Comrades!
It is likely that I will be stuck at work all day tomorrow and will not be riding. If that is the case, I will swing by OCRR and put up route sheets. I will also double check the route map on RwGPS to ensure it is complete, should anyone wish to print out their own slips. The route should be familiar to most all of you. The only difference between the two routes is climbing over Twin Oaks at the start. My plan for the ride is that the group going over Twin Oaks should fully regroup in San Elijo, then time trial through Elfin Forest and chase down the shortcut riders. Save the racing for the run up Rancho Santa Fe into San Marcos.
Please, and I cannot stress this enough, be polite and respect all traffic rules. Especially when there are new riders to the group. Many people join our club because we are generally more pleasant to ride with. Sometimes it may be possible and safe to yield at stops signs, but it is best practice to stop, especially in a group at intersections that have poor visibility. If you approach a yellow, there is no reason to try and sprint through on a red. You may be on a bicycle, but you are no different than a car under the law in this regard. This is a club ride, not a race. There is no reason to drop your mates or break up the group, especially in the beginning of the ride. If the group breaks up because of a light, slow and do a rolling regroup, or just pull off and wait. I find that traffic controls can be helpful in helping to keep the group together. If you are concerned about maintaining a high average speed, want to look good on Strava, or just feel it's too hard to stop and go repeatedly, then you might consider riding alone more. You are expected to abide by the code of conduct set forth by NCCC. Please consult the club bylaws and rider rules etiquette if you need a refresher.
Thank you.
Robert
Well said Robert.
You can say that two times, Robert. I have abandoned as ride leader, too.
I had held back to escort slower riders on a complicated return route, and they blew through red lights on Carlsbad Village Dr. No cars present but there were other NCCC riders behind them. It seemed so intolerably rude, I turned around and went home.
What can a ride leader do? Is there a liability when someone asks "Who is in charge of this ride?"
Robert,
After our discussion last week I opened the Regular Ride with the concerns discussed:
- Cycling safety amongst traffic especially at 4-way stops/intersections.
- The incident last week that caused a driver to get upset with us.
- Membership and the importance of it to the Club.
In summary, the message was sent and it followed with a great ride on Saturday. No traffic incidences occurred, re-groups were spot on and collective, and everyone rode extremely cordial. I'll be out of town next week so I'll see you the following week.
Ride Safely to All,
Ken