As the name implies, our philosophy here at DHFFMUWBRs is "We not too fast, we not too slow." No fanatics, but dawdlers are discouraged. Our energies are directed toward two concepts: exercise and beer. Rides entail distances of at least 30 kilometers, sometimes up to 60 or 100 or even more, and we usually begin from central Tokyo. As a rule, no trains or cars required to get out of (or back into) town. Rides take from two to six hours, depending on the amount of socializing we do (and number of beer breaks we take).

These rides generally (but not necessarily) happen every Saturday and Sunday, or at least one of the two. When the weather and social engagements permit, you will be notified by e-mail on the Thursday or Friday before the ride(s). Rides usually begin in front of the Grand Hyatt in Roppongi Hills at around 11:00 a.m., earlier for longer rides.

There are two beginner-level rides. One is to a little beach park off Haneda Airport, where we watch the planes take off and land and the ships come and go on Tokyo Bay. There’s a beer machine. The other is to Odaiba, where the destination is a little only-in-Tokyo beachside place that plays Hawaiian reggae music (and serves beer). These rides are sometimes extended to include the Tama River or Yumenoshima (a pile of garbage in Tokyo Bay with a golf course built on top of it). And, for city rides, you might be surprised at how green these are.

Of course, when cyclists get together, other rides are discussed and arrangements made. I've been doing these rides for years and have refined them to maximize fun and minimize contact with vehicular traffic. View them as regular workouts that you can do when more interesting excursions are not planned.

These are for exercise, not chat outings (unless you can chat at 25kph), and you are expected to keep up. But there are always beverages (possibly beer) at our chosen destination, and there will be plenty of time for socializing. For that matter, when we return to central Tokyo, we often descend on some unfortunate noodle or pizza shop to try our best to negate all the benefits of the exercise.

The people that will enjoy these rides the most will be capable of maintaining a reasonable speed for 30-60 kilometers. You should know how to fix a flat (we‘ll teach you if you don't), and carry along tools, a spare tube that fits your bike and an air pump. You should like beer, though this is optional if you're ridiculously good-looking.

We ride all year, through the dead of winter (minimum 8 degrees and it should be sunny) and the sweltering heat of summer (it's cooler at the beach).

Occasionally we arrange longer rides that require bike bags for taking your bike on a train or ferry. Sometimes overnight. Wear a helmet. Leave the iPod at home.

Did I mention beer?