Bicycling Magazine: America's Best Shop Rides

REVOLUTION CYCLES CLARENDON SUNDAY RIDE

Location: 38.885421, -77.098961
Every Sunday from April to October, Revolution Cycles leads a two hour ride from its flagship store in Clarendon, Virginia. The ride is 30 miles roundtrip, and has a no-drop policy. Click <a href="http://bicycling.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/706781">here</a> for the full ride map.

REVOLUTION CYCLES GEORGETOWN SUNDAY RIDE

Location: 38.905461, -77.068577
Revolution Cycles Georgetown meets at the shop each Sunday for a moderate, 17-mile ride through Arlington, Virginia and back. All rider levels are welcome. Click <a href="http://bicycling.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/725217">here</a> for the full ride map.

REVOLUTION CYCLES ROCKVILLE SUNDAY RIDE

Location: 39.074377, -77.135353
This 20 mile route is one of a few varieties that Revolution Cycles Rockville rides on Sunday mornings. The pace of the ride varies based on the level of cyclists present, and is a great ride for beginners as well as seasoned veterans looking for a friendly group ride. Click <a href="http://bicycling.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/748731">here</a> for the full ride map.

WASHINGTON, DC: CITY BIKES - THE CUPCAKE RIDE

Location: 38.924161, -77.040510
Bakery Owner Sol Schott created this casual no-drop outing, otherwise known as the Cupcake Ride. The mostly flat 18-mile ride begins in DC and briefly enters Maryland's scenic Rock Creek Park before rolling back into the nation's capital. Click <a href="http://bicycling.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/807333">here</a> for the full ride map.

NORTH HAMPTON, NH: GUS' BIKE SHOP - THURSDAY EVENING LADIES RIDE

Location: 43.039913, -70.715561
Route the ladies usually take on their Thursday night ride from Gus' BIke Shop in North Hampton, NH. They typically meet at 5:45 PM and leave at 6 PM. All abilities welcome. Fun ride with some social time afterwards. Check out the homepage of www.gusbike.com for the latest ride details. Click <a href="http://bicycling.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/837512">here</a> for the full ride map.

WHITMAN, MASSACHUSETTS: BIKEBARN FAST SHOP RIDE

Location: 42.066881, -70.940781
Cruise classic New England countryside on this 42.5-mile route that loops through the quiet roads near Robbins Pond and around Middleborough Center. Click <a href="http://bicycling.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/840503">here</a> for the full ride map.

SILVER SPRING, MD: BICYCLE PLACE GROUP RIDE

Location: 38.992330, -77.049179
Attracting as many as 100 to 150 riders, this A/B/C 30- to-40-mile route follows the Potomac River, mixing in a few big rollers and the occasional hard climb. Click <a href="http://bicycling.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/865643">here</a> for the full ride map.

PORTLAND, ME: GORHAM BIKE AND SKI SHOP

Location: 43.658372, -70.299625
Rain or shine, this A-pace, 30-to-40-mile Saturday-morning ride escalates into two sprint lines whizzing by summer cottages tucked into wooded areas. Click <a href="http://bicycling.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/865675">here</a> for the full ride map.

NEWBURYPORT, MASSACHUSETTS: RIVERSIDE CYCLES SHOP RIDE

Location: 42.809649, -70.865464
Riders split into A, B and C packs following a 7-mile warm-up, then hammer along the Merrimack River. The ride regroups after sprints and any big efforts over large rollers. Click <a href="http://bicycling.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/865694">here</a> for the full ride map.

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA: BICYCLE RANCH SHOP RIDE

Location: 33.626019, -111.886911
Attracting as many as 80 people, this A/B/C ride spins 40 to 60 miles along an out-and-back route that leaves from the shop and heads toward the mountains. After grinding up a 1,500-foot climb, the pack regroups at the Bartlett Lake Ranger Station before descending back to the shop. Click <a href="http://bicycling.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/865698">here</a> for the full ride map.

BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA: BOB'S BIKES SHOP RIDE

Location: 33.480136, -86.792743
Between March and October, riders try to hang on to the 20-plus-mph evening hammerfest known as Tuesday Worlds. Beginners can join the casual Saturday-morning ride; both courses swoop over rolling suburban terrain. Click <a href="http://bicycling.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/865706">here</a> for the full ride map.

