Why This Ride Matters
In a time of disconnection and division, Pedal & Peace brings people together through the universal languages of music, movement, and community care. More than just a bike ride, this is a joyful protest against the stress, pollution, and sedentary lifestyle of modern life. It’s a celebration of what makes us human: creativity, cooperation, and a shared commitment to a healthier world.
We ride not just for fun—but for healing, harmony, and hope. By choosing pedals over engines, songs over screens, and connection over consumption, we model a future where wellness is woven into daily life. This event is a tribute to the spirit of the '60s, updated for a new generation of changemakers.
Come add your rhythm, your color, and your courage to this beautiful movement for people and planet.
**Healthy Arts Project Presents:
“Pedal & Peace”
An Artful Social Bike Ride for People & Planet
Join us for a community-powered, joyful bike party celebrating health, music, and peace on two wheels!
What to Expect:
- Gentle-sloped route with protected bike lanes & side streets for easy, safe riding
- Smoke, alcohol & drug-free environment
- Acoustic instruments encouraged – bring guitars, hand drums, or a music stand/iPad for jam sessions during park stops
- Unrefined snacks & green drinks to share
- Wear your colorful, earthy '60s hippie style – flowers, flowy clothes, fringe & tie-dye welcome!
- Ride to the sounds of John Denver, folk, and protest songs of the '60s – peace, love, and freedom on wheels!
Date: [Insert Date]
Time: [Insert Start & End Time]
Starting Point: [Insert Location]
Distance: [Insert Miles] (Easy pace, beginner-friendly)
Let’s create a movement of music, movement, and meaning.
Ride with purpose. Celebrate health. Share joy.
#HealthyArtsProject #PedalAndPeace #BikesForChange
🌻 Pedal & Peace 🌻
A Ride for People & Planet
We ride on wheels, not made for haste,
But slow enough to breathe and taste
The music carried in the breeze—
A drum, a song, the whispering trees.
With tie-dye threads and flowers worn,
We move as one through city scorn.
No smoke, no drink, no numbing haze—
Just open hearts and sunny days.
The chords of Denver, strums of folk,
Revive the dreams the ‘60s spoke.
Of peace not sold, of love not tamed,
Of laughter where our wounds were named.
We share green drinks and songs unsold,
Unpack our truths, both young and old.
And in each park, we find our spark—
A jam, a dance, a beating heart.
This ride’s a prayer with moving feet,
For joy that rises from the street.
For justice, breath, and soil unpaved—
For health, for hope, for earth to save.
So join us where the pedals play,
And peace is practiced every day.
With every turn, we mend, we teach—
A revolution within reach.
🚲 Gentle Rolling Wheels: Invitation to Seasoned Riders and Vintage Bicycles
Dear Fellow Cyclist,
You’re warmly invited to join us for a refreshing series of slow-paced group rides through scenic parts of the East Bay and beyond. These rides are designed especially with older riders in mind — those with classic garage-kept bicycles, cruisers, or just a love of peaceful cycling at a comfortable pace.
🌿 Ride Highlights
Distance: Most routes range from 6 to 12 miles, round trip.
Terrain: Gentle slopes with limited steep elevation changes. We'll provide clear notes for each route’s hill profile, so no surprises.
Surfaces: We prioritize routes with protected bike lanes, smooth pavement, and minimal traffic crossings.
Pace: Leisurely. No racing. No pressure. Just breathing fresh air, enjoying good company, and moving together.
🔄 Route Examples
Bay Trail (Albany to Berkeley Marina): Mostly flat, 100% paved, with protected lanes and sweeping views of the Bay.
Iron Horse Trail (Walnut Creek segment): Light slopes, tree-covered sections, benches, and rest stops. ~10 miles total.
Lafayette-Moraga Trail: Rolling and shaded. Easy to moderate effort. Several access points and a few gentle hills.
We’ll always post elevation maps and route details ahead of time, so you can decide what’s right for you.
🎶 Optional Themes for Future Rides
We’re exploring themed rides like:
“Acoustic on Wheels” – Bring a light ukulele, harmonica, or drum for rest-stop jam sessions.
