Cycling

As the new cycling club director, I want to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to the ride leaders for their incredible work in making the 2024 cycling season a resounding success. Your dedication, enthusiasm, and expertise have made our rides enjoyable, safe, and memorable for all.

Thank you for your hard work and commitment!

As we bid farewell to the 2024 season, we’re already looking forward to the exciting possibilities of 2025. Our next cycling season will officially kick off in May 2025.

Jose

PPOTHG Cycling Club Rider’s Responsibilities:

An email ride notification with ride details will be sent out at least a week before each ride. For the multi-day, out-of-town rides, a ride notification email will be sent at least a month before the ride. We will use the SignUpGenius application at https://www.signupgenius.com for riders to sign up for the ride. All relevant information about the ride will be included in the SignUpGenius event notice. Only riders who have signed up via SignUpGenius will be allowed to ride with the group.

Rider Responsibilities:

1.  Have your bike in good working order. Have your bike professionally serviced if you’re not able to do it yourself. 
2.  It is the rider’s responsibility to ensure that they are able to handle the demands of the ride (length, pace and hill climbs). Information about each ride will be provided at sign-up.
3.  If you have any medical issues, notify the ride leader when you sign up for the ride. Ride leaders are not trained to assess nor handle medical issues.
4.  If you want to bring a guest, you must notify the ride leader in your sign-up. Your guest will need to sign a waiver provided by your Ride Leader. Two rides are allowed per guest before they are required to officially join the PPOTHG club.
5.  Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before the ride starts to get ready, pump your tires, etc. Most members arrive 30 minutes prior to introduce themselves to other members and ensure their bike is in good working order.
6.  The ride will leave at the assigned start time. If you are running late, text or call the Ride Leader. It is up to the rider to determine if they will be able to catch-up to the group.
7.  Don’t be a ‘no-show’, or bring along extra friends.
8.  When riding, always be in control of your bike! It is your responsibility to have the needed skill to ride your bike and to know the etiquettes of bike riding.
9.  If the ride notification states “mountain bike” (MTB), “gravel bike” or “road bike” please bring the appropriate bike. Electric bikes may not be allowed on some trails.
10.  Requirements for riding are: helmet, water, the correct size replacement tube and bike pump/air cartridges. If you are riding a tubeless bike, bring a tubeless tire repair kit. Also, a small first-aid kit is advisable. Although not required, you may want to bring food or snack.
11.  For safety, it is advisable to ride with a rear red light and a white front light. Wear bright colored clothing. Also, a bike bell is recommended to notify pedestrians that you are coming up behind them.
12.  For safety reasons, do not ride with headphones that will prevent you from hearing your environment. Bone-conduction headphones (like Shokz OpenRun) are fine. If you need to talk or text on your phone, pull over and stop.
13.  Stay to the far RIGHT on the trails and roads. Pass other bikes and/or pedestrians on the left.
14.  Be kind and share the roads with motorists.
15.  Do not TAILGATE behind other riders. Leave several feet between you and other riders.
16.  Be courteous to pedestrians on the paths and/or streets. Give them extra room and let them know you are behind them with either a bell ring, or a verbal notification that you are passing them on the left.
17.  When stopping or regrouping on the trail, please don’t block the bike path/lanes.
18.  If you stop alongside of the bike path while on the ride (for any reason), notify another rider you are doing so. Let other riders know if you need help, or assure them you will catch up soon.
19.  When coming upon a stop light, stop sign or yield sign, look both ways before crossing. Do not yell, “clear!” as every rider is responsible to check for themselves.
20.  Use hand signals to tell others if you are stopping, turning or see a hazard on the road. You can use verbal commands as necessary to ensure riders and people around you are aware of any potential hazards.
21.  Be aware that the speed limit on many bike paths is 15 mph for all bikes.
22.  Check your email the day before, and an hour before, the ride in case there are any changes due to weather or other unplanned condition.
23.  During the ride, if you are not feeling well or need to turn back for any reason, notify the Ride Leader and/or the Sweep. It is protocol to have another rider turn back with you, but if you are able to ride back safely alone, it is up to your discretion.
24.  If you take any photos, send the best to Jose and Dan. We may put one in the Newsletter!
25.  Safety is always the MOST important! Have fun, too!