- Stay to the right of the road unless it is unsafe to do so
- Stop at stop signs and red lights
- Yield to pedestrians and vehicles as appropriate
- Make eye contact with drivers
- Ride in a straight line - don't weave between parked vehicles
- Signal your turns and braking
- Introduce yourself, welcome new cyclists, and offer assistance if needed
- Be punctual - arrive on-time with your gear in working order, ready to ride
- Use verbal or hand signals when slowing, stopping, turning, or advancing
- left arm straight out to signal a left turn
- right arm straight out for a right turn
- palm or fist behind your lower back to signal slowing or stopping - Be courteous
- announce "On your left!" when passing cyclists. Pass *only* on the left
- move to the right if a cyclist indicates they want to pass on your left
- ride single file; two abreast if wide bike lane or very quiet street
- indicate road hazards by pointing them out and/or by shouting (e.g., "Pothole !! ")
- announce problems like open car doors, roadway obstacles, etc. - Painted lines, steel surfaces, bridges, and brick pathways will be slippery
- Oil and dust on the road will decrease traction
- Slightly deflate your tires to increase traction (~10psi below your normal pressure)
- Always carry a spare tube (or two!) because it can be difficult to patch a leak in wet weather
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We've put together a fundraising team for Bike Against the Odds. Join our team and be part of a fun, friendly, and supportive group of women (and men). The team that raises the most money helps a great cause, gets cool prizes, and bragging rights. We strongly support the mission of the Breast Cancer Fund to prevent environmental toxins in our food, beauty products, and cleaning products. There are simple everyday steps we ALL can take to help reduce our exposure to these toxins. Go to pureprevention.org to learn more and get involved. |
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Over Winter, we trained you for a Metric Century. In the Spring, we're tacked some of the best climbs in the Bay Area. Come August 23rd, you just may be ready for 100 miles and 10,000 feet of climbing. Whether you're ready for the Century or one of several other less intense options, Bike Against the Odds has something for everyone! This is our 4th year offering these training rides and each year we see an amazing turnaround in the fitness level of women who set a goal of riding their first century or increasing their general fitness. While we will make every effort to ensure that you accomplish your goals, please be aware that the ride leaders cannot neglect the larger group for an individual rider who has not prepared for the ride. This means starting your training early with a lower mileage and consistently working your way up to a higher mileage and pace. All of our training rides will have one or more experienced ride leaders who are volunteering their time to help make this a positive experience for everyone. Thus, it is CRITICAL that all riders begin their training early! The average pace on flat terrain will generally be between 15 - 18 mph and will vary dependng on slope. Route maps will be provided to everyone in attendance. Its important that you keep up your training (with us or on your own) so you build up your endurance and strength! Our first training ride starts at 30 miles. Each week we'll add on 10 miles, building up to a full 100 miles (a "Century"). We've developed an email list as a way to communicate last minute changes and general updates. Don't forget your ID, insurance card, and emergency contact info. Stuff you should know before joining us: Please obey all traffic laws. Remember that bicycles are vehicles, and bicyclists are expected to follow all traffic regulations. This means stopping at stop signs and red lights, using hand signals, and riding single file on the right side of the road. Bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers (BUT cars weigh 4000 lbs!) Be Predictable in Traffic Respect Group Ride Etiquette Be Extra Cautious when the roads are wet |
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