Sadly from my office window it looks relatively normal outside. However as I gaze into the InterWeb the weather network tells me otherwise. I believe the best course of action today is to bail out on riding outside.
The forecast for next week is looking GREAT, so stay tuned for the details of next Monday's ride.
If anyone has any question regarding these rides please feel free to email me at brentt@bowcycle.com
cya soon
BRENT
Monday, April 27, 2009
Saturday, April 25, 2009
This Monday's Ride (April 27th) More Than Likely Canceled.........
greetings all, thanks to everyone who came out this past week and enjoyed the quick little ride out to Cochrane. Looks like the weather is not willing to co-operate this week. I will update the blog early Monday afternoon to say whether the ride this week will be a yeah or a nay. If the current forecast holds true it will definitely be a nay.
cya ya soon
BRENT
cya ya soon
BRENT
Monday, April 20, 2009
The first Bownesians No Drop ride is tonight...
Greetings all, looking forward to taking a bunch of people out for a spin. Remember to come down to the shop early to get your waiver signed and fees paid. Also take into consideration that the warm temps from this afternoon will not last too far into the evening. As the sun gets lower temps drop quickly this time of year. The wind may not be our friend this evening, so having a light jacket/vest and arms warmers are never a bad thing to have handy in the early season.
See ya at the shop, the plan is to leave at 6:30pm.
See ya at the shop, the plan is to leave at 6:30pm.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Our first group ride, Monday April 20 @ 6:30pm
Just a nice, easy, spin out to Cochrane and back. Take a look at the map below to view the route. This one will be around 48km round trip. The ride LEAVES AT 6:30pm. Meet just outside the service entrance of Bow on the grassy patch. Please remember to come out early to fill out the waiver/registration form and pay your fees. We will not have access to the store when we return so please bring only what you need because you will have to leave extra items in your locked vehicle.
cya Monday
BRENT
brentt@bowcycle.com
cya Monday
BRENT
brentt@bowcycle.com
Things To Bring On The Ride
For some this will be old news, but for those of you who are new to riding out on the highway there are a number of items you should bring:
- Water bottles
- Tire levers
- Spare tube (or two)
- Hand pump, or CO2 cartridges
- Multi tool
- A jacket or vest, arm/knee warmers in case the weather changes.
- Some snacks for energy
- Cell phone
- Water bottles
- Tire levers
- Spare tube (or two)
- Hand pump, or CO2 cartridges
- Multi tool
- A jacket or vest, arm/knee warmers in case the weather changes.
- Some snacks for energy
- Cell phone
Ride with Safety and Courtesy as your guide
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". This warns leading riders to maintain position and the potential of a passing car. Use discretion on the car back warning: on busy roads with continuous passing traffic, the call out of car back tends to lose it's significance. Use the warning "Car up" on narrow road to warn following riders of approaching traffic
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. This way motorist can take advantage of shorter passing intervals and eventually move piecemeal around the entire group.
Wait At Turns - If the group becomes at all separated, even by a few dozen meters, someone should wait at the turn until the next rider arrives at the intersection, and so on until all riders have made the turn.
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. It is usually best for the lead rider to pull forward in the stopping area and for other riders to pull in behind the rider in front of them. As a courtesy, during regroups the last cyclist in controls when the group will restart.
Riding Two Abreast - Ride single file or double file as appropriate to the roadway and traffic conditions and where allowed by law. Even where riding double is legal, set a good example and be an ambassador for cycling. Courtesy dictates that you single up when cars are trying to pass you if the lane is wide enough for them to safely do so.
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. This way motorist can take advantage of shorter passing intervals and eventually move piecemeal around the entire group.
Wait At Turns - If the group becomes at all separated, even by a few dozen meters, someone should wait at the turn until the next rider arrives at the intersection, and so on until all riders have made the turn.
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. It is usually best for the lead rider to pull forward in the stopping area and for other riders to pull in behind the rider in front of them. As a courtesy, during regroups the last cyclist in controls when the group will restart.
Riding Two Abreast - Ride single file or double file as appropriate to the roadway and traffic conditions and where allowed by law. Even where riding double is legal, set a good example and be an ambassador for cycling. Courtesy dictates that you single up when cars are trying to pass you if the lane is wide enough for them to safely do so.
Basic Guidelines for Group Rides
Be Punctual - Arrive at the ride start with your gear and equipment ready to ride. Accidents and equipment failures happen, so plan to arrive early enough to repair a flat or perform minor adjustments. Check your gear the night before so you your fellow riders won't have to wait while you hunt the missing glove or sock.
Be Predictable - Group riding requires even more attention to predictability than riding alone. Other riders expect you to ride straight, at a constant speed, unless you indicate differently:
Change Positions Correctly - Generally, slow 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. DO NOT PASS ON THE RIGHT. In many cases a cyclist may not hear or be aware of you approaching them from behind. An unexpected noise may cause that cyclist to swerve in your direction when you pass. If approaching a lone cyclist, the offer of "good morning" or "nice day for a bike ride" lets the cyclist know your position and intent to pass.
