This is the EVENTS Page

BICYCLE EVENTS

First Annual Charity Bike Ride - "We Ride For Kids - The Villages" Event March 10, 2012

For more information click on the link above or go to werideforkids.weebly.com

 

 

Group Riding Techniques

1. Be predictable
This is the most important rule and it involves every aspect of riding from changing positions in the group to following the traffic rules. All of the other rules support this one. Smooth, predictable riding isn't just a matter of style...its survival!! Always obey the traffic laws and think of the group as one (1) unit. Cross intersections together, turn together, stop together, etc. NEVER ride more than 2 abreast and always single up when cars are present.

2. Don't overlap wheels EVER
Heard the saying "the rider in back is the one that goes down? It's true. Just don't do it.

3. Be steady
This means speed and line. When in a group, maintain a steady speed as you go to the front. When you lead, ride a straight line and keep your speed constant with the conditions. Remember- this means do NOT speed up when you get to the front. It means steady pressure on the pedals...uphill or downhill, headwind or tailwind. The goal is not to have surges, but a constant, steady pace. If you have to brake, do so gently so that you can moderate your speed without disturbing riders around you. Constant, slight adjustments are necessary in a group, learn to do this smoothly.

4. Communicate
Announce hazards. When you are in the lead, you are responsible for the safety of everyone behind you. When you are in the group, communicate to the riders around you. Everyone trusts each other to point out anything in the path of the pack. This includes: potholes, road hazards, parked cars, walkers or other riders you are over taking. Be very vocal when approaching intersections, slowing, stopping, or turning. When you are near the back of the group, announce oncoming traffic from the rear.

5. Signal
Signaling lets everyone (vehicles and riders) know your intentions. Remember #1? This makes you predictable. Always try to make eye contact with oncoming traffic at intersections. Most cyclists use their right arms to signal a right turn, although technically incorrect, this is the most widely accepted signal and easiest to understand.

6. Don't fixate
Do not stare directly at the rider or wheel in front of you. Learn to be comfortable looking around or through the riders ahead of you. Be aware of your surroundings- always.

7. Aero bars and group rides just don't mix
The best scenario is to always use your road bike for group rides. If you do not have a road bike...stay out of the aero bars while in a group. The only exception...when you are at the front pulling you can get aero if you are comfortable doing this, but never when you are following a wheel. It just isn't safe.

8. Don't leave stragglers on a no drop ride
If you get separated, the lead group should soft pedal until the rest have rejoined. If there are new riders, be sure to regroup at any turns or intersections. It is also helpful to have pre designated "regroup" points during a ride, just in case someone gets dropped.

9. Know your limitations and strengths
Yes, riders of different abilities can still ride together and have fun. Know yourself and be honest. If you're not strong enough or too tired to take a turn at the front, stay at the back and let the stronger cyclists pull. Make sure you get don't pull too long or hard and then get dropped. If you are one of the stronger riders, set a nice steady pace at the front, but just stay on the front longer instead increasing the speed. Think longer not faster.

10. Change positions correctly
A common beginner mistake is to stop pedaling just before pulling off the front. This creates an accordion effect toward the rear. Keep a steady pressure on the pedals until you have cleared the front. After pulling off, soft pedal and let the group pull through. As the last couple riders are passing through, begin to apply more pressure to smoothly take your position at the rear. The goal is a nice, smooth transition. Remember- steadiness is the goal.

11. Climbing
If you need to stand, shift up a gear to compensate for the slower cadence and stand up smoothly keeping a steady pressure on the pedals. Think about propelling your bike forward as you stand. This will keep the bike from moving backward into the rider behind you.

12. Descending
The leader on a group must overcome a much greater wind resistance as the speed increases. If you are leading, keep pedaling. Riders to the rear will accelerate faster downhill as drafting becomes more effective. If you are following, back off a couple of bike lengths to give yourself a little extra space to compensate for the greater affects of drafting. If you are closing on the rider in front, sit up and let the wind slow you or use light braking to maintain spacing, but in both cases you should keep pedaling against the resistance. Keeping your legs moving not only makes it easier to keep the spacing, but also helps the legs get rid of the acid build up from the previous climb.

13. Relax
This one is really important. It will allow you to be smooth and responsive. A relaxed upper body allows you to have much more control over the bike and eliminates over-reacting. Many times, over-reaction to a situation is what causes the crash. If you just stay calm and relaxed, you might be able to avoid the mishap or crash.

