Plan your ride

Saturday's Hour of Power is on! Shop riders will be participating.

What is the Hour of Power?

The Hour of Power is Sunshine Cycle Shop's main shop ride. All that's required is that riders be able to complete the 28.5 mile distance. Helmets are obviously required. Bicycles in safe, proper working order are also a bonus.

The ride originated when some employees of the shop decided to get some riding in on their lunch break. We would hammer to fit as many miles as possible into the one hour limit. Hence, we had the HOUR and the POWER.

Other riders caught the bug and more people began showing up for the ride. The ride became so popular that it was moved to Saturday mornings before the shop opened in order to allow more people to participate. The move was made and the ride changed.

The obvious change is that now the ride lasts longer than an HOUR. It leaves from the shop parking lot at 7:45 AM every Saturday and returns to the shop before we open at 10:00 AM. Most days riders follow a 28.5 mile route. Ride plans may change with weather conditions, shop employee participation, etc. but an update on ride status will always be posted right here, on the Hour Of Power page.

The ride is still about developing POWER. . It includes over 2,750 feet climbing in Northern Greenville County- dipping down to 880 feet and then climbing to over 1,300 feet above sea level. You can expect grades of up to 14 percent.

You can bring as much power as you like. The group leaves together and the faster riders will typically end up sprinting at numerous points , usually climbs, along the route. Everyone regroups after the sprints... and moves on to the next one. The group typically averages 15+ mph for the ride. Occasionally, we'll break into two groups, offering a shorter and less hilly option for those interested.

After the ride, the shop is opened early for the group, and folks will gather around the Hour of Power coffee pot (Leopard Forest, Blended Columbian ...always top notch stuff), watch classic cycling videos and visit.  Conversations aren't always about the ride or bikes. Sometimes riders will hang out around the shop until noon. Or until the coffee runs out.

Come on out and give it a try. To make the most of it, make it a regular Saturday morning activity. You'll be surprised how much you will learn about the great roads on our end of town, and you'll meet some great people.

The Hour of Power ride runs every Saturday - though sometimes it is an informal ride without shop leaders. Ride it by yourself if you wish, but don't expect us to come find you! Of course, there will be coffee waiting at the shop even if you do it alone.

The Hour of Power is about more than just riding. Gather around the coffee pot for caffine, conversation, and confections (bananas too).

Jonathan Pait is a regular rider on the Hour of Power. You can find his descriptions of most rides at his site StackOfStuff.net.

Can't get enough trash talking in during the ride? Get a head start on next week in the Hour of Power section of the shop forum.