- announce - mail.cvcbike.org

Personal SAFETY Story!
by Sheri L 27 Oct '25

27 Oct '25

*Don’t Do This!!* This week, I wanted to focus on safety breaches that I have witnessed on CVC rides. Yes, I have been keeping a list of the most egregious violations, ready to “out” all the violators among us. I pondered the idea of implementing a card system of red and yellow cards a la soccer, or having a “Violator of the month award” to recognize those who flout the rules. This weekend on our Saturday group ride, I had an epiphany, namely that I would be in the running for any such dubious distinction. The trigger for my sudden realization was our route change, which included a detour south on Moorpark Boulevard to turn left on Read Road to avoid traffic. This was the site, about 2 years ago on a Pub ride where I was almost taken out by a car during my attempt to turn left onto Read. So, I thought that I would detail the circumstances and lessons learned. The map and associated Google picture are below (double click or drag edges to make larger—photo is cyclist perspective; map is in standard N-S orientation). We were riding up Moorpark in a group of about 15-20. I approached Read coming around a rightward turn on Moorpark. I looked at my radar and shoulder checked. Then I steered out of the bike lane to traverse to the left-turn lane. I heard a collective group scream when I was about 2-3 feet into the lane, then I aborted the turn, just as a car blew by me at 50 mph. I have played this over in my head a thousand times and still don’t quite understand how I put myself in the line of fire. Here are my conclusions: 1. There was a curve in the road that went clockwise to the right on the approach to the left-turn lane (coming from the top/ north on the map). When I shoulder checked and relied on radar, the curve limited my line-of-sight and the line of sight of my radar. On a rightward curve, a left shoulder-check would likely miss an oncoming car since approaching traffic would approach from behind and to the right. 2. I have arthritis in my neck, with a limited range of motion, especially to the left. I should have compensated for this by twisting around further from my waist or also doing a right shoulder-check. 3. Or, even better, I should have stopped my bike and surveyed behind me to reassure that I was 100% clear on a stretch of road that I sensed was dangerous. 3. I let my guard down. This reflected complacency on my part coupled with my reliance on an assumption that didn’t pan out, namely that a shoulder and radar check were reliable under the circumstances. This was a type of confirmation bias. Every left turn that I have ever done turned out OK, so this turn should also. But, turning left around a curve was a fraught decision, with an added layer of risk. 4. The group saved me. If I was riding alone, I probably wouldn’t be here to tell the story. 5. Left turns are inherently risky, and some street configurations magnify the risk (e.g. crossing Kanan to and from Lobo, taking a left turn approaching Mulholland from Las Virgenes going south). I have seen or been involved in some close calls on these left turns. Lessons learned: 1. Always be vigilant—never let your guard down! 2. Never, ever make assumptions! Most of the time, such assumptions might work out, but in the unlikely event that the assumption(s) are wrong, the consequences could be severe. 3. I believe that there are safety benefits to being in a group, the most important that the group has your back. 4. Left turns necessarily traverse one or more traffic lanes from oncoming and opposing directions. Each turn is unique and requires careful assessment. Don’t be afraid to pull off the road and wait for an opening, or if there is a 4-way intersection, to cross as a pedestrian with the light. If anyone has a near-miss story and wants to discuss the circumstances and lessons learned, let Carla or me know. Stephen Levinson

1 0

Tuesday Ride" Field Trip-
by Sheri L 26 Oct '25

26 Oct '25

This Tuesday, we’re heading out on one of our *favorite* coastal routes — *Santa Barbara!* 🌊🚴‍♂️ 📍 *Start:* Padaro Lane parking (near Garden Market) ⏱ *Roll Out:* 9:00 AM After the ride, we can grab lunch together — the perfect way to finish a beautiful day on the bike! 😎 Here is the route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35616750?highlight=1259-1316&privacy_code=G1… (take a look) -- Sheri PS Weather in Thousand Oaks is calling for a cool 90 Degrees!

