Prior to the start of the ride introduce yourself and advise that you will be leading the ride and participants should follow you. Riders should note the leader’s cell number. If appropriate, have participants introduce themselves to the group.
Make sure that EVERYONE (including guests) sign the Activity Release Form. You should carry the completed form with you in case you need the contact information. After the ride, the completed form should be scanned or photographed and sent to the Summer Sports Director, Steve Leonard at leonarsc@gmail.com.
The following should verbally be reviewed before the start of the ride:
- Describe the route and note busy sections where riding single file is advised
- Riders should obey motor vehicle and bicycle laws for the state of Utah and use appropriate hand signals when turning, slowing or Stopping. This includes stopping at all stop lights.
- Do not ride abreast when you may hinder traffic flow around you and never ride more than 2 abreast.
- Call out and point to hazards such as “hole”, “grate”, “glass”, “rough road”, “car back”, “car up”, etc.
- Call out your intentions and use appropriate hand signals: “slowing”, “stopping”, “turning right” or “turning left”
- Never call out “clear” at an intersection, since conditions can rapidly change for following riders.
For your guidance, we would ask that you follow the general road biking format laid out for 2022, which is provided below: We feel this will appeal to the majority of the club’s riders.
A Ride: For fit cyclists. Average pace between 15.0 and 17.0+ MPH with a distance between 35 to 50 miles or more. Long climbs are routine. Generally one rest stop. Slower riders may be dropped.
B Ride: For accomplished cyclists. Average pace between 13.0 and 15.0 MPH with a distance between 20 to 35 miles. Some climbing depending on the route. Up to 15 miles between rest stops. Leader shall sweep at no slower than 13 MPH. No riders will be dropped.
C Ride: For experienced cyclists who want an easier pace. Average pace between 10.0 to 12.0 MPH with a distance between 15 to 25 miles. Some rolling hills with no steep climbs. Rest stops as needed. No riders will be dropped.
In addition, rides may be designated as +/- if they fall between the above categories. For example, a 40-mile ride at a B pace, or a 30-mile ride with more climbing than is the norm for a B ride, may be designated B+.
Leisurely Ride: For members who want to ride at an easy, comfortable pace with gentle climbs and a distance not to exceed 5 to 10 miles. The expected pace is 4 to 6 mph, but we will determine the pace during the ride to accommodate the slowest rider. In an effort to minimize road / traffic these rides will maximize use of cycle paths. Rest stops as needed. No riders will be dropped.
We would urge the ride leaders try to keep the outlined pace and if there are faster riders in your group, let them go ahead, but advise them they are on their own.
As noted, for B & C level rides, “no riders will be dropped”. We would suggest, rather than slow down the entire group for a person that cannot keep the pace, the leader see if one of the other riders will stay with the slower rider and either assist them in completing the ride or get them back to the starting point. Alternatively, if the C-ride is following the same course, the slower rider be asked to wait for the C-riders and join that group. If possible, contact the C-level ride leader. If someone cannot keep the pace for the B-level ride, they should be encouraged to do C-level rides until they get stronger. If they cannot keep up with the C-level pace, they should be encouraged to do more riding on their own for a couple of weeks, until they are able to keep the C-level pace.
A, B, and C rides are intended for road bikes (lightweight frames, approx. 20 gear options, narrow tires and no suspension). If someone shows up with a mountain bike (wide tires and suspension) for a road bike ride, they should be advised that it will be difficult for them to keep up with the group and they may be dropped notwithstanding the “No Drop” rule for that ride. Hybrid bikes (similar to road bikes but with upright handle bars) are permitted on all B & C rides assuming that riders are able to keep up with others. For leisurely rides, all types of human-powered bikes, including beach cruisers are acceptable.
New for 2022 – The use of E-bikes for road bike rides is permitted.
All participants in a Club ride must wear a bike helmet and have sufficient water for the outlined ride.
The ride leader may cancel the ride if there is adverse weather near the scheduled starting time. It is the rider’s responsibility to verify the status of the ride by calling the ride leader’s cell phone. Cancellations or schedule changes should be communicated with the road bike coordinator who will post changes on the Club’s calendar. However, the Club does not send cancellation emails to the membership, so non-weather related changes are discouraged unless made well in advance of the ride.
It is suggested that leaders make a head count at the start of the ride and be sure you end the ride with the same number.
We think these few reminders will help keep everyone safe and enhance the riding experience.