BOONE, NORTH CAROLINA: BOONE BIKE AND TOURING

Location: 36.206001, -81.670132
Set in the mountains of western NC, this Tuesday-nighter covers plenty of long, hard climbs over its 45-mile length. In fact, the shop folk claim it's the hardest ride in the state. And the pack of up to 60 riders can include both local racers and the occasional Bissell pro-cycling team member. Click <a href="http://bicycling.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/865709">here</a> for the full ride map.

AUSTIN, TEXAS: JACK & ADAM'S BICYCLES

Location: 30.260856, -97.757335
The 67-mile recovery ride winds through rolling farmland, passes under shady trees and cruises through smalltown tableaus rife with refueling opportunities. Click <a href="http://bicycling.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/865726">here</a> for the full ride map.

CENTURY CYCLES NIGHT RIDES ON THE TOWPATH TRAIL

Location: 41.241416, -81.549625
Free group bicycle rides at night led by Century Cycles on the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. All ages and skill levels are welcome. Selected Fridays and Saturdays through October. Click <a href="http://bicycling.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/735254">here</a> for the full ride map.

Northfield, NJ: BEACON Cycling & Fitness SUMMER SATURDAY RIDE

Location: 39.389377, -74.557858
Click <a href="http://bicycling.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/874187">here</a> for the full ride map.

SHELBYVILLE, KY: MAIN STREET BIKES "THE NICK CAGE" RIDE

Location: 38.212086, -85.235195
Regular Thursday evening ride that usually hits 30 to 40 miles. Originally, this was intended to be a recovery ride, but the lightning fast descents, numerous points of attack and our own ego turned it ugly. Click <a href="http://bicycling.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/874344">here</a> for the full ride map.

Portland, Oregon: River City Bicycles

Location: 45.517519, -122.661431
The Ride: This no-drop beginner ride in one of America's alpha cycling cities leaves the shop on Sunday mornings, typically covering flat paths with the occasional roller. The Scene: Ride leaders Lisa and Sarah focus on developing cycling skills by emphasizing fundamentals and discussing what to look out for along the course. The Scoop: rivercitybicycles.com

Spokane, Washington: Bicycle Butler

Location: 47.717219, -117.436198
The Ride: Mixing various loops near the shop and inside nearby Riverside State Park, this Wednesday-night mountain bike ride features 30 to 35 miles of flowing trails and some climbing, with a few technical sections. The Scene: Post-ride, cyclists grab a beer and BBQ at the shop and are free to use the shop's stand to made adjustments or fixes. The Scoop: Bicyclebutler.com; (509) 328-7475

Lexington, South Carolina: Bike to Nature

Location: 34.006041, -81.201324
The Ride: With up to 30 riders, this 20-mph-paced ride follows country roads lined by peach trees and farms and blessedly few stop signs. The Scene: After 30-plus miles of pastoral scenery, riders head back to the shop for house Gatorade. The Scoop: Biketonature.com; (803) 808-3551

Louisville, Kentucky: Cycler's Cafe

Location: 38.245528, -85.704389
The Ride: Speeds often top 30 mph in the first section of this blistering Tuesday-nigh ride. The pace dips through Cherokee and Seneca Parks, but heading home it turns into an all-out drag race among 50-plus riders. The Scene: Why the crit-level pace? Because the ride lures the occasional pro, and multitime road and track national champion Curtis Tolson often shows up. Afterward, the café side of the shop serves cold beverages and food. The Scoop: cyclerscafe.com

Little Rock, Arkansas: Chainwheel Bikes

Location: 34.767828, -92.387531
The Ride: Bruce's Coffee Ride is a 24-mile beginner outing that meets between pavilions 2 and 3 at the city's Murray Park. After rolling out at 7:30 a.m., riders pedal across the nation's longest pedestrian bridge to Arkansas River paths. The Scene: The venerable Community Bakery makes for a popular turnaround spot thanks to its high-octane espresso. The Scoop: chainwheel.com

Bakersfield, California: Snider's Cyclery

Location: 35.330269, -119.056832
The Ride: Led by members of an outfit that calls itself the Ride Fast Crew, this Thursday-night event draws as many as 30 cyclists on fixed-gear or singlespeed bikes. Rides range from 5 to 20 miles on the less-trafficked streets of this sprawling Central Valley city. The Scene: Rides start at Dagny's Coffee Company, which serves beer and wine in addition to the expected caffeinated beverages-ensuring riders start fully hydrated. Afterward, everyone heads to Pizzaville USA for thin-crust slices. The Scoop: sniderscyclery.com

