WHHDS: Wingra, Heron, Hops and Derailleur Society (new)

An early morning cycling tradition in Madison, Wisconsin

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Outdoor Rides | Indoor Rides | Mountain Bike Rides | Other Rides

Heroners

The Wingra Heron Hops and Derailleur Society is a gentle-persons' club of cyclists. We proudly sponsor regular weekday rides starting early and returning by 7 AM or 7:30 AM. At 5:30 AM on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday we ride from the buffalo, WEOTA and buffalo again respectively (see meeting points below). On Monday we depart from EEOTA at 6 AM. All rides leave promptly at the posted time. On Wednesdays, rides for mountain bikers might get posted from time to time.

We will aim to have four regular weekday rides outdoors and 3 indoors during the winter (subject to sufficient interest). Traditionally, outdoor rides begin when the routes are ice-free (or ice can be detoured around) and morning temperatures are tolerable -- about or ideally above freezing for the hardiest Heroners -- and continue as long as fall weather permits. Rides can be entirely before sunrise late in the season, so having a good headlight and taillight is important.

Rides are often posted to the list individually until a regular pattern of riders develop. Once rides have been established, they can be assumed to be on if conditions are appropriate. Anyone may post ride opportunities to the list, but we ask that members not post rides to the list that conflict with the regular morning schedule.

Outdoor Rides

• Mondays: One-Hour Joy Ride, 6 AM @ EEOTA. Get the week off to a good start with a not-too-hilly, not-too-hard ride to the east side of Verona via the Cannonball Path, Seminole Highway, and Grandview Rd., back via the Military Ridge State Trail. For the time-constrained, this ride usually reaches WEOTA before 7 and EEOTA before 7:10, though determined groups have made it back to EEOTA close to the top of the hour. ROUTE
• Tuesdays: Buffaloes Ride, 5:30 AM @ the Buffaloes. After a quick warmup on the Southwest Path and Hammersley Road, the ride passes through Elver Park to rolling hills on Mid Town Road. After a loop passing by the Riley Tavern via Timber Lane, Paulson Road, County Hwy J, and Maurer Road, we ride the Mid Town hills in reverse back into town. ROUTE
• Wednesdays: Dirty Wednesday Mountain Biking, starts at various times and locations. Watch the email for announcements.
• Thursdays: Extended Paoli. 5:30 AM @ WEOTA. This ride is a version of the classic Paoli loop. "Extended" means we ride the length of Sun Valley Parkway west to east from Paoli. The non-extended loop returns to the Badger State Trail via Sayles Trail for a few minutes' time savings in the event of unforeseen delays early in the ride or other exigencies. ROUTE
• Fridays: Pathology/Friday Small Ring Ride, 5:30 AM @ the Buffaloes. Spin a low-stress mostly-path route for a social ride/leg-opener for the weekend's activities. If you are new to the group and are not sure if you're ready to hang with the Tuesday or Thursday rides, or want to work on your group riding skills, this ride features a more moderate pace. Stronger riders are encouraged to keep their drive trains on the small ring and pull the group along. ROUTE
• Saturdays: The Saturday ride varies from week to week. Subscribe to the email list to be notified of when the ride departs, from where and what route it takes.

Our outdoor road rides average between 16 and 20 MPH. The best way to start with the group is on a Monday or a Friday ride. These rides are flat and easier than the Tuesday and Thursday rides. Tuesday is our hilly ride and typically features vigorous moments. Try the Thursday ride before the Tuesday ride if you have any doubts. Our group consists of good non-racers, retired racers and a few bike racers. Some of us learned the ropes and developed the skills to ride in a group by doing these rides. We enjoy the opportunity to pay back the favor by bringing interested riders into the fold. See links to starting point locations.

Mountain Biking

Dirty Wednesday (usually runs May to mid-August)
Look for notices Sunday-Tuesday during the summer for morning mountain bike rides. We sometimes focus on skills but one is always welcome to come, ride and do their own thing. Depending on the ride, we'll meet at the Buffalo or the east entrance to Quarry Park (near Whole Foods). The meeting time can also vary depending on the timing of Sunrise and other factors. All abilities are welcome with the understanding that everyone rides only the sections and features they themselves deem appropriate for their ability. This ride is weather dependent so check riding conditions at Quarry Ridge before heading out. See links to the starting point locations below.

Other Rides, evenings and Saturday

Wednesday
WNBR: Rides depart from various points in and around Dane County every Wednesday. Ride schedule can be found here: wnbr.org

Thursday
SlownGo: Slow n Go rides are a relaxed pace group ride intended to make it easy for everyone to participate without getting dropped and allow stronger riders to get in some easy miles before the weekend. The aim is to hold a steady comfortable effort, ie soft pedal up the hills. Subscribe to the email list to get time and meeting location.

Saturday
Saturday rides are generally posted to the group email list.

Indoor Rides

Indoor rides usually run from November to March

• All are welcome to join our Zwift indoor rides on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Join the Heroners on Zwift and use the link sent to the email list to get signed up. We sometimes hunt badges, do a workout or play at sprinting for banners. Some rides may be shorter or longer than the hour, check the event link sent to the list for each ride for details. In any case, we ride as one and regroup after sprints.
• Monday 6:00 to 7:00 AM Central USA
• Wednesday 6:00 to 7:00 AM Central USA (Veselka ride)
• Friday 6:00 to 7:00 AM Central USA
• How to get started on Zwift
• Classic (dumb) trainer
• Classic trainer with power
• Smart trainer
• All about Discord (invite code: Ca4K6yV)

Video

Here is a video of our ride. This video is taken from two different rides and is a fair representation.