14. Closing a gap or slowing down
Don't make erratic movements. Close a gap slowly, don't panic. Stay seated and gradually reel them back in. If you are getting to close to the rider ahead, soft pedal, sit up higher to catch more wind, move over slightly to catch more wind, feather your breaks a bit.

15. Leading the Pack
It is important than when you are pulling that you know where you are going. Make decisions with the safety of the entire group in mind. Do not accelerate or decelerate unless appropriate. If you decide to cross an intersection, make sure the entire group has enough time and space to make it through safely.

16. No Half Wheeling
Do not half wheel (riding in slightly ahead of the rider next to you) when riding side by side. Settle on a pressure and maintain it. Constantly evaluate your position next to another rider. Few things are more annoying than "Half Wheel Hank" or "Half Wheel Helen" on a group ride. Don't be Hank or Helen.

Notes- Move completely off the roadway when waiting for groups, fixing flats or stopping. Do not congregate on the roads.
Yield to horses, runners, and other pedestrians on paths.
Let someone know if you are getting dropped - it is much easier for the group to slow down a bit than to have to stop completely and wait for dropped riders.
Leave no trace - do not leave trash on the trail or road!
Only ride two abreast- NEVER more, and single up when cars approach- stay to the right and be courteous to traffic.
Shawn Heidgen, from Pactimo.com

Safety Topics

General Safety Tips

1. Make sure your bike is safe
The pedals, seat, and handlebars let you control your bike. Make sure they are firmly attached.
Make sure tires are in good condition and are properly inflated.
Inspect the braking system to ensure it will function adequately when needed.
Bike shops can help determine if your bike is safe. Most of our local bike shops will provide a free safety check.

2. Make Yourself Easily Seen
Motorists are used to looking for car-sized objects. To enhance your visibility, wear light-colored or fluorescent clothing and accessories. Apply reflective tape to your helmet and moving parts on your bike, and always use proper lighting at night.

3. The Three most frequent causes of motor vehicle vs. bicyclist fatal crashes are:
Failure to opey traffic control devices.
Riding on the wrong side of the roadway.
Riding at night without proper lighting.

Bicycle Safety Tips

1. Ride predictably
When riding in traffic, avoid weaving in and out of the "parking lane". Instead, maintain your line of travel, remaining as far right as is safe.

2. Road Hazards
Continually scan for hazards that could cause you to lose control.
In wet conditions, give yourself extra room to stop.
When crossing slippery surfaces (such as utility covers) avoid braking or turning.
Cross train tracks at right angle and stand up to absorb shock from the uneven surface.

3. Obey Traffic Laws
Traffic law violations cause the majority of bicycle/motor vehicle collisions. By following traffic laws, cyclists are predictable to other drivers.
Ride in the direction of traffic.
Obey traffic signs and signals.
Yield when entering a roadway.
Signal before turning or changing lanes.
Use proper lighting at night.
In Florida, the bicycle is legally defined as a vehicle. Bicyclists using a public roadway are considered operators of vehicles and are responsible for observing traffic laws. With few exceptions, there is only one road and it is up to motorists and bicyclists to treat each other with care and respect.
Adherence to the law is the foundation of respect.

4. Be Responsible For Yourself
When riding in a group each rider should look out for themselves and not simply follow the rider in front of them. Make sure all riders in the group are aware of how to ride safely and legally.

5. Wear a Helmet
Head injuries cause the majority of bicycle motor-vehicle collision deaths.
Helmets can help reduce the frequency and severity of head injuries.
Helmets can only do their job, however, if properly fitted and adjusted.
Always wear the helmet level on your head. The side buckles should be situated just below your earlobes. The chin strap should be adjusted to fit snugly when the chin buckle is closed.
Bicycle helmets are designed to withstand one crash only. Structural damage is not always visible, so never use a crashed or second hand helmet.
Store your helmet away from sunlight as ultraviolet light can damage it.
Helmets are required of bicyclists under the age of 16.

Bicycle Group Riding

1. Be Predictable
Group riding requires even more attention to predictability than riding alone. Other riders expect you to continue straight ahead at a constant speed unless you indicate differently.

2. Use Signals
Use hand and verbal signals to communicate with members of the group and with other traffic. Hand signals for turning and stopping are as follows:
Left arm out and down with your palm to the rear to signal slowing or stopping.
Right arm straight out to signal a right turn or put your left arm out and up.

