Local legends will lead weeknight pace line clinics to prepare riders for the June 1 Best Buddies Challenge: Hyannis Port. These Massachusetts sessions will be offered in Concord, Taunton and Barnstable.

“These classes are designed to benefit riders of any ability or skill level,” said Richard Fries, director of cycling experience for Best Buddies. “We borrowed this format from Larry Perera on Cape Cod. Each ride starts really slow with repeated laps on a fixed circuit to ensure no riders are lost or left behind. After each lap the instructor will offer pointers to improve each rider’s group riding skills.”

Riders who complete just a few of these sessions will become much more comfortable riding with other cyclists. The instructors will work on such technique as drafting, braking, steering, climbing and working with other cyclists in a manner that is safe, courteous and legal.

Instructors will include Paul Curley, Lawrence Perera Jr., and Richard Fries will lead most of the rides. Combined all three have more than 100 years of experience as bicycle riders, racers and teachers. Guest instructors from the Wheelworks Racing masters team are also expected to assist. All of the instructors are scheduled to also serve as Domestiques during June 1 ride.

All rides will offer plenty of parking and and an indoor meeting area. The rides will roll out together to a nearby circuit, complete the training and return as a group. There will be a brief pre-ride tutorial and occasional stops to re-group and offer instruction. No rider will be left behind.

The classes are free to attend.

Tuesday, April 2
6 p.m.
Trail’s End Cafe, 97 Lowell Road, Concord

Tuesday, April 9
6 p.m.
Trail’s End Cafe, Concord, MA

Wednesday, April 10
5:30 p.m.
Sea Sports, 1441 Iyannough Road, Barnstable

Tuesday, April 16
6 p.m.
Trail’s End Cafe, Concord, MA

Tuesday, April 16
6 p.m.
Holiday Inn, 700 Myles Standish Blvd, Taunton

Wednesday, April 17
5:30 p.m.
Sea Sports, 1441 Iyannough Road, Barnstable  

Tuesday, April 23
6 p.m.
Trail’s End Cafe, 97 Lowell Road, Concord

Tuesday, April 23
6 p.m.
Holiday Inn, 700 Myles Standish Blvd, Taunton

Wednesday, April 24
5:30 p.m.
Sea Sports, 1441 Iyannough Road, Barnstable

Tuesday, April 30
6 p.m.
Trail’s End Cafe, 97 Lowell Road, Concord

Tuesday, May 6
6 p.m.
Trail’s End Cafe, 97 Lowell Road, Concord

Tuesday, May 13
6 p.m.
Trail’s End Cafe, 97 Lowell Road, Concord

Tuesday, May 20
6 p.m.
Trail’s End Cafe, 97 Lowell Road, Concord

Tuesday, May 27
6 p.m.
Trail’s End Cafe, 97 Lowell Road, Concord

Special notes on the venues:

For the Holiday Inn in Taunton, riders are asked to use the back parking lot near the entrance to the Fitness Center. Riders at the Barnstable event are encouraged to join the regular Wednesday night rides, that leave at 5:30 p.m. Each week features a shorter “Ice Cream Ride” that is focused on beginners and a “Training Ride” for novice and expert riders. Concord features plenty of parking and an cafe and bar at the Trail’s End for both before and after the ride. All venues offer free parking, water and bathrooms.

Questions? Email us at coach@bestbuddies.org.

Richard Fries is the Director of Cycling Experience for the Best Buddies Challenges. With more than 40 years experience, he has  been a racer, commuter, tourist, promoter, advocate, journalist and commentator on the sport and lifestyle of cycling. Having raced at the professional level both in America and Europe, Fries is well known as a race announcer having called countless USA Cycling National Championships, World Cups, and UCI World Championships. But he is also a tireless advocate having recently served as the executive director of MassBike. You can follow him on Strava to learn more.