Come on out and join CVC this Thursday July 26th for the North Ranch Ride. Please see the route slip for details. The Ride starts at 5:30 p.m. ROUTE: North Ranch + optional lake lap cool down. DISTANCE: 20-25 miles. PACE: This is an intermediate level ride that includes both Gold and Orange paces averaging 14+/15+ mph. NO DROPS: I wait for the slowest rider at strategic points along the route. DIRECTIONS TO RIDE START: Triunfo Canyon Rd. in Westlake Village, just west of the Dam (tennis) Club and little yacht club building. From the 101 Freeway, take Lindero Canyon south until it ends at Triunfo. Go right on Triunfo a couple hundred yards. You will see a grassy area where we PICNIC after the ride. Park along the curb. PICNIC: If a QUORUM is present, the Post-Ride Picnic will begin around 7:15 p.m. Please bring something to share: cheese crackers, fruit, olives, pretzels, cookies, whatever; a beverage and something to drink it out of if you don't want to drink it out of the bottle; something to sit on and a warm jacket. Bring your friends, neighbors, relatives, significant others, etc. QUESTIONS: Email me at hatoolah@msn.com or call 908-432-3480. SAFETY NOTES: 1. A helmet is mandatory. I.D., water or sports drink, a snack, spare tube(s), CO2 cartridges or hand pump, patch kit, cell phone are recommended. 2. Please do not call out "clear" at intersections. The intersection may not be clear for the rider(s) behind you. 3. If you start with the group but decide to cut the ride short or take a different route, please let me know at a regroup stop or leave me a message (cell: 908-432-3480). 4. Seasonal safety issues: - Be prepared for heat. Stay hydrated. Carry a sports drink or capsules to keep your electrolytes in balance. Drink before you feel thirsty. Know the signs of heat exhaustion and offer assistance if you see another rider exhibiting these signs.- The tar used to repair asphalt roads can become semi-liquid and slippery on hot days. Example: The Decker/Westlake descent has multiple places where asphalt cracks have been sealed with tar. Use caution when riding over these areas in high heat.- Be prepared for flats. The “Goat’s Head” thorn, a.k.a. “Puncture Vine” a.k.a. Tribulus Terrestris, has returned to the roads we cycle on. Club rides are seeing an increase in flats caused by these thorns. Carry an extra tube or two - and even a patch kit for flat repairs. CVC 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. ADDENDUM: Round-the-lakers can start at any time and join us for the picnic at 7:15 p.m. (see note about picnic quorum, above). Regards, Sherrie Felton