Houston, Texas: Bicycle World

Location: 29.770822, -95.604701
The Ride: The Thursday-Night Pub Crawl travels anywhere from 4 to 15 miles, allowing cyclists to spin around town, enjoy the warm night air, and hit pizza joints and assorted watering holes. The Scene: On big holidays, such as St. Patrick's Day or the Fourth of July, this ride draws nearly 50 revelers. The Scoop: bicycleworldandfitness.com

Nevada City, California: Tour of Nevada City Bicycle Shop

Location: 39.257400, -121.021764
The Ride: This advanced skills-only Thursday-evening mountain-bike ride heads up into the Sierra Nevada and tackles technical singletrack, climbing up to 3,000 feet over three hours. The Scene: For more low-key fun, the shop guys gather for bike polo (with homemade mallets) on summertime Wednesdays. The Scoop: tourofnevadacity.com

Solvang, California: Dr. J's Bicycle Shop

Location: 34.596092, -120.139108
The Ride: The Sunday-morning ride, covering 35-plus miles, delivers rolling hills and tight canyons on its way through wine country. The pack sometimes follows the Zaca Station loop, ending with a fast descent down the newly paved Ballard Canyon-part of the Tour of California's time trial in 2009. The Scene: Head with the group to the Bulldog Café for a smoothie or what the folks there proclaim to be the best coffee in town. The Scoop: drjbikeshop.com

Lakewood, Colorado: Treads Bicycle Outfitters

Location: 39.657464, -105.081310
The Ride: This women-only ride roams the foothills of Colorado's Front Range. Following 16.5 miles of paved bike paths adjacent to wooded streams, the route climbs to panoramic views of the setting sun to the west and Denver's sea of lights to the east. The Scene: Watch out below: Rogue prairie dogs sometimes turn up along the route. The Scoop: treads.com

Fort Lauderdale, Florida : Lauderdale Cyclery

Location: 26.165867, -80.135972
The Ride: Cyclists on Mike's Ride get to watch the sun rise over the Atlantic Ocean on this 6 a.m. jaunt along sleepy Route A1A. But this is no leisurely outing: The pace typically averages almost 30 mph on the 30-plus-mile out-and-back route. The Scene: Redlining riders might seek divine intervention: Former owner Mike sold the shop and became a priest, but local cyclists have kept this ride rolling for 25-plus years. The Scoop: lauderdalecyclery.com

Jacksonville, Florida: Bicycles, Etc

Location: 30.226312, -81.589290
The Ride: The Wednesday Fat Tire Social travels as many as 15 miles along courses that vary based on the group's mood. Cyclists head off at a relatively relaxed pace on trails as disparate as the University of Northern Florida campus and the beach. The Scene Some of the 20-plus participants show off trials skills at a business park, taking advantage of stairs, rails, jumps and drops before retiring to the Ale House. The Scoop: bicyclesetc.net

Honolulu, Hawaii: The Bike Shop

Location: 21.299970, -157.844439
The Ride: Leaving on Saturday mornings from the Kapiolani Park Foundation, the 60- to 70-mile ride heads toward the scenic Pali Highway, up the Tantalus cinder cone overlooking Honolulu, and back toward the Ko'olau volcanic range. At an average of 19 mph, it's a B-plus pace with a C-ride demeanor. The pack regroups often, and there's a Starbucks stop halfway in. The Scene: Those with aero bars or iPods are asked to leave them in the car. But bring a set of lights for two lengthy tunnels. The Scoop: thebikeshophawaii.com

Boise, Idaho: George's Cycles

Location: 43.610104, -116.198316
The Ride This no-drop, womenonly Thursday-evening ride rolls for 90 minutes, covering anything from steep hills to long, flat sections on the fringes of the city. The Scene: With participants as young as nine years old, this ride is extremely social. Those looking for a more of a workout hit the trails at Bogus Basin before the ride begins. The Scoop: georgescycles.com

Springfield, Illinois: BikeTek

Location: 39.790105, -89.704828
The Ride: Led by BikeTek's lead mechanic, this flat 10.8-mile out-and-back is, well, flat out-it's affectionately known as the New City World Championship Time Trials. Top off your tank before you start. The Scene: The vibe is friendly, but here's everything you need to know: The course record is 22:36, which required an average speed of 28.8 mph (including a U-turn). The Scoop: biketekinc.net

ADA, MI: ADA BIKE SHOP TUESDAY NIGHT RIDE

Location: 42.954978, -85.488310
This 46.5-mile lollipop loop follows the Grand River before heading into Ionia County for a nice climb around the Lowell State Game Area. Click <a href="http://bicycling.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/933602">here</a> for the full ride map.