MJC Noon Ride "Modesto's favorite excuse to skip lunch." - Cole Nahgo

The MJC* Noon Ride was created for local road cyclists who prefer to spend their lunch hours burning calories rather than ingesting them. The ride starts each weekday at 12:00 noon from the East Campus of Modesto Junior College in front of the gymnasium at Coldwell Avenue and North Drive. The pace can vary depending on who shows up but is usually brisk (20+ mph). Riders may choose to hook up enroute, so it is important to maintain regularity with the start time (always 12:00 noon) and the route. If you happen to be the only rider at the start location, go ahead and start alone and you just might find some company along the way. EMAIL LIST: All are invited to join the Yahoo! Group mjcnoonride to communicate with other participants. Post a message if you plan to ride. However, don't assume that no messages means nobody is riding. Be sure to check the blog below for updates. General guidelines for safety: Wear a helmet Obey all bicycle traffic laws and controls Lead rider to call out hazards ahead and steer the group around them Ride for the safety of those around you as well as yourself * Not affiliated with or officially endorsed by Modesto Junior College (although we like to think MJC silently appreciates the PR benefit!)

Starting at the MJC East Campus, the route heads east on Coldwell across College and makes its way through the nieghborhood to the intersection of Bodem and Scenic. There you may find other riders waiting to join the group. An optional start location is the south side of McHenry Village on Granger (to Sunrise and south to Bodem). For those starting at Bodem and Scenic, plan to be there by 12:05 pm (leave by 12:10 pm if nobody else shows up).

From Bodem and Scenic proceed east on Scenic. After crossing Oakdale the route takes two diversion loops off Scenic, the first on Scenic Bend and the second on Wycliffe Drive. The first sprint is on Scenic just after the Wycliffe diversion and ends at the "signal ahead" sign before Claus.

From Scenic and Claus there are two route options:

19-mile loop
Turn left on Claus, right on Briggsmore and right again on Church. Follow Church around until you are heading south towards Empire (usually a nice tailwind). The sprint begins after crossing the canal and ends at the "stop ahead" sign before 2nd Street. Turn right on 2nd for a rolling regroup, left on East A, right on Yosemite and then right on Frazine (optionally turn right on East A and around Glick Middle School for a right turn onto Frazine). Turn left on La Coste and again on Norseman, then right on Creekwood past Johansen High School. Right on Claus and again on Gomes (just before the bridge) and descend into Dry Creek Park for the return trip along Dry Creek Trail.

12-mile loop (optional)
Turn right on Claus then left on Gomes (just past the bridge) and down into Dry Creek Park for the return trip along Dry Creek Trail. Be careful crossing Claus as traffic is usually heavy during the lunch hour.

Some words of caution about riding on Dry Creek Trail
Although the trail is intended for both pedestrian and bicycle traffic, the city planners probably did not anticipate cyclists blasting through at 25 mph. Therefore, for the safety of pedestrians and cyclists alike, please obey the following safety guidelines:

• Ride single file.
• Pass other riders in the group only when there is no oncoming traffic or pedestrians closely ahead.
• Slow down (use hand signals!) when passing other lone cyclists or pedestrains.
• Yell out "on your left" or "on your right" to warn other cyclists or pedestrians of your approach.
• Keep the pace consistent (except when slowing for passing) - No sprint contests!