|
|
|
 |
|
Cascade Training Series: Newcomers
- Please attach the appropriate color tape/ribbon to the TOP of your helmet.
- No headphones or cell phone use while riding – too dangerous for the group – AND ILLEGAL!
- These are “Stay together” rides, which mean that the leader will stop if the overall group is split by a traffic light or stop sign (DO NOT RUN LIGHTS OR STOP SIGNS), and will re-group at the top of hills. However, except for the Red (and, later, the Yellow) group, we will not wait for those with mechanical problems or for straggling riders who obviously belong with a slower group. The groups are too large for leaders to stop the entire group or to leave the group (except for accidents). Please be prepared to fix your own flats and have a plan (cash, phone numbers) for dealing with more serious breakdowns.
- While there are no official food stops, there will be at least 15 minutes at the periodic restroom stops for food consumption for those not comfortable eating while riding. Fruit bars, energy bars, and bananas are easy to carry.
- No one should ever ride in front of the leader unless specifically requested to do so--or unless moving up to a faster group. The leader needs an unobstructed view of the road/trail ahead.
- Leave a full bike length between riders (NO DRAFTING OR PACELINES unless leader authorizes).
- Single-file ALWAYS on Trails; only Leader calls out “large group of riders on your left” AND last rider says “last rider”. (NO bells or warning by those in the middle of the group unless specifically indicated.)
- Single-file on roads unless a very low volume road. When passing a slower rider, always pass on the left, first looking behind before pulling out, saying “on your left”, and (especially on hills) passing quickly.
- On most roads, we divide groups of more than 12 into sub-groups of 6-10 with a minimum of 3-5 car-lengths between sub-groups to facilitate passing by cars (exceptions: low volume 4-lane roads or when encountering a sequence of traffic lights).
- Your leader may ask the second and third riders to drop/stop at crosswalks and/or intersections to act as “traffic control persons”.
- On narrow roads/lanes, for safety your leader may move out from the road edge to ride in the middle of the lane. Follow their lead.
- On some 4-lane roads your leader may choose to ride a double column (two lines with spacing between riders) in the right lane.
- “Group-up” at red lights to go thru light together then immediately resume single-file. Stop if the light turns red – the leader will wait.
- Late arrivals should sign the Waiver form at the first Rest Stop.
|
|
|
|
