Tater Rides Again: Country Park and the Scotland Neck Country Roads Bike Tour

If your weight is keeping you on the couch and off your bike (or skates), I've got the ride for you. Thanks to the wide reach of the Tour to Tanglewood, an annual skating and cycling event that raises money for Multiple Sclerosis, I met a group called "The Taters" a few weeks ago on a Sunday afternoon when I was unpacking my bike to ride at Greensboro's Country Park. Roadskater and eebee were out of town and I was determined not to miss a chance to ride on one of the first sunny and very warm days of spring. After a few phone calls, I motivated one other cycling pal to get off the couch and ride.

We met the Tater captain and leader of Sparky's Tater Ride, and clipped in for a 15-mile ride around Northwest Greensboro. On this ride I met some great folks who are committed to weight loss and a slow pedaling speed. The Taters run a no-drop ride every Sunday (check out CyclesdeOro.com) to read about this and to connect with the Taters. Some of the Taters also ride during the day on Tuesdays and Thursdays and will be out in full force for the Tour to Tanglewood training rides starting June 12.

My first Tater ride was my longest of the season and since then I have completed a 30-mile ride with the Taters. Four of us participated in the Town of Scotland Neck, N.C.'s annual fund-raising ride on May 14-15. We rode a 10-mile fun ride Friday afternoon and a 30-mile flat ride Saturday morning. Our rolling speed averages 10 to 12 mph and I mean 10 to 12 mph. If the group needs to ride at 7.5 mph to allow all riders to keep pace, we do. And we roll with snacks, and we take breaks. If you're asking yourself, is there room on the Tater Ride for me, the answer is a resounding YES. Come on along and ride/skate with us.

(I'll write more about the Taters later. Time to board my flight back to N.C.)

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