“Clean Air & Clean Fuel” – Share unrefined whole foods, spring water, and herbal teas.
“Soundless Ride” – A quiet, meditative ride with no amplified sound, just wind and wheels.
“Vintage Pride” – Show off those classic bikes — balloon tires, banana seats, or chromoly steel frames.
🚫 Not Your Scene? No Problem
Some of us prefer not to join the rave-on-wheels atmosphere that younger riders enjoy — and that’s okay. Our rides are more about:
Good conversations
Healthy breath work while moving
Mindful movement, strong posture
Taking in the trees, the sky, and the sea breeze
No amplified sound. No party lights. Just pedals, pulse, and presence.
If this sounds like your pace, we’d love to have you ride with us. We’re not starting a club, but a rhythm. If you’ve got a trusty old bike in the garage and want to roll through clean air with kindred spirits, consider this your open invitation.
To express interest or receive updates, email us at:
gentleriderscollective@gmail.com
We’ll send upcoming ride dates, weather plans, route maps, and gentle rider tips.
Yours in rhythm and health,
The Gentle Riders Collective
Here is your updated invitation article incorporating unrefined organic food and drink shares, acoustic music jam stops, a '60s-style art ride theme, and a clean, drug-free wellness atmosphere — co-sponsored by HAP (Healthy Arts Project) and East Bay Bikes:
🚲 Gentle Rolling Wheels: A Slow Ride for the Soul
Co-Sponsored by Healthy Arts Project (HAP) & East Bay Bikes
Dear Friends,
This is your open-hearted invitation to join a slow-paced, soulful group bicycle ride through the East Bay — designed especially for those who value health, creativity, community, and clean living.
Whether you're rolling on a well-loved garage bike, an old-school cruiser, or a gentle electric-assist model, you’re welcome.
🌿 What to Expect
Distance: 6–12 miles total, round trip
Terrain: Mostly flat to gently rolling with detailed elevation maps provided beforehand
Pace: Chill. Conversational. No rush
Path: Protected bike lanes and low-traffic scenic routes
🥗 Food & Drink Share (Optional)
At our midpoint or final stop, we’ll have a potluck-style organic snack and drink share. Bring:
Unrefined foods: fresh fruit, nuts, trail mix, cut veggies, fermented snacks
Clean drinks: spring water, herbal teas, kombucha, coconut water
Please label all items clearly and bring your own reusable cup, fork, or plate.
🎶 Music on the Move
Bring your ukulele, hand drum, harmonica, guitar, or other acoustic instruments (small and rideable), or use an iPad with lyric sheets for a group sing-along stop under the trees or at the waterfront.
Expect spontaneous jam circles, toning/chanting, and maybe even some dancing if the rhythm moves us.
🎨 The Art Ride (Optional Theme)
Let’s bring back the color and playfulness of the ‘60s:
Dress in bright, expressive, or retro clothing
Decorate your bikes with art, streamers, lights, or baskets of flowers
If riding at dusk or after dark, add glow lights or solar LEDs — think Healthy Burning Man on Two Wheels
🚫 Clean, Clear & Connected
This is a smoke-free, alcohol-free, and drug-free ride. We’re creating a safe space for healing, movement, and real connection, where breath, laughter, music, and motion are our fuel.
Whether you’re a lifelong cyclist or just getting back on two wheels, this ride is about:
Strong posture and deep breath
Feeling grounded and joyful
Meeting kindred spirits and moving together in rhythm
Embracing simple pleasures: clean air, clear sky, community
🚴 For Updates & RSVP
Email us at: gentleriderscollective@gmail.com
We’ll send:
Route details and maps
What to bring
Jam song list and art inspiration
Start locations and times
Come ride with us. Let’s co-create something beautiful and healthy — on wheels.