Watch Out At Intersections - When approaching intersections requiring vehicles to yield or stop, signal your intention with hand and verbal signals. Call out "slowing" or "stopping" to alert those behind to the change in speed. In the event the leading cyclist calls "CLEAR" remember each cyclist is responsible for verifying that there is no approaching traffic before entering the intersection.
Communicate with the group - Use hand and verbal signals to communicate with members of the group and with other traffic.
Hand Signals - Hand signals for turning and stopping are as follows: Left arm straight out to signal a left turn. Left arm out and down with you palm to the rear to signal slowing or stopping. And, for a right turn, put your right arm straight out (in areas where this is legal) or put your left arm out and bent up.
Verbal Warnings - Along with hand signals, verbally warn cyclists behind you of your changes in direction or speed. The lead rider should call out "left turn," "right turn," "slowing," stopping," etc. Announce a turn well in advance of the intersection, so that members of the group have time to position themselves properly.
Announce Hazards - When riding in a tight group, most of the cyclists do not have a good view of the road surface ahead, so it is important to announce holes, gravel, grates, and other hazards. Indicate road hazards by pointing down to the left or right, and by shouting "hole," "bump," etc., where required for safety. Everyone in a group should be made aware of hazards. However, not everyone needs to announce them.
Be Predictable - Group riding requires even more attention to predictability than riding alone. Other riders expect you to ride straight, at a constant speed, unless you indicate differently:
Change Positions Correctly - Generally, slow 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. DO NOT PASS ON THE RIGHT. In many cases a cyclist may not hear or be aware of you approaching them from behind. An unexpected noise may cause that cyclist to swerve in your direction when you pass. If approaching a lone cyclist, the offer of "good morning" or "nice day for a bike ride" lets the cyclist know your position and intent to pass.
Watch Out At Intersections - When approaching intersections requiring vehicles to yield or stop, signal your intention with hand and verbal signals. Call out "slowing" or "stopping" to alert those behind to the change in speed. In the event the leading cyclist calls "CLEAR" remember each cyclist is responsible for verifying that there is no approaching traffic before entering the intersection.
Communicate with the group - Use hand and verbal signals to communicate with members of the group and with other traffic.
Hand Signals - Hand signals for turning and stopping are as follows: Left arm straight out to signal a left turn. Left arm out and down with you palm to the rear to signal slowing or stopping. And, for a right turn, put your right arm straight out (in areas where this is legal) or put your left arm out and bent up.
Verbal Warnings - Along with hand signals, verbally warn cyclists behind you of your changes in direction or speed. The lead rider should call out "left turn," "right turn," "slowing," stopping," etc. Announce a turn well in advance of the intersection, so that members of the group have time to position themselves properly.
Announce Hazards - When riding in a tight group, most of the cyclists do not have a good view of the road surface ahead, so it is important to announce holes, gravel, grates, and other hazards. Indicate road hazards by pointing down to the left or right, and by shouting "hole," "bump," etc., where required for safety. Everyone in a group should be made aware of hazards. However, not everyone needs to announce them.
Sign Up Info
Hey everyone,
As our Monday nights rides are a Bow Cycle Club event, everyone on the ride MUST be insured by the Alberta Bicycle Association (ABA). Please arrive at Bow Cycle at 6:00pm to fill out the waiver and pay your $35.00. This money will be sent to the ABA and you will be issued a General Membership with all the associated rights and privileges. If you are already a licensed or general member of the ABA you are still required to complete the waiver, and provide us with proof of membership to another club or team.
C u soon
BRENT
brentt@bowcycle.com
As our Monday nights rides are a Bow Cycle Club event, everyone on the ride MUST be insured by the Alberta Bicycle Association (ABA). Please arrive at Bow Cycle at 6:00pm to fill out the waiver and pay your $35.00. This money will be sent to the ABA and you will be issued a General Membership with all the associated rights and privileges. If you are already a licensed or general member of the ABA you are still required to complete the waiver, and provide us with proof of membership to another club or team.
C u soon
BRENT
brentt@bowcycle.com
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Welcome
Greetings one and all! Welcome to everything you need to know about the new Monday Night No Drop Rides at Bow Cycle. I am Brent Topilko, part Bow Staff Member, part computer tech, part always wishing I was riding my bike when I am not. The goal of these rides is to familiarize everyone with riding in a group, improving fitness, and having a great overall time out on the road. Please stay tuned to this blog space for details of our up and coming rides. We are hoping to have the first ride on Monday April 20.
Cya soon
BRENT
brentt@bowcycle.com
Cya soon
BRENT
brentt@bowcycle.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)