[image: image.png] *Upcoming Events:* May 2nd CVC annual Benefit ride *Gravel ride on following Sunday's* March 15,22,29 April 5,12 **AWAY RIDES**Saturday February 22nd @9:00 am Ride Leader Route Miles Climb (ft.) Map Red Taylor Ventura/Ojai 72 4,349 https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31956116 805-390-2200 Casitas/Carpenteria/PCH Orange Vern Ventura/Ojai 45 2,693 https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31956085 Casitas/Carpenteria/PCH Orange Lite Petros Ventura/Ojai 45 2,693 https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31956085 805-630-8116 Casitas/Carpenteria/PCH Gold Sharon 818-519-8694 Ventura/Ojai 40 1,866 https://ridewithgps.com/routes/5878174 Lisa 818-535-0862 back Meeting at Museum of Ventura County parking lot. 98 E Santa Clara St. https://www.google.com/maps/place/98+E+Santa+Clara+St,+Ventura,+CA+93001/@34... Bring cash for any lunch stops Local rides- Saturday February 22nd @8:30 Ride Leader Route Miles Climb (ft.) Map Orange Alfonzo Westlake/Dn Encinal 33 3,433 https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31962223 787-240-1332 PCH/Mully/Westlake Sunday February 23rd @9:00 am Ride Leader Route Miles Climb (ft.) Map Red TBD Hid Vly/DoVi 36 2,699 https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31962189 Syc Cyn/Potrero Orange Alfonzo Hid Vly/DoVi 36 2,699 https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31962189 Gold 787-240-1332 Syc Cyn/Potrero Social Kay Cornell/Lake Malibu 23.5 1,338 https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28584657 818-419-1172 Lobo Cyn/Back Question of the week: How can I avoid crashing? The only way to truly avoid a crash is to not ride. The club had a bad crash last weekend involving two riders on the red ride, and I don’t think there was much they could have done to avoid it. I did not see it unfold, but the basic details were punctured tires due to rocks in the road, while traveling along PCH. I feel terrible for the riders, but am compelled to mention the incident, hoping we can take pause and ride as safely as possible. As a reminder: 1. 1. Watch for road debris, and call it out loudly 1. 2. Leave yourself room if evasive maneuvers are necessary 1. 3. Be sure to carry ID and emergency contacts on you (like a Road ID) Safety Tip of the Week:  Stay on the right side <http://www.marc.org/bikeped/sharetheroad.htm> of the lane-Ride in a single-file line with other cyclists (not two or three abreast) if the street is too narrow for cars to pass. Cyclists are allowed to ride in the middle of the lane to increase visibility. Keep an eye out for parked cars (or rather, doors from parked cars opening into the street). Avoid the dreaded door-into-cyclist snafu by staying a little bit closer to the center of the street if there are parked cars. Also, move towards the left side of the lane when turning left. Stay out of drivers’ blind spots <http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/pubs/cycling-guide/section3.3.shtml>, especially at traffic lights or stop signs. When riding with us: · wear helmets and ensure your bike is in good working order · stay in bike lanes and no more than two abreast on them; single file otherwise · not overlap wheels · descend carefully! Look out for debris, animals, potholes, tight bends, and slick spots · pass slower riders on the left · ride predictably: signal when changing lines and call out hazards · avoid bunching up · respect all traffic rules and the rights of motor vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians · always use proper hand signals to indicate to drivers and other riders your intentions · we are a "rules of the road" cycling club · Inclement weather policy: In the interest of safety, whenever it is either actively raining or the ride route has wet roads, it is our club policy to cancel a club ride. Club members may still choose to meet and ride in these conditions; however, the ride will not be considered an official club ride -- Taylor Hodoose 805-390-2200