GROUP RIDE TIPS

1) Make sure your bike is in full working order before showing up and that you have tools for fixing a flat.
Before any ride, it’s important to do a quick inspection of your bike to avoid any potential issues on the road. Check your tires for cracks or cuts, check for frayed cables, and look out for any loose bolts.  The sooner you catch a problem, the sooner you can visit your local bike shop for a fix.
It’s also important to be self sufficient on the road when it comes to having the tools to fix a flat. While you might not be able to change a flat yourself, others can help as long as you have a spare tube and a tire lever on hand.
2) If a route map is provided before the ride, familiarize yourself with the route and elevation profile.
Never show up to a group ride without some idea of where you’ll be going.  While we try to keep everyone together on our rides, it is the responsibility of each rider to review the route before departing.
3) Be reasonably confident in your ability to complete the day’s route.
Before joining any group ride, it’s important you feel you will be able to complete the route in question. If we are doing a 50 mile group ride, you should be confident in your ability to ride this distance without pushing yourself too hard.
4) Arrive early and ready for an on-time departure.
Arriving late and holding up the entire group from departing isn’t very nice thing to do.  Be sure to arrive early to find parking, gear up, and mingle with other riders so that we can depart on time and keep everyone else on schedule.
5) Bring food, water, and cash for potential food stops along the way.
Always show up to a group ride with your water bottles filled and any food you’ll need already in your jersey pockets. It’s also a good idea to bring a little cash or a credit card to purchase any some food along the way (many of our longer group rides will include a short stop at a store for riders to purchase snacks and other items).
6)  Ride no more than two abreast.
As a courtesy to car traffic and for safety reasons, we ride no more than two-by-two along our group ride routes.
7)  Call out road hazards.
While riding in a group, it’s important to make other riders aware of road and traffic conditions.  If you see a pothole or other road hazard, be sure to vocally call out the hazard so that others can be aware of upcoming road conditions they may not be able to see from their position in the group.
8) Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Whether you find yourself struggling to keep the pace of the group, need extra food or water, or need help dealing with a mechanical issue, don’t be afraid to ask for help from the group.  A little push up a hill or a slowing of the group pace might be all you need in order to enjoy your ride with us and our group ride members and staff are happy to help with any of your needs along the route.