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Sunday Ride Protocols |
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Ride notes: This is an informal ride, and as always, remember that this is a social ride; your safety and the safety of your fellow riders is paramount. As a reminder here are some basic group ride protocols which you may also find useful for your own rides. Safe speed: The safe speed for road conditions will differ from rider to rider. You are responsible to pick a pace that is comfortable and within your ability. There will be plenty of opportunities to regroup. Never ride beyond your limits in an attempt to keep up with another rider! Safe distance: Do not follow closely; leave a safe distance between you and the next rider. It is especially important to avoid following closely on secondary roads where you can't see around the next corner and circumstances can change without warning. Passing: If you must ride faster than the rider in front of you, put your blinker on and pass. If you see a rider behind you preparing to pass, move over. There is little point to passing when riding in a group, however. We all get there about the same time... Lane discipline: Never cross the double yellow line! Always stay in your lane, and pick your line accordingly. Passing: If you are prepared to ride faster than the rider in front, put your blinker on and pass. If you see a rider behind you preparing to pass, move over and give plenty of room. Don't speed up! Stopping: If the group stops, pull off the road completely. When the group starts, be sure to look over your shoulder for approaching traffic before you pull out after the person in front of you. Don't assume it is clear just because they pulled out... Breakdowns: The sweeps and riding friends may stop and provide assistance. It is not safe for then entire group to stop for one rider unless there is plenty of room to pull off the road. Taking off early: It is fine to head home early, but it is appreciated if you let the others in the group or the sweeps know so we don't wait around or go looking for you. |
Dear Riding Friends,
This is an informal social ride; your safety and the safety of other riders is paramount. Please read the ride protocols and follow them.
(SF Riders may join us at the Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point around 9:50-10:00 am.)
We'll leave the shop about 9:00 AM and head north on Hwy 280 via Middlefield to Charleston to Arastradero. Take 280 to 19th Ave. to 101 north over the Golden Gate Bridge. We'll stop at the north end of the bridge at the Vista Point and regroup (Approx. 9:50-10:05). Then we'll ride north on 101 to Mill Valley/Stinson Beach/Highway 1 exit north of Sausalito. Take Hwy 1 over the shoulder of Mt. Tamalpais to to Stinson Beach. Then just follow the Highway 1 signs north all the way to Bodega Bay. Do not cross the double yellow line or you may get a ticket! The towns are Stinson Beach, Olema (regrouping point), Point Reyes Station (gas if you need it), Marshall, Tomales (regrouping point), Valley Ford, Bodega Bay, where we stop for lunch and gas.
We'll stop for lunch at the Tides Wharf Restaurant across from the gas station in the middle of Bodega Bay. I estimate we'll arrive between 11:30 and 12:00. The restaurant is on your left, in down, and directly across the street from the gas station and the Inn at the Tides. Park close together and be careful pulling in and out across Hwy 1.
Return Routes: After a good hour or so for lunch we'll pick one of three alternative return routes. My favorite is back over Coleman Valley Road, a very pretty climb over the coast range to Occidental and home via either Hwy 1 or directly to 101 south via the Bohemian Highway and Highway 116.
Alternate two: Proceed back on Hwy 1 as far as Marshall. Just at the beginning of town, take a sharp left onto the Marshall-Petaluma Road back to Wilson Hill/Petaluma Road/Nicasio/Lucas Valley Road. This is also a very direct way to get back to 101 just north of San Rafael.
Alternate three: If traffic on Hwy 1 is very light just return on it all the way to Bolinas Lagoon, then take the Fairfax/Bolinas Ridge Road on the left, just before you reach the lagoon. It has a gate but it is always open. Turn right at the top and ride along the shoulder of Mount Tamalpais, then descend to Highway 1 and come out back in Mill Valley on 101 and home.
I'll have marked maps available on the morning of Sunday, May 7th. We'll have coffee on, so arrive with a full gas tank, and early enough to have coffee and use the bathroom. We want to leave right at 9:00. This is strictly an informal social ride, to practice the skills of the sport, meet some new friends, learn some new roads and see some of California's prettiest landscape. You are responsible to ride safely and not endanger yourself or others.
This ride is suitable for moderately experienced riders, but may be a little long and challenging for beginners. You must be prepared for weather conditions ranging from sunny and warm to cold, foggy and wet along the coast. We will ride regardless of the weather, but may alter the route if the road is under water or conditions demand it.
Please feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions about the ride, or its suitability for your level of experience.
Best Regards,
Kari Prager
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