"In 2016, I inherited a nearly new road cycle.  My brother challenged me to learn to ride it and to join him in riding a metric century in California.  I haven’t looked back.  Cycling has brought me so much joy—new friends, fitness, adventure, and a deep appreciation for this beautiful area we call home."

"I became a "serious" cyclist in the early 1990s, participating in the then budding young sport of triathlon. Today I enjoy the camaraderie and easy competition of group riding as well as the quiet solitude of solo riding on both both pavement and gravel. It's a beautiful, colorful sport with many different types of riders and reasons to ride and it's been a joy to help it grow."

"I'm Lisa. I've been cycling since high school, for fun, exercise and commuting. I've been leading bike rides with Siskiyou Velo for 4 years. I enjoy the variety of riding in the valley -- from the flat valley floor to the tougher hills. I enjoy meeting new people and making sure everyone has fun on a group ride. Road bike riding simply makes me happy!"

"I lead Explore Southern Oregon Rides, typically on Wednesdays. I design routes for members in rural areas where we ride at moderate speeds, 11-14 mph, with safe separation, and enjoy the beauty of our countryside. I started cycling in my 60s. Often, I was "dropped" (left behind by faster cyclists). Now, when I lead "Explore" rides, we use a team approach to account for everyone before the end of the ride. Sometimes, I ride from coffee shops or cafes where we can socialize after the ride. The owners seem to like our kind of "biker," adding color for their regular patrons."

"I have been riding on and off since the late 1980"s.  I like to ride with others for the social aspect and competition.  My favorite ride contains lots of climbing."

"In nursing school in the 70”s, I began running for fitness and discovered how much happier I was after aerobic exercise. (Thank you endorphins) 10 years ago my pursuit of endorphins led me to cycling. The joy I experience riding in this beautiful valley and exploring new areas has kept me so much happier and healthier than most people my age. Sharing this with others makes it even better. I joined Siskyou Velo to learn where to ride. I’ve stayed for the friends I made along the way. Won’t you join us?"

"Cycling . . . A great way to get out meet new friends and stay active.  And . . . Never underestimate old men on bikes!"

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"Though I've had a bike most of my life, I didn't take up serious road cycling until i was in my 50s. Biking is such a wonderful sport--I love the camaraderie, exploring new places, challenging myself, and even riding solo.  And biking helps keep me healthy!"

"I graduated from tricycle to bicycle in second grade while visiting my cousins on a family vacation in New Haven, Connecticut. The minute the training wheels came off, I went on my first bike tour. The New Haven Police managed to reunite me with my terrified parents about an hour after dark, but the conversion had already been achieved: I had found the ultimate freedom machine. Whether it's taking in the view from a rural ridgetop during a moderate-paced ride on pavement, or a leisurely spin through the woods on a no-name gravel road, the itch to visit new places on my bike is still as strong now as it was on that fateful tour of New Haven six decades ago."