Group Rides 2022

• Posted on 3 April 2022
• By KW
• 0

Welcome to Spring 2022!!  We are so excited to get rolling outside again, but we thought we should re-visit some of the things about group rides - like rules and etiquette and that sort of thing, you know?  We want to make sure that everyone is on the same page.

Once again this year we will be starting our road and gravel rides from the shop; the weekly mountain bike rides will start from the Upper Mac trailhead, which is much easier than starting at the shop.

The shop is "open" before the ride (we close at 6).  If you'd like to make any purchases before the ride, please arrive early!  We do shut down the registers shortly after 6.

Basic, fundamental, you-can't-ride-before-understanding-this rule:

 - Every rider must wear a helmet.  We have a couple extras if you forget yours, but it's a hard and fast rule with no exceptions.

Other rules and points of etiquette:

 - Ride with others in mind.  It's a group ride.  Ride safely and be mindful of where others are at all times.  If you're a slower rider at Upper Mac, maybe don't get out in front of the pack; ride in back of the group.

 - We'd like to clip in and get rolling at 6:30 - from the shop or the trailhead - so plan ahead.

 - Ride single file as much as possible.  Two abreast is legal, but let's keep it to where there is less/no traffic.  No more than two riders in a line at any time!

 - Be aware of your surroundings at all times.  

 - Signal and call out.  Make sure your fellow cyclists are aware of what you're about to do, whether that's verbally or with hand signals, and let the riders in front of you know when there is a car approaching.  "Car back!" is a huge help, especially if the group is about to make a left turn.  

 - Watch for cars.  Road and gravel riders will be riding on public, open roads where traffic exists.  We have tried to plan routes to avoid as much traffic as possible, but be aware of cars and trucks.

 - Road rules apply as listed in the Michigan Motor Vehicle Code.

One more thing:

**Please remember to always ride within your own ability, especially at Upper Mac.  (Be aware that your confidence and your ability may not be the same!)  There is no shame in walking part of the trail, or going at a slower pace if you need to.  We will have a "sweeper" on the trail to make sure no one gets lost, and we will have two gravel groups, including a "no drop" group as well.**

Here is the plan for the summer.  Please watch our Facebook and Instagram feeds for up-to-the-minute details as far as weather, etc. is concerned.

Mondays:

 - On alternating Monday evenings we will offer a road ride, using the same route we used last year.

 - The opposite Mondays will be a women's specific gravel ride, sponsored and hosted by the Lakeshore Mountain Biking Sisters.

Wednesdays:

 - Wednesday evenings will be MTB adventures at Upper Mac.  Other trails may be pressed in to service if the weather has been too wet for UM to be open, so again, check our FB page for up-to-the-minute details.

Thursdays:

 - Thursdays will be our gravel group rides.  There should be enough riders for us to run two groups; one will ride 17-20 miles at a brisk pace.  Group two will ride 13-15 miles at a slower pace and be a no-drop ride.  On the first Thursday of the month we will have a FIELD TRIP RIDE, with a fun destination and/or activity (probably involving food and beverages) planned.  

We are really (REALLY) looking forward to these rides this summer, and we hope that you are excited, too.