AMARILLO, TEXAS -- More than 30 cyclists met at Gander Mountain Monday evening, not to shop but to ride.
Every Monday night, there's a group ride that starts at Gander Mountain, but they never know in which direction they'll be riding.
It is open to all riders, from beginners to experts, and they have a special "no drop" rule for the newbies, to make sure they aren't riding alone and to show them the ropes.
Julie Harris said, "We always watch for the traffic and try to wear bright colored shirts so people will see us and wears lights and stuff if it's dusk. We’re always trying to keep it safe."
With the more bike-savvy riders helping the beginners, it also establishes a special bond.
“They encourage you especially those times when you feel like you can't do it one more time, but they have some expertise that they know they can help us out with.”
That expertise includes things like hand signals and learning the important rules of the road so they can avoid any accidents.
"So many of the beginner riders don't realize what the rules of the road are. They need to realize what the hand signals mean and that we are a moving vehicle just like an automobile and that we need to be respected as such," said Marty Tindol.
Tindol says they also teach them some other important safety tips, like riding side by side and sticking to the access roads, as well as bike maintenance and how to change a tire if they don't already know how.
Tindol hopes to expand the biking world in Amarillo with these rides, and that more people need to get involved.
She says it's a good way to exercise, its good camaraderie, and it’s fun for all ages.
