While some bicyclists seek the thrill of speed, it’s not for everyone, and a new group in Sacramento caters to those who would rather take a leisurely ride and enjoy the scenery. Sacramento Slow Riders is offering a group ride at your own pace. Every second and fourth Saturday of the month, anyone who is a kid, adult, senior and everything in between can take advantage of these bimonthly meetings.

Starting Saturday, April 11, riders will meet at the bike kitchen at 10 a.m. The routes include Downtown, Midtown, East Sac and Sacramento's bike trail. Typically, the rides will go for an hour, and the length of the ride is about four miles. This Saturday will be more of a Midtown route just to start things off. The goal of the group is to ride bicycles, see some sights, exercise and have a good time.

This club was started by Midtown resident and bicycle enthusiast Tom Brown. The idea for the Slow Riders club came from a group he knew about in Lake Tahoe called the Slow Cruisers that did something similar. Brown noticed that there are many experienced bicyclists with cycling jerseys and all the fancy gear in Sacramento. He wanted to create a group that perhaps did not have all the gear and that did not have to go for long-distance rides.

"There are mainly only bike groups that go for 20 to 100 miles at one time, and you have to be in good shape to keep up with them," Brown said. "I am a senior, and I cannot keep up with them, so I decided to get people together who just want to ride at a normal pace."

Brown said he hopes that this group will lead to other group activities like a bicycle scavenger hunt or an after-ride picnic. Also, Brown wants riders to know they are riding at their own risk. Brown checked with the California Highway Patrol, and he learned that group rides are legal as long as all bike laws are followed.

When they go on the Sacramento trail by the river, Brown hopes it will draw in those who may not feel safe riding alone on those trails. This event is completely free, and there will be no rides on rainy days, or days when rain is forecast.

For more info slowriders596@gmail.com