Slow Spokes

On Tuesday evenings, bicyclists gather on 19th Street in Jasper outside Gina Scruggs’ State Farm office. Riders adjust their seats, socializing as they wait for the Slow Spokes ride to begin, a meandering seven- or eight-mile bike tour through historic downtown.

Jasper Slow Spokes is a spin-off of Birmingham community rides Thursday Night Trample and LeTour de Ham. Carey Scruggs and his wife, Gina, joined the groups cycling through downtown Birmingham. The couple enjoyed them to the extent that Gina thought, You know, we should really start something like that here. I think people would like it.

Slow Spokes’ inaugural ride occurred in November 2019, months before the Covid-19 pandemic. Weekly rides provided a safe, outdoor social gathering for the Jasper community while meeting the physical, emotional, and mental health needs amid a global crisis. During the pandemic, Slow Spokes had a record number of riders: 141, ages 8-80.

Though the group does not entertain many riders now, a faithful few gather weekly, picking up new riders occasionally. “It’s been fun to watch the groups as they have evolved,” Gina says.

Gina speaks fondly of Pauline, a rider who joined the group after experiencing a family tragedy. “She could barely go a couple of blocks. She hadn’t ridden a bike in years. She got on it and went up and down the alley just to practice that first day.” Now, Pauline rarely misses a ride.

Cyclists enjoy the camaraderie and fitness that Slow Spokes offers. Gina says, “We have found that if there is a low threshold to entry, then that’s where you get the community involvement.”

In addition, there is no registration fee, commitment, or cost for riders.

“You don’t have to wear spandex. You don’t have to be an experienced rider. You don’t have to have your own bicycle,” Gina says. “Even if you own your own bicycle, you don’t have to own a pick-up truck to bring it down here.”

Slow Spokes has fifteen bikes, oiled and ready to ride.

Gina encourages everyone to “come see what it is” one Tuesday night, between 6-7 p.m—“because it’s probably something you would enjoy.”

As Slow Spokes has gained traction in the community, it seems that Gina’s hunch proved to be right. 78