1 0

Thursday's ride
by jerry blkdog.net 22 Oct '25

22 Oct '25

Meet at Starbucks 9am Lobo and Carlisle Canyons 34.3 miles 1914' https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42759529 Jerry Scott 805 404-8525

1 0

This weeks CVC rides
by jerry blkdog.net 22 Oct '25

22 Oct '25

[Conejo Valley Cyclists] Saturdays rides start at the Landing and Sundays at Starbucks Remote start this Saturday for the Orange Light and Gold rides Directions to this start at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church https://maps.app.goo.gl/WB13nd1V2tbf5m96A This week's safety message: Stay In Sight: Smarter Road Position for Cyclists Most bike-car crashes come from in front of the cyclist-at intersections and driveways, not from behind. Right Hook A driver passes and turns right in front of you-often underestimating your speed. Prevent it: Ride far enough into the lane that cars must change lanes to pass. This makes drivers pause and usually wait until you clear the turn. Left Cross A driver turns left into your path because you're hidden by traffic, or they misjudge your speed. Prevent it: Ride farther left. It signals higher speed and improves your view of oncoming cars. Don't enter intersections until you can clearly see approaching traffic. Drive Out A driver pulls out from a side street or driveway. Sight obstructions make it worse. Prevent it: Stay visible in the traffic lane. Scan ahead and move left for a clear line of sight. The Common Thread: Crashes happen when cyclists hug the edge. You don't need to! The law doesn't require it. Most drivers respect a visible, confident, and predictable cyclist. Ride where you can be seen. Check out this 2 min video for a visuals https://cyclingsavvy.org/courses/essentials-short-course/lessons/road-safet…<https://cyclingsavvy.org/courses/essentials-short-course/lessons/road-safet…> CVC Biweekly Social MTB, October 23rd @ 5:30pm https://ridewithgps.com/routes/17136221 Location: Meet at the backbone trailhead on Encinal Canyon Road Lighting mandatory. Ride Leader Route Miles Climb (ft.) Map MTB Kent 1 818 802-0826 Encinal Trailhead/Etz Meloy/ Little Sycamore/ out and back 11.3 1431 https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38153356 Saturday Rides, October 25th @ 8:30am Please do not park in the row next to the houses. Ride Leader Route Miles Climb (ft.) Map Red Greg 1 747 214-6642 Escollera, Cam, Somis, Orchards, MPark 60.1 4682 https://ridewithgps.com/routes/52290988 Orange Gary 1 315 569-0162 Potrero, PCH, Encinal 51.3 3587 https://ridewithgps.com/routes/51084733 Orange Light Peter 1 805 340-9551 Apricot Lane Farms from Holy Trinity Parking Lot 41.4 2536 https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39987348 Gold Mark 1 805 462-6292 Apricot Lane Farms from Holy Trinity Parking Lot 41.4 2536 https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39987348 Mellow Yellow No Drop Ride Jeanne 1 805 368-7924 Westlake, Kanan Loop to Medea Creek Park and Chesebro 21.4 1219 https://ridewithgps.com/routes/17136221 Sunday rides October 26th @ 9:00am Location: ALL rides will start at the Starbucks @ Agoura Rd & Westlake Blvd by Vons. Please Park towards the rear of parking lot to not disrupt local businesses Ride Leader Route Miles Map Social No Drop Ride Bart 1 805 807-8566 Starbucks, Las Flores, Lynnmere, Greenmeadow Loop 23.5 1450 https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39455750 Gold Orange Not Scheduled When riding with us, you will: * Use helmets and bike lanes! Call out hazards and ride predictably. * Avoid bunching up; don't overlap wheels. * Keep a prudent distance and ride single file on narrow roads. * Ensure your bike is in good working order. * Descend carefully! * Pass slower riders on the left and signal when changing lines. * Respect traffic laws and the rights of motor vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians. * If the weather is inclement, we will cancel ALL rides. Follow us on" Facebook and Instagram (@conejo_valley_cyclists_) * Instagram photos and videos<https://www.instagram.com/conejo_valley_cyclists_?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D…> instagram.com<https://www.instagram.com/conejo_valley_cyclists_?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D…> [cid:image002.jpg@01DC436A.C16D9190]<https://www.instagram.com/conejo_valley_cyclists_?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D…> Conejo Valley Cyclists<https://www.facebook.com/groups/131653973515124/> Private group * 1.0K members<https://www.facebook.com/groups/131653973515124/members/>

