Check out this Ride Calendar for Kansas and Missouri

Finesse Front Shifts - One of the hardest-working parts on your bike is also one of the smallest. It's the front derailleur, that little widget that sits just above the crankset. This important device moves the chain onto the different chainrings when you shift. Because the rings vary so greatly in size and because the derailleur is moving adjacent to the chain, the front derailleur gets a major workout on every ride. And, if you just slam your bike into gear, you're asking for trouble. It's much better to finesse front shifts by easing off on pedal pressure and letting the rings gradually engage the shifting chain. If you can do this, shifts will be smoother, your chain, derailleur and rings will last longer, and you'll avoid problems with the chain falling off the chainrings.