Whether you just purchased your first electric bike or you’ve been riding for years, we want you to know about a really great group here in Sacramento that meets each week for rides around the region.

Meet the Sacramento Area Pedego Owners Group (AKA Sac POG)!

Led by Chief Fun Officer and long-time Pedego champion, Ted Duley, these group rides are open to riders of ALL brands of e-Bikes.

Ted formed the group over five years ago.

“I retired in early 2021 and due to a health issue switched to riding a Pedego e-Bike. I was looking for other e-Bike riders and Tim Castleman introduced me to Paul Reiger, another retiree riding a Pedego, and we began regularly riding together. I was surfing other Pedego dealer websites and learned that many offered regular Pedego Owners Group rides. I asked Tim why we didn’t have any and he said he had tried in vain to hire someone to plan and lead the group rides as well as develop the POG membership. No takers. He turned to me and said, “Why don’t you do it?”

Having just retired I wasn’t looking for work but since this wouldn’t be work but instead would be FUN, I volunteered to take this on as well as moderator of the SAC (Sacramento Area) POG Facebook page.  I took on the challenge with the goal of Safe and Fun rides. To that end, I studied for and obtained my Smart Cycling Certification and began planning routes and leading the resulting weekly group rides. Paul became a member of the American River Bike Patrol and together we ensure fun and safe rides for the group.”

Since that very first group ride in May 2021 with seven riders riding 12 miles on the American River Bike Trail, the group has gone on 190 group rides totaling 5,207 miles. They’ve grown to about 50 riders in the group, and they’re always looking for new people to join in on the fun!

When and how far are the rides?

At present they have six different riding routes that vary from 21 to 33 miles. They ride almost exclusively on Class I bike trails (paved and no motor vehicles) and at an easy e-Bike pace with lots of stops for scenic views, local history, hydration breaks, snacks and personal comfort. Rides typically vary from 3 to 4 hours, given the speed limit of 15MPH on most trails. They ride all year round with rides starting at 10:00 AM in warm weather and at noon in cooler weather. Rides are canceled if the forecasted chance of rain is greater than 30%.

The group is open to riders of all electric bike brands, not just Pedego. But given Ted’s a huge fan of Pedego e-Bikes (he has the City Commuter, Boomerang, and Element), it’s no surprise Practical Cycle owner Tim Castleman nominated him to be an official Pedego Ambassador back in 2021! He loves sharing the joy of Pedego with his friends and family, and there’s no doubt he’ll spread that joy to you when you meet him!

“Together [on these bikes] I have ridden nearly 9,000 miles since 2021. I love that they are comfortable and provide just the right amount of assistance that I want as well as the confidence to go greater distances. The City Commuter is an all-round cruising bike while the Boomerang offers an extremely comfortable low step-through frame and the Element with its fat 4” tires allow me to ride gravel and dirt trails with ease.”

What’s the best thing about the electric bike community?

Ted shared that electric bikes represent “freedom and fellowship, both of which are especially important to physically challenged and older riders. Electric bike communities provide a vehicle for freedom and fellowship as well as great exercise in the beautiful outdoors.”

With Sac POG, community is first and foremost. It’s not about how fast you go or which e-Bike you have. It’s a fun and safe way to meet new people – of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities – as well as get to know local bike paths and trails, learn better riding habits, and ride at a comfortable pace where everyone can stick together.

Ted’s advice for new e-Bike riders

One of the many reasons Sac POG is so great is that you’ve got a built-in group of people cheering you on. Especially for individuals who have never ridden an electric bike, having a community that can answer questions and share lessons learned is invaluable.

Ted recommends that folks who are new to the e-Bike world, “Read the manual and talk to experienced riders to learn how to use the features of your new bike. Find a large empty parking lot and practice starting and stopping, turning left and right, getting on and off. Every time you stop for more than just a moment, place your PAS in 0 so that accidentally moving your pedal won’t activate the motor. Also remember that holding either brake lever disconnects the motor. The throttle is your friend – don’t fear it! When starting your ride, gently feather the throttle to get your bike moving – then once you’re stable, release and start pedaling. Need a quick burst of additional speed – use your throttle.”

How do I join the group?

It’s super easy. Email [email protected] and join the Sac POG Facebook group. Ted sends out weekly emails with the details of each upcoming ride. Many launch right from Practical Cycle’s shop located at 905 Leidesdorff Street in Fosom.

If you’re looking for a wonderful community of fellow e-Bike riders, look no further than the Sacramento Area Pedego Owners Group! All e-Bike riders are welcome to join no matter what brand of e-Bike you own.

We can’t wait to see you on the trails!