Riding with a cycling club.
1. Your bike should be in excellent working order. Check your
brakes, cables, and tighten all bolts and fittings. Fill up your
tires and check the inflation weekly (buy a floor pump, believe
me it is worth it). If in doubt take your bike to a local bike
shop and have it thoroughly checked out. You'd hate to have a
major mechanical problem on the ride, plus it safer. Also make
sure that your bike is set up properly for your size. Have
someone help you with adjusting handlebars, seat height, etc.
before you ride. Don't try to do those adjustments in the parking
lot at a ride start.
2. You should be in decent physical condition for riding. Speeds
can be fast at times although there are usually groups of varying
abilities to ride with. You should not try to exceed your
conditioning if you are not ready for a longer ride. Work up to
the more strenuous rides with shorter rides during the weeks
ahead (weekday/evening rides are perfect for this training).
3. Carry plenty of water with you. Two water bottles is
recommended on hot days. Drink often (take a gulp of water every
10-15 minutes). If you wait or forget to drink you will be in
danger of dehydration which can be dangerous. We do stop to
refill bottles during the rides if needed. Also bring a snack
energy bar, cookies, granola, fruit or some energy food. You
won't regret having it when you are hungry and tired half way
home.
4. Know how to fix a flat tire. It is always best to have the
tools (tire levers available at any bike shop) and at least one
spare tube in a pocket or seat bag. If you do have a blowout, we
will stop and assist you, but you should be familiar with the
changing process.
5. Be sure and carry money, an ID of some sort, and phone numbers
in case of an emergency. Many riders are now carrying cell phones
too. If you should have an accident or unrepairable breakdown we
need to know who you are, people to contact and how to get you
back safely. We often do stop for snacks or breakfast goodies and
you don't want to have to borrow money to buy something. How
embarrassing! OK there is always someone with spare change.
6. Show up to the rides at least 15 minutes before the scheduled
time. We start on time and will not wait for stragglers.
7. Please wear your helmet! It will make you look and act more
like a "real" cyclist and you'll make it safer for everyone. Wear
clothing made for cycling. You don't have to look like you are in
the Tour de France, but either tight-fitting Lycra or baggy
cycling shorts (with inserts) will be more comfortable. Wear
brightly colored jerseys or jackets. You want to be seen on the
roads. We recommend investing in cycling-specific shoes. You will
be able to put more power into your pedal stroke and your feet
won't ache after a long ride. Check our links page for mail-order
vendors or visit your local bike shop.