3. Give Warnings
Warn cyclists behind you well in advance of changes in your direction or speed.
To notify the group of a change in path, the lead rider should call out "left turn" or "right turn" in addition to giving a hand signal.

4. Change Positions Correctly
Generally, slower traffic stays right, so you should try to pass others on their left, say "on your left" to warn the cyclist ahead that you are passing. If you need to pass someone on the right, say "on your right" clearly since this is an unusual maneuver.

5. Announce Hazards
When riding in a group, most of the cyclists do not have a good view of the road surface ahead, so it is important to announce holes, glass, gravel, grates, and other hazards.
The leader should indicate road hazards by pointing down to the left or right, and by shouting "hole", "bump", etc. where required for safety.

6. Watch for Traffic Coming From the Rear
Since those in front cannot see traffic approaching from the rear, it is the responsibility of the riders in back to inform the others by saying "car back".
Around curves, on narrow roads, or when riding double, it is also helpful to warn of traffic approaching from the front with "car up".

7. Watch Out at Intersections
When approaching intersections that require vehicles to yield or stop, the lead rider will say "slowing" or "stopping" to alert those behind to the change in speed.
When passing through an intersection, some cyclists say "clear" if there is no cross traffic. This is a dangerous practice that should be abandoned. It encourages riders to follow the leader, letting others do their thinking for them. Each cyclist is responsible for verifying that the way is indeed clear.

8. Leave a Gap for Cars
When riding up hills or on narrow roads where you are impeding faster traffic, leave a gap for cars between every three or four bicycles. That way a motorist can take advantage of shorter passing intervals and eventually move piecemeal around the entire group.

9. Move OFF the Road When You Stop
Whether you are stopping because of mechanical problems or to regroup with your companions, move well off the road so you don't interfere with traffic. When you start up again, each cyclist should look for, and yield to, traffic.

10. Ride 1 or 2 Across
Ride single file or double file as appropriate to the roadway and traffic conditions and where allowed by law. Most state vehicle codes permit narrow vehicles such as bicycles and motorcycles to ride double file within the lane. Even where riding double is legal, courtesy dicates that you single up when cars are trying to pass you.
These 10 TIPS FOR SAFE GROUP RIDING are based on the principles taught in the League of American Bicyclists effective cycling program.
The Village Bicycle Club believes that bicycling is a fun and safe activity. Cyclists should help ensure their own safety by following safety tips. Cycling is a growing sport. For most of our membership the above tips are listed as a reminder. For those who are new to cycling please get into the habit of following all safety tips. Those who do not follow the safety rules, please consider following them in the future.

Toolkit

When you're out on your bike, the last thing you want is to have a breakdown without a way of getting home. Here's a list of toolkit essentials to take with you on your rides. To store your survival kit you can purchase a small saddle pouch that attaches under your seat.

A - Tire Pump
You won't be able to pump up your tire after a flat without a proper pump! Make sure the pump head fits the valves on your tubes.

B - Spare Tube
Before putting your spare tube into the tire (after a flat of course!), make sure there are no pieces of glass or metal sticking through the tire that will pop the new tube. To do this, inspect the tire, and run your fingers along the inside of the tire. Make sure the tube you carry in your kit is the correct size for your tires.

C - Patch Kit
Bring along a small patch kit to use on those particularly bad days (Oh no! I forgot to replace my spare tube!). You can get small "glueless" patches that are light and easy to use.

D - Tire Levers
Unless you ahve arms and hands of steel, you'll need these nifty gadgets to pry the tire from the rim. Plastic levers are the lightest. You should have two or three.

E - Allen Wrenches
Also known as hexagonal wrenches. Carry one for each hex bolt size on your bike (usually sizes 4,5, and 6).

F - Small Adjustable Wrench
A 4 inch wrench will fit almost all the small nuts on your bike that may require mid-voyage adjustment.

G - Small Screwdriver
A 1/8 inch blade screwdriver is useful for making derailleur adjustments.

H - Spoke Wrench
Carry the size that fits your spoke nipples.

I - Small Pocket Knife
This will come in handy more often than you might think.

J - Odds and Ends
Here's some other things that can really be a life saver. A presta-to-Schrader valve adapter (in case your pump breaks), a spare house key, spare change for a phone call or a snack, and an ID card.