With rhythm and gratitude,
The Gentle Riders Collective
In partnership with Healthy Arts Project (HAP) & East Bay Bikes
Here are 20 ride name ideas that express the theme of joy, wellness, art, connection, and a "sad-free," smoke/drug/alcohol-free ride rooted in music, organic food, and soulful expression:
The Joy Ride Collective
SoulCycle (The Real One)
Pedals & Positivity
Groove & Glide
The Clean Air Caravan
Ride the Rhythm
Harmony on Wheels
Freewheelin’ & Feel-Healin’
The ArtCycle Parade
Slow Roll, Strong Soul
Happy Wheels, Healthy Meals
The Gratitude Glide
Shine Ride: Lights, Laughs & Love
The Ukulele Rollout
Pedal & Play (No Toxins Today!)
Good Vibes & Bike Tribes
Kale Yeah! Ride
The Radiant Ride
Wheels of Wonder & Wellness
Breathe & Ride: A Sad-Free Celebration
🚲 Gentle Loop Ride: Pleasant Hill BART → Heather Farm Park → Larkey Park → Pleasant Hill BART
🗺️ Route Overview
Start/End: Pleasant Hill BART Station
Distance: Approximately 9 miles round trip
Terrain: Mostly flat with gentle slopes
Surfaces: Paved multi-use trails and low-traffic residential streets
Highlights: Iron Horse Trail, Contra Costa Canal Trail, Heather Farm Park, Larkey Park
📍 Step-by-Step Directions
Depart from Pleasant Hill BART Station
Exit the station and access the Iron Horse Regional Trail adjacent to the station.
Head south on the Iron Horse Trail.
Connect to Contra Costa Canal Trail
After approximately 1.5 miles, merge onto the Contra Costa Canal Trail.
Continue southeast towards Heather Farm Park.
Arrive at Heather Farm Park
Enjoy the park's amenities: restrooms, picnic areas, and open spaces.
Ideal spot for a mid-ride break, acoustic jam session, or organic snack share.
Proceed to Larkey Park
Exit Heather Farm Park and head southwest on the Canal Trail.
Transition onto San Carlos Drive, a quiet residential street.
Continue to Larkey Park, a serene location perfect for relaxation and community activities.
Return to Pleasant Hill BART
Retrace your route via San Carlos Drive to the Contra Costa Canal Trail.
Merge back onto the Iron Horse Trail heading north.
Arrive at Pleasant Hill BART Station.
🌳 Route Features
Iron Horse Regional Trail: A well-maintained, multi-use trail connecting various communities and parks.
Contra Costa Canal Trail: A scenic path meandering through central Contra Costa County, linking parks like Heather Farm and Larkey Park.
Heather Farm Park: Offers expansive green spaces, ideal for group gatherings and musical interludes.
Larkey Park: A tranquil setting nestled in a residential area, perfect for rest and reflection.
🎨 Optional Themed Ride Ideas
Acoustic Wheels: Bring along ukuleles, guitars, or harmonicas for spontaneous jam sessions at park stops.
Organic Picnic Pedal: Share unrefined, organic snacks and drinks during breaks, emphasizing health and community.
Vintage Velo Parade: Showcase classic bicycles and don '60s-inspired attire, celebrating nostalgia and creativity.
Glow & Go: For evening rides, adorn bikes with lights and reflective gear, creating a festive and safe atmosphere.
🚫 Ride Etiquette
Substance-Free: Maintain a smoke, alcohol, and drug-free environment to ensure safety and inclusivity.
Pace: Embrace a leisurely speed, accommodating all riders and fostering conversation.
Respect: Adhere to trail rules, yield to pedestrians, and respect wildlife and natural surroundings.
Moving Through the Weight: Walking, Biking & Swimming
We all carry weight—physical, emotional, or mental. Movement can help lighten it—not just on the scale, but in the heart and mind.
Walking is simple and grounding. Go at your own pace. Each step forward is strength—not something to compare or rush.
Biking brings freedom and fun. It's easy on joints and invites exploration. You don’t need hills or speed to enjoy the ride—just consistency and breath.
Swimming supports and soothes. The water helps you move without strain and leaves space to feel strong, free, and unjudged.
It’s not about pace, stats, or appearance. The process is the progress. Just showing up is enough.
To all walking, riding, or swimming through their own weight—you are an inspiration.
🗂 Table of Contents Blog : www.Trailfit.net
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