Pecan City Pedalers enjoy benefits of bicycle riding

ALBANY — Detractors may find plenty of things to complain about when they discuss the Good Life City, but bicycle enthusiasts in the Pecan City Pedalers say Albany has one significant thing working in its favor.

“This is the best area in the world to ride bicycles,” Pedaler Chip Battle says. “Within two or three minutes you can put the city behind you, and once you get out on some of these area roads you may go 40 or 50 miles without seeing a single car. Plus, the weather is usually great.”

Former California dude and U.S. Marine Rusty Tuten picks up on Battle’s commentary.

“This is one of the friendliest places I’ve ever ridden,” the former bicycle racer says.

“Yeah, even the people who hate us don’t want to hit us,” Battle continues. “Every now and then somebody might holler at us or throw something, but it’s rare. There have been a few bicyclists hit by vehicles over the years, but that’s rare, too. You just can’t beat Albany when it comes to riding bikes.”

Members of the Pedalers should know. The disparate group, some 86 strong and growing, starts at Cycle World off Dawson Road every Saturday morning around 9 and pedals its way to predetermined destinations from 30 to 80 miles away. For the Pedalers, there are as many reasons to take part in the group’s rides and activities as there are reasons to join any other social club.

“The way I look at it, there are three very good reasons to cycle,” Pedalers President Ed Hudson, VP for major account sales with Norfolk, Va.-based Old Dominion Peanut Co., said. “Obviously, it’s good exercise, but it’s also an activity you can excel in. Plus, it’s a whole lot of fun.”

Ray Fararo, a Pittsburgh native who’s been riding since he was 13, says staying in shape is only one reason to take to the road on two wheels.

“There are not many things better for clearing your mind of stress,” Fararo said before a recent Saturday ride. “It’s an enjoyable activity, and when you meet a group (like the ones in the Pecan City Pedalers), there’s a sense of camaraderie you don’t get at many places.”

Hudson, who’d always played basketball and racquetball and was a regular jogger, decided a decade ago that his favorite activities were starting to impact his knees. He took up cycling and was quickly hooked.

“I was still able to get plenty of exercise, but the low impact of riding my bicycle was a huge benefit,” he said. “The only issue I’ve had is my golfing buddies give me a hard time about riding. They think I’ve become a fanatic because I quit playing golf on Saturdays to go on group rides.”

The Pedalers, in addition to sponsoring weekly rides, are also cycling advocates. Their $25 yearly dues and annual fundraisers allow their group to advocate for bicycle safety. They’ve pushed for bicycle lanes and “Share the Road” signage locally, and they’ve hosted seminars on bicycle safety and the laws impacting cycling.

“We usually invite law enforcement agencies to the classes because we think it’s just as important for them to understand state laws as it is the general public,” Hudson said.

The group has also helped with the construction and upkeep of the BMX bike track and mountain bike trail at Chehaw Park.

With safety a group priority, the Pedalers point to a number of state laws that they say are vital for bicyclists:

— A bicycle is defined in the state as a vehicle, and thus, cyclists must follow traffic laws common to all vehicle operators. Cyclists have all of the rights to a roadway applicable to any driver.

— A bicycle may not be used to carry more persons than the number for which it was designed. Adult cyclists, however, may carry a child in a sling, car seat or trailer designed to carry children.

— Motor vehicles must provide at least 3 feet of safe passing distance when overtaking a bicyclist.

— Bicyclists may lawfully ride two abreast.

— Bicyclists must travel in the same direction as motor vehicle traffic, even when in a designated bike lane.

— Bicyclists should use hand signals to make their intentions known to drivers of other vehicles.

— Bicycle riders operating on a roadway must ride as near to the right side of the roadway as is safe.

— No person over the age of 12 may ride a bicycle on a sidewalk.

— Any driver (including cyclists) must obey all applicable traffic control signals.

State law does not require bicyclists to wear any type of protective gear, but Hudson said the Pedalers do.

“You need a tight outfit to cut the wind, and you definitely need some padding for the seat when you go on a long ride,” the PCP president said. “You also need a comfortable, lightweight helmet. The state of Georgia does not require a helmet, but for our events and rides we do. If you’re riding a bicycle and you go off, the first thing that’s going to hit is your head. (Wearing a helmet) is just good sense.”

The Pedalers raise funds and awareness each year when they sponsor their largest fundraiser, the popular Nut Roll. This year’s event, the 10th, attracted more than 300 riders.

After a few moments of conversation on a recent cool Saturday morning, around a dozen members of the Pecan City Pedalers — some of whom hail from surrounding communities like Americus, some from as far away as Tallahassee — set off on rides that would take them into Worth County and other points within a 70-mile driving distance. Their banter is good-natured, the camaraderie Fararo spoke of evident.

On machines that can cost as much as $10,000 — but are available for much less — they’re off. Some are riding to stay in shape, some to find a bit of tranquility, some to commune with nature. All, however, show traces of the little kid in themselves that made them get on a bike in the first place.

Membership information is available at pecancitypedalers.org or on Facebook.