Dear CVC Members,
There have been more crashes in the last 6 months than I can remember in my 20 year history with CVC. Because of this, I am sending out this letter in the hopes that it can reach even one of you and keep you safe.
As cyclists, we feel the danger in our sport is cars and distracted drivers. But we have not seen that as much as we have seen other distracting issues.
Cycling is a sport that we can all enjoy and should enjoy without worry. That said, we all need to remain hypervigilant. We need to keep our eyes focused on what is ahead... and of course behind if you have radar.
It is easy to get distracted by Garmins, talking, friends, cars, curves and turns, feeling behind, feeling ahead, and so on. Please pay the best attention you can to potholes and turns and curves and what lies ahead. If you feel too far ahead of others, slow down, but please don't turn around backwards in the midst of a ride to look for your riding buddy, pull over if needed. But also, be aware that the person in front of you could also go down at any moment and keep some distance.
If you are way ahead of the ride leader, you may be on the wrong ride. Keep your pace within your chosen group. If you cannot keep up, please drop down a group. Or if you are going too fast, please move up a group.
There is no need to pass someone to get two feet ahead and then cut them off. Be respectful. We are all going to end up in the same regroup spot.
Sunday social rides are going too fast. Most mellow riders should be able to ride this ride. New members should also be able to ride this ride without feeling like they are too far behind. So I am going to ask all Social Ride leaders to pull this ride back a notch. If you are not comfortable with the pace of the social ride, you have the option of riding the GO Ride.
On any level, there are many regroup spots and our leaders are all very good about stopping and designating regroup spots. So if you feel behind, please know you WILL catch up.
And one more rant and beg from me... as a group, CVC does not always look as good as we should. 2 by 2 riding is what is best, and it is also what is safest. But what sometimes happens is when riding with a bike lane, the person on the right takes their half in the center of the lane and the rider on the left is in the traffic lane. Another issue to be aware of.
On a happy note, I am noticing that many levels on Saturdays are looking great in their CVC kits. If you have one, I hope to see you in it making CVC and yourself proud. Please be extra cautions out there. Sheri