Question of the week:  What is the picnic ride to you?  For me it’s a fun social ride.  It allows the club to give back to a few charities, which makes me feel good.  I get to eat lunch and socialize with other members who I may not normally have the chance to.  With the exception of the rainy event a few years ago, it’s a nice spring day.  I’ll probably have my “summertime” playlist going, humming along while I pedal.  It’s a nice easy day...until Aaron gets bored and decides to pick up the pace. 

Safety Tip of the Week:  Be Predictable-Group riding requires even more attention to predictability than riding alone. Other riders expect you to ride straight, at a constant speed, unless you indicate differently.  Along with hand signals, verbally warn cyclists of your changes in direction or speed. The lead rider should call out “left turn,” “right turn,” “slowing,” stopping,” etc. Announce a turn well in advance of the intersection, so that members of the group have time to position themselves properly. Riding in a predictable fashion also makes it easier for cars to go around (and not into) you.