good, have fun

Sounds good to me. Keep us updated. Your most important responsibility as ride leader will be to make sure everyone has a good time, so that they want to do it again soon, or even on a regular basis.

If it goes well, add the 10 miles next time.

Yes I'm still working.I told my trainer this will be the last time you ask me these test questions.One more winter and that's it.A company is buying us ,I'm waiting for this to finalize. Then I retire.Rumor is the new co has a better med plan for its retired people.

I'd say it flat with rolling hills.We rode yesterday and I was surprised at how well we did.I did insist on mtb to keep the pace slow.Its a eye opener riding behind your daughter.Good thing I don't carry.But I'm thinking about it!

What's this "Cleared To Exercise" thing?

My daughter had a baby on 3 17 16,better known as Saint Patrick's Day.Quite fitting since I'm Shamrock .If you must know her uterus was higher in her abdomen than is recommended .
This caused bleeding but went away.So now she is cleared for riding a bike.Brian was at a family wedding.We all went to breakfast in the morning except Brian.We all thought he drank too much.Then we heard he is staying another night.This guy is making me look good.Long story short he had a heart attack.The doc gave him a valve from a pig and he is good to go.he recently rode over the George Washington bridge and around nyc.We are adults here,love you guys.

Best wishes on your group ride! Also, I have been dying to visit, but suggest you check out Duke Farms, 2700 acres with bike trails. About 49 minutes fro you.

Thanks,I have been to Duke Farms.its a nice ride for husband wife children.