G,Day All!
As a regular on the Saturday Morning Coffee Ride from WGS at 0700 I feel there needs to be a little said about safety and etiquette before it's too late. The bunches I have ridden in so far this summer have been a good social effort with varying numbers (3-20ish) and varying levels of experience (from seasoned racers to newbies). There are a few things that I feel need to be raised to ensure these training rides remain a good experience for all. Soap box please....
1. Depending on the level and mix of experience riders should ride to that level controlling the pace for
all i.e. not escape off the front and spread the group out or dropping people unnecessarily.
2. Riders should at all times where possible remain no more than 2 abreast at a safe distance from the edge of the gutter and the car lane. Common sense here please!
3. No attacking outside of the 2 abreast riders especially when vehicles are coming from behind. See point 2 for common sense. 3 or 4 abreast is just plain dumb.
4. At certain times riders should change to single file e.g. the return bend at Point Clare and Terrigal Drive etc. Again use the common sense rule.
5. Where possible support riders with less experience than you and help them to learn the bunch etiquette.
6. Respect the other road users - need I say more on that one! Oh and obey the road rules, give way at round-abouts etc.
7. If you can call out hazards for other riders behind you such as broken glass, pot holes, ....and ducks!
8. And finally...Situational Awareness - please know what is going on around you. Don't be complacent!!!
I think these cover it for now and please share opinions. We want to make these rides safe and "controlled" as well as being a good effort for club training and guests. A lot of people are wearing the club colours also which is fantastic but remember you are representing the image of the club in the eyes of other road users. I'll get back off my soap box now...
Happy training and see you all out there!
Stuey
