Riding Guidelines

• All ages are welcome. Riders under 18 should have a parent or guardian riding with them.
• Helmets must be worn on all rides.
• Road bikes are strongly encouraged.
  • The A-group averages over 20 mph and usually rides 25 - 30 miles with few, if any, stops;
  • The B-group averages around 17.5 mph and rides 20 - 25 miles with about 2 rest stops.
  • The C-group averages about 14 mph and rides about 12 - 20 miles.
  • These are average speeds for the entire ride. There are times on straight-aways when the groups go faster.
• Ipods, Mp3 players or any device that requires ear buds or earphones are prohibited on group rides. Ear buds or earphones must be removed even if not in use.
• No cell phone usage. If you must take a call, drop out of the group and pull over to the side of the road.
• Obey all MN traffic laws.
• Obey all traffic signs and signals.
• Communicate with your fellow riders, using proper cycling terms, such as "On your left", "Car back", etc.
  • If you hear "Car Back!" or see a car approaching from behind ... move a single-file line on the right hand side of the road or shoulder. Give way to the car... they are bigger than you and they will win. We want to peacefully coexist with drivers in the county. Blocking them from passing by riding too far in the lane when you don't have to doesn't help.
  • On your left ... allow the person coming up behind you to pass safely within the lane; not crossing over into the other lane. If necessary move to the right.
• Do not cross center line.
• Use proper signals when turning and stopping. Make left turns from the center of the road or left turn lane. Cross railroad tracks at right angles.
• Ride in control of your bike at all times (i.e. being able to stop within a reasonable distance.)
• Ride defensively, in consideration of your fellow riders.
• Point out and call out any road hazards ahead.
• Do not overlap wheels. A slight direction change or gust of wind could easily cause you to touch wheels and fall.
• Be predictable with all your actions, and remember that what you do affects others.
• When climbing hills, avoid following a wheel too closely. Many riders often lose their momentum when rising out of the saddle on a hill which can cause a sudden deceleration. This can often catch a rider who is following too closely, resulting in a fall from a wheel touch.
• Paceline riding: This takes practice. If members of the club ride a paceline and you are unsure about it, just hang in the back and watch. If you are at all uncomfortable about riding safely in a paceline, don't do it.