1 0

Tuesday ride
by Sheri L 20 Oct '25

20 Oct '25

Looking forward to riding on Tuesday! I’m just going by memory here, so let’s go up to North Ranch right on kanan left on Lindero, to the last Bromley, down through the park for a stop and then onto the old place and return. we’ll discuss regroups when we meet tomorrow! Can’t wait to see you all! Sheri

1 0

🚴‍♂️ CVC Team Store Now Open — 10 Days Only!
by Sheri L 20 Oct '25

20 Oct '25

Hi Members, Our *CVC Team Store is now open* — but only for *10 days*! 🕓 *Store closes October 23rd*, so don’t wait. This is your chance to select your *cycling kit* and get ready for our *California winter*! You’ll find: - Vests and jackets - Mid-length cycling shorts/pants - Full-length cycling pants - And even our alternate color option (for those who were curious!) 👉 *Recommended:* The *Volare Ellite* line — it offers the most universal fit and runs true to size. Click below to shop: 🔗 *Team Store:* teamstore.agile-sportswear.com/store/conejo-valley-cyclists/ Members who already have an account must log in through the same link or directly at teamstore.agile-sportswear.com. Please note: - Prices are already reduced — *no coupons* are needed. - Orders take approximately *7 weeks* from the time the store closes. Let me know if you have any questions! Ride on, Sheri

1 1

Ride for Thursday.
by jerry blkdog.net 15 Oct '25

15 Oct '25

Thursday's Ride, Meet at Rancho Madera Community Park 9am Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/fehm5hWWhQTvpvfL6 https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53036672 38.7 miles 3222' Jerry Scott 805 404-8525

1 0

This weeks CVC rides
by jerry blkdog.net 15 Oct '25

15 Oct '25

[Conejo Valley Cyclists] Saturdays rides start at the Landing and Sundays at Starbucks CVC Biweekly Social MTB, October @ 5:30pm Location: Lighting highly recommended. Ride Leader Route Miles Climb (ft.) Map MTB Kent 1 818 802-0826 Not Scheduled Saturday Rides, October 18th @ 8:30am Please do not park in the row next to the houses. Ride Leader Route Miles Climb (ft.) Map Red Greg 1 747 214-6642 Potrero, PCH, Yerba, Westlake 50.5 4135 https://ridewithgps.com/routes/50648760 Orange Terry 1 805 490-4616 Orange flat and fast 56.3 2783 https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53023392 Orange Light Kim 1 805 469-1982 Landing, RockStore, 7Min, Mureau 43 3747 https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53017079 Gold Karl-Heinz 1 818 633-0683 WL, Underwood Family Farms, Madera, Erbes 34.4 2177 https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53011438 Mellow Yellow No Drop Ride Tex 1 805 746-5713 Wildwood, Westlake Loop, Easiest 23.1 1215 https://ridewithgps.com/routes/16598995 Sunday rides October 19th @ 9:00am Location: ALL rides will start at the Starbucks @ Agoura Rd & Westlake Blvd by Vons. Please Park towards the rear of parking lot to not disrupt local businesses Ride Leader Route Miles Map Social No Drop Ride Kim 1 805 469-1982 Sunday Pumpkin 23 1609 https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53017181 Gold Orange Jon 1 818 987-9440 Hillcrest, Lynn, TO BL, Agoura, Triunfo 31.2 1694 https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39285459 When riding with us, you will: * Use helmets and bike lanes! Call out hazards and ride predictably. * Avoid bunching up; don't overlap wheels. * Keep a prudent distance and ride single file on narrow roads. * Ensure your bike is in good working order. * Descend carefully! * Pass slower riders on the left and signal when changing lines. * Respect traffic laws and the rights of motor vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians. * If the weather is inclement, we will cancel ALL rides. Follow us on" Facebook and Instagram (@conejo_valley_cyclists_) * Instagram photos and videos<https://www.instagram.com/conejo_valley_cyclists_?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D…> instagram.com<https://www.instagram.com/conejo_valley_cyclists_?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D…> [cid:image002.jpg@01DC3E09.444B3700]<https://www.instagram.com/conejo_valley_cyclists_?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D…> Conejo Valley Cyclists<https://www.facebook.com/groups/131653973515124/> Private group * 1.0K members<https://www.facebook.com/groups/131653973515124/members/> Jerry Scott 805 404-8525 jerry(a)blkdog.net

