Strays will meet at the Bouleware Springs dirt lot on Sunday morning for a
30 mile ride, to Micanopy and back. Part of the ride will be on the
Gainesville Hawthorne Trail.
Meet at 8 am for an 8:15 am departure.
Average speed 12 - 14 mph. This course is pretty flat, except for
the hills on the Gainesville Hawthorne Trail.
Restroom stops about every 10 miles, one will be Tims Fast Nickel.
To get to Bouleware Springs. Head east on University Ave. Where
University forks with 20, take 20 east. Soon after turning on 20 make
a right turn going south on SE 15th st. Follow SE 15th st. for approx. two miles
until you arrive at the main entrance to the Gainesville Hawthorne Trail, pass
that entrance and turn in at the next entrance. Park either down in the paved
lot near the Spring house, or in the dirt lot near SE 15th
st. We gather for the ride in the dirt lot.
After the ride the hungry may head for a local restaurant. Since the
weather is looking favorable for eating outdoors, Harrys restaurant is a good
possibility.
Helmets REQUIRED on all Strays rides, mirrors recommended, headphones
forbidden.
League of American Bicyclists - 10 Tips for Safe Group Riding
Based on the principles taught in the League of American Bicyclists
effective cycling program
Cycling with friends, traveling rapidly and safely with
confidence in your companions, is a joy. However, there is a certain cycling
etiquette, or rules of the road, of which you should be aware whenever cycling
in a group.
1. Be Predictable?Group riding requires even more
attention to predictability than riding alone. Other riders expect you to
continue straight ahead at a constant speed unless you indicate
differently.
2. Use Signals??Use hand and verbal signals to
communicate with members of the group and with other traffic. Hand signals for
turning and stopping are as follows: left arm straight out to signal a left
turn; left arm out and down with your palm to the rear to signal slowing or
stopping; and for a right turn, put your right arm straight out or put your left
arm out and up.
3. Give Warnings??Warn cyclists behind you well in
advance of changes in your direction or speed. To notify the group of a change
in path, the lead rider should call out "left turn" or "right turn" in addition
to giving a hand signal.
4. Change Positions Correctly??Generally, slower 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. If you need to pass someone on
the right, say "on your right" clearly since this is an unusual maneuver.
5. Announce Hazards??When riding in a group, most of the
cyclists do not have a good view of the road surface ahead, so it is important
to announce holes, glass, gravel, grates, and other hazards. The leader should
indicate road hazards by pointing down to the left or right, and by shouting
"hole," "bump," etc., where required for safety.
6. 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." Around curves,
on narrow roads, or when riding double, it is also helpful to warn of traffic
approaching from the front with "car up."
7. Watch Out At Intersections??When approaching
intersections that require vehicles to yield or stop, the lead rider will say
"slowing" or "stopping" to alert those behind to the change in speed. When
passing through an intersection, some cyclists say "clear" if there is no cross
traffic. This is a dangerous practice
that should be abandoned. It encourages
riders to follow the leader, letting others do their thinking for them. Each
cyclist is responsible for verifying that the way is indeed clear.
8. 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. That way a motorist can take advantage of shorter
passing intervals and eventually move piecemeal around the entire group.
9. 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. When you start up again,
each cyclist should look for, and yield to, traffic.
10. Ride One Or TWO Across??Ride single file or double
file as appropriate to the roadway and traffic conditions and where allowed by
law. Most state vehicle codes permit narrow vehicles such as bicycles and
motorcycles to ride double file within the lane. Even where riding double is
legal, courtesy dictates that you single up when cars are trying to pass
you.
The League of American Bicyclists is a 501C-3 non-profit
association working to protect and advance the rights of cyclists through
national advocacy, education and grassroots organizing. Members support this
agenda and receive bimonthly issues of BICYCLE USA magazine, including the
annual Almanac and Tourfinder. Other benefits include free lodging while
touring, and a free bike pass program with 5 major
airlines. To join by
phone, call 1-800-288-BIKE or send $25 to League of American Bicyclists, 190
W.OstendSt., Suite 120, Baltimore, MD 21230.
