Even when the sun's shining and the roads are in pristine shape it's still sometimes difficult to find the time - and motivation - to get out and ride.

There's all that yard work to be done. There's a great show at the State Theatre to see. There's cold beer needing someone to drink it on a back deck.

Any cyclist can come up with a slew of excuses to stay out of the saddle. But bikers who are part of a club are far less likely to get away with them.

Maine's home to a variety of bike clubs from Bar Harbor to Kennebunkport and most offer several weekly rides in a range of levels. Some even host competitive events or offer rides specifically for women.

If you're looking to team up, here are a handful of options to get you started:

Casco Bay Bicycle Club, Portland: Hosts rides Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Membership is $15 per year.

Community Cycling Club of Portland: Evening rides on Mondays, Wednesday and Thursdays. membership is $20 per year.

Portland Velo Club: Evening rides on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and morning rides on Saturdays. Membership is $30 per year.

Southern Maine Cycling Club: Weekly rides on Tuesday evenings and Friday and Saturday mornings. Also offers a women's team.

Maine Coast Cycling Club, Kennebunkport: Rides are Sunday mornings and Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. Membership is $25 per year.

Merrymeeting Wheelers, Brunswick: Offers 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. rides of varying distances.

Maine Cycling Club, Auburn: Offers rides Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. On Thursdays choose from the regular group ride or a beginners' ride. Membership is $25 per year.

Central Maine Cycling Club: Several weekly rides offered on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesday and Thursdays.

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About the Author

Karen Beaudoin is an online editor for Maine Today Media and contributes two blogs to the company's websites.

In the City tells readers what to know if they want to know Portland. Pedal On offers info, events and advice for people who love their bikes more than, well ... almost anything.

Get in touch at kbeaudoin@mainetoday.com

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