Ride Requirements
Whilst every effort is made to make BayBUG rides a safe and enjoyable experience, we do ask that you observe the following:
- Ride participants must
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- Wear a helmet whilst riding
- Ensure their bike is road worthy
- Obey the road rules
- Obey directions of the ride leader
- Etiquette
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- It is a condition of joining a BayBUG ride that the ride leader reserve the right to refuse any participant from being part of that ride at any time. No reasons need be given.
- Most rides require some degree of road riding skill and fitness. It is recommended that you contact the ride leader before the ride and discuss any issues you have e.g. ride grade, medical conditions, traffic.
- Participants are asked not to ride ahead of the leader.
- If there is a designated sweep, he/she will stay at the back of the group.
- The ride leader may ask participants to act as 'signpost'. That is to stop and direct other riders. When the field is spread out, signposts help maintain the pace and prevent participants from taking the wrong turn.
- Participants should ride in a smooth and predictable manner, particularly when close to other riders. Ensure to call or indicate when slowing, stopping or changing direction.
- If a participant wishes to leave the ride they should inform the leader or sweep beforehand.
- Riding tips and Techniques
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- Following are some simple techniques that go a long way toward preventing and minimising the consequences of mishaps that can happen while riding.
- Be vigilant. We all like to be relaxed and chat with our fellow riders beside us. It's one of the joys of riding in groups. Just don't rely on following the person in front and for them to do the right thing. Pay just as much attention to what is going on around you as though you were on your own.
- Ride smoothly. Avoid sudden stops or changes in direction.
- Maintain a straight course on straight on roads and paths.
- Remember that at any time a rider may be beside you or behind you without your knowledge.
- Remember that other road and path users should do as they indicate - but sometimes they don't.
- Look ahead and ride a line that minimises the need to swerve or brake should the unexpected happen.
- Stay clear of car doors. Avoid riding too close to the left when approaching intersections or driveways and use the whole lane where the road is too narrow for a vehicle to pass.
- Scan the pavement ahead for raised sections or ruts.
- Plan escape routes in anticipation of the unexpected happening. You should always have at least one way out of a situation, preferably two or more.
- Adjust your speed to the conditions.
- Avoid cutting corners or going wide - imagine that there was someone on either side of you.
- Signal your intentions: Call out 'PASSING' when passing others.
- Call out 'STOPPING' when stopping, 'SLOWING' when slowing down.
- If you see hazards like potholes or broken glass try go around by a reasonable margin - the rider behind may not see it in time if you miss by just a few mm.
- It is good practice to warn others of the hazard. Point to the ground on the side of the hazard, keep your elbow straight, wave your arm back and forth and call 'GLASS' or 'POTHOLE’ or whatever it is.
- On shared paths: Ring your bell and call out ‘PASSING’ to other users.
- When stopping, do it in a spot where you can take your bike and yourself off the path.
- Riding with new people: Remember most of you already know the above stuff - but new riders often don't. If you see someone doing the wrong thing, be proactive. It is best to tell your concerns to the ride leader as soon as practical. Failing that, talk to the person after the ride and explain to them in a polite way: What they were doing. Why it was wrong and suggest what action they should take to improve their technique.
- Optional Tools
- Not compulsory but worth carrying are: pump, spare tube and/or tube repair kit, basic tool kit. Don't expect anyone else on the ride to have the parts or the inclination to fix your bike should it break down.
- Water
- Carry water and drink on a regular basis i.e. don't wait until you are thirsty. Half a litre per half hour is a good rule; more in summer.