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GOOD ADVICE FOR B-STS RIDERS

* Don't try to do anything drastically different or new in your cycling routine on the B-STS rides. 

* Eat breakfast.

* Be prepared to ride on time. Be at the start point early if you can. 

* Keep in mind: as these are B-level rides, organized groups break up and fully regroup at the tops of hills. 

* Always bring 2 spare tubes and a pump, and bring any additional tools enabling you to fix common mid-ride mechanical issues. 

POLICIES

* You should have a full-size road bicycle with road tires in good working order.

* You don’t have to be a SIG graduate but please have equivalent group riding know-how and skills. The information you need is available on the club website. If you are new to group riding, try to get a few club rides in before the program begins. If you really don’t know how to ride with a group, you might consider doing the SIG this year and joining us in the B STS next year. We’ll wait.

* Riders are not required to ride stay with the same group every week.

* No passing except in instances where the roadway is flat, straight, and light with traffic. Particularly, no passing within a group on steady inclines and no passing on any downhills. An exception: steep hills follow the normal B-level rides convention of "take it at your own pace, regroup at the top".  

* The ride listings will include the route; GPS data for a navigation device, a cue or (most likely) both. Don’t forget to download and/or print the instructions you need. It might never happen but you should be able to navigate on your own if necessary.

* You might get left behind by a group of riders if you can't keep their pace. Start slower if you're not sure.

* You might have to fix your own mechanicals. Someone will probably help you if you need it but you should be prepared to fend for yourself. 

* Weather updates will be provided when the conditions of the original ride date are not favorable (below 35 degrees, precipitation, extreme winds). We aim to provide updates starting 2 days in advance but a final call on the ride may be made as close as 2 hours to the ride start. 

Prior to the ride you might receive last minute notifications by email. You might also check the message board. If you don’t get an email then the ride is still on.

Typically, if it rains on Saturday then the ride will be moved to Sunday if that looks good. Your sign-up might be moved along with the ride listing. Please withdraw if you can’t join in.

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

(Note: not all of these are critical, but it doesn't hurt to read further!)

Who's leading the rides?

These rides are arranged by the B-STS coordinator and assigned weekly ride leaders maintaining the pace speeds. Find the leaders each week who plan to ride at a pace that you can handle. 

Where is the schedule of upcoming rides?

On the club's ride calendar. Not all are posted at once... we'll post a couple at a time.

I have a non-standard bicycle. Is it going to work for this?

Email the program coordinator and let’s talk about it.

Can I skip a ride?

You can do what you want but we really, really want to ride with you. If you have signed up and then you change your mind and decide to not to ride, please be kind and withdraw from the ride listing ASAP. 

I'm going to miss two of the first three rides for a business trip. Should I sign up later on?

Use good judgment. If you know you'll be in riding shape, come along! If you are sure you are behind on fitness, try doing park laps for a week or two.

If I’m on the waiting list can I join in anyway?

If you are near the top of the waiting list then you can email the leaders and ask. It is the leaders’ decision. Usually they won’t mind. Sometimes the limit is due to limited seats on a train or a small food stop so please don’t assume it’s OK to just show up. If there’s a long waiting list please consider volunteering to lead a separate group. We are happy to provide new leaders with all the help we can muster. This may include an experienced co-leader. You may find that you enjoy leading.

The B18 group is going too fast. Can you have them slow down?

Talk to the ride leader of contact the program coordinator (fter the ride) and let’s try to figure this out to everyone’s satisfaction.

It might be possible to drop back and wait for a slower group.

I saw that there is a no-passing rule. But I really have to pass people, especially on hills!

Our guidelines are as follows:

* The groups should split and re-gather at the top of steep hills, and yes, in this situation, you can pass a cyclist.

* In most situations there will be plenty of chances to pass around cyclists if they are going too slowly.

* If a gap develops, either behind you or ahead of you, please call out “Gapping”. If you hear “Gapping” being called, please call it forward so the leader knows what’s going on and can slow down. Similarly, you can call “Off the back!” – say if someone caught at a traffic light The leader probably won’t stop but will most likely slow down until the group is back together.

* Once everyone has caught up, inform the leader by calling “All on” forward.

I have most of the basic tools but I can't fix a popped chain or broken spoke on a ride. And I don't have spare cables for brakes or shifters. Am I ok?

We think that's ok. Some people do carry every fancy tool on these rides, but otherwise consider a popped chain or a broken spoke a day-ending mechanical issue. Same for a blown tire (not tube). Same for any other serious drivetrain issues. 

Do I need cash AND a credit card for lunch on each ride?

We think it's a good idea. Keep in mind: no money, no food. (Unless you brought some) We'll try to give you a heads-up about cash-only lunch stops.

Do I need my MTA "bike pass" all the time?

Rather than present a flow chart detailing when you will or will not need it, we suggest that you just get used to carrying it on all your rides. 

What else do I need to bring? 

Anything you'd bring on a normal club ride. Guidelines here. And, it's also a good idea to re-read this. 

I'm going to miss the last week of the series, do I get to graduate?

There is no graduation, that’s the B SIG you’re thinking of.

I see there's a chance of rain... are we still having the ride?

Assume we are always having a ride unless you hear otherwise!

How close to a ride might you decide to call it off?

Two hours but you’ll probably hear something earlier.

I missed a week due to a rainstorm. I'm definitely not in shape for next week now. Am I banned from the rest of the rides?

If we all miss a ride due to weather, the next week's ride expectations (and rider guidance) will take this into account. 

I have a question that wasn't listed here. What do I do?!

Email us anytime.