Group Ride Rules

Welcome to the 2017 season! Our Team Stelleri/women’s training rides start this Wednesday, April 19^th, from the Brandy Wine Bar /Par 3 clubhouse, on Akron-Peninsula Rd just south of Rt. 303 (https://goo.gl/maps/s6vpDqCTtxn)

 

Here are some things that you will need to know, especially if you’re not used to riding in a group. We’ll go over all these rules before we ride, but please ask a team leader or mentor if you have any questions.

 

Routes and training objectives will be posted in advance. If you are on the email list, you will receive this info in an email message sometime before ride night. PLEASE take time to review the route – things happen and sometimes you may find yourself out there by yourself.

 

These training rides are typically ‘no-drop’ rides in the sense that we will wait for the group if we get split up by red lights/farm equipment/breathalyzer checks/etc. and we’ll wait at the top of

whatever is ‘the hill’ for that ride. WE DO NOT INTENTIONALLY DROP RIDERS! But we do

expect that if you simply can’t hang with the group or if you’re having a bad day, please know how to get back to the Brandy Wine Bar on your own.

 

Also, PLEASE be aware that, although we love having you ride with us, sometimes it’s hard to

keep track of everyone – especially in a splintered group! If you fall off the back and nobody

sees it happen, we don’t know to wait for you. Again, PLEASE know the route, or at least how to

get back to the start, just in case. To repeat: We will NEVER drop you intentionally and then ride

as fast as we can to widen the gap.

 

All riders should be prepared to fix their own flats and handle minor mechanical issues. And all

are required to carry a cell phone, just in case.

 

In the event of unfavorable weather at ride time, the ride will likely be cancelled. We don’t start

rides in the rain, but we have gotten caught in the rain while out there so be prepared. Please check your email for updates and cancellations.

 

GROUP RIDE RULES:

1. Helmet required.

2. Road ID (or some sort of on body identification) is required. You can purchase a Road ID at www.roadid.com.

3. A rear light is MANDATORY. Headlights are not required but strongly encouraged.

4. Ear buds are strictly prohibited. This includes any other devices that may impair any of

your senses while riding with the group

5. Road bikes are recommended. Time trial bikes/aerobars are PROHIBITED on group rides.

6. When you’re riding in our kit, you MUST obey all the rules of the road! NO EXCEPTIONS.

If you want to ride like an idiot, please don’t wear the team kit or show up to the group rides.

7. Those caught blowing red lights and stop signs and breaking all kinds of laws just to prove

her manhood and/or ‘win’ Strava segments will be publicly chastised. Don’t do it.

8. Assume that every driver is blind, old, texting, angry, drunk, high, and stupid. Ride accordingly.

9. We will ride SINGLE FILE on Akron Peninsula and Riverview Roads. For the most part, we will ride in a rotating paceline. You’ll learn how to do this during the group rides. For an explanation, check this out: https://nycc.org/rides/paceline-technique. Remember that the object of the rotating paceline is to keep the intensity steady to avoid the slinky effect.

10. The roads throughout the Valley appear to be exceptionally crappy, and get worse each year. We will try to find roads that don’t present a major hazard, but please keep your eyes open and your situational awareness intact. Keep just enough distance between you and the rider in front of you to be able to react to obstacles without veering into the path of oncoming traffic.

 

We look forward to riding and racing with you this season! See you on Wednesdays!