1 0

SAFETY Advice for YOU
by Sheri L 14 Oct '25

14 Oct '25

This week, my safety message derives from my former career (before cycling) as a doctor. I have noticed that most of our members are 50+ and most of us are on one or more medications. When I wrote prescriptions for my patients, I made it a habit to discuss the potential adverse reactions and side effects of the medications I prescribed. Invariably, if I forgot to do this, the patient would experience a bad reaction for which they were unprepared and surprised. This scenario is especially relevant for cyclists because medication side effects can impact safety on the road, often in sudden and unexpected ways. One example that comes to mind is blood thinners, often prescribed to prevent blood clots, strokes, and heart attacks. While blood thinners can be lifesaving, anyone on any blood thinner, including aspirin, is at risk for bleeding in the event of a crash. This is a particular problem for those with head trauma or blunt abdominal trauma. Another example is that some anti-hypertensive drugs might cause light-headedness that could put a cyclist at risk of losing their balance and going down. I don’t mean to be the arbiter of whether anyone should ride or not ride depending on the pharmaceuticals that they take. Rather, I suggest that each person on any med, including OTC meds should familiarize themselves with potential adverse side effects vis a vis cycling. Most importantly, I suggest that every person taking any medication or non-prescription supplement should discuss with their physician the potential risk that each medication might impose as well as how to mitigate such risk. I also recommend that every cyclist keep a list of their medications on them and accessible, in the event of an accident. There is not much written out there on this subject. I include 3 links, the first from an article in Road Bike Rider; the second, a PDF from a medical article that addresses this topic, and the 3rd from an AI query that I vetted for accuracy. Stephen Levinson Cyclists Should Know the Side Effects of their Medications <https://www.roadbikerider.com/cyclists-should-know-the-side-effects-of-thei…> roadbikerider.com <https://www.roadbikerider.com/cyclists-should-know-the-side-effects-of-thei…> <https://www.roadbikerider.com/cyclists-should-know-the-side-effects-of-thei…> <https://www.roadbikerider.com/cyclists-should-know-the-side-effects-of-thei…> <https://www.roadbikerider.com/cyclists-should-know-the-side-effects-of-thei…> <https://www.roadbikerider.com/cyclists-should-know-the-side-effects-of-thei…> <https://www.perplexity.ai/search/fd5d374b-f658-4814-aebb-22e34716505e> How can prescription drugs and supplements adversely impact Safety for... <https://www.perplexity.ai/search/fd5d374b-f658-4814-aebb-22e34716505e> perplexity.ai <https://www.perplexity.ai/search/fd5d374b-f658-4814-aebb-22e34716505e> <https://www.perplexity.ai/search/fd5d374b-f658-4814-aebb-22e34716505e>

1 0

Save these dates!
by Sheri L 13 Oct '25

13 Oct '25

Hey Members! You should be SO glad you’re a CVC member right now—there’s so much coming up (on top of all the great riding)! 📅 *Mark your calendars for TWO important meetings:* 1. *Ride with GPS Training – October 6* This one’s for anyone interested in ride leading (and yes, we really need more leaders!). Come learn how easy it is to plan and manage routes with Ride with GPS. 2. *CVC Members Meeting – October 13 at 7:00 PM* This one’s for EVERYONE! We’ll gather at *The Hub in Westlake* to connect, share time together, and hear from some amazing speakers on high-interest topics. Details to come soon—don’t miss it! We can’t wait to see you at both! THE HUB Bike Shop 4.9(151) · Bicycle Shop 973 S Westlake Blvd · (805) 371-6482 -- Sheri

1 5