Little Red is just one week away! We are excited and hope that you are too! Here at Little Red, we've been working around the clock to get everything planned down to the last detail to make this the greatest ride ever.
However, there is one thing that we cannot plan for, and that is How You Obey the Rules of the Road.
We want every rider to have a FUN and SAFE experience at Little Red. We have done our part to mark the course, plan a safe route for you, put up ample signage, have plenty of SAG and support on the course and have even hired local law enforcement - ALL FOR YOUR SAFETY. But we need each and everyone of YOU to keep this course safe.
Please remember that LITTLE RED IS NOT A RACE. While we enjoy the fun of racing just as much as the next woman, Little Red is not the time or place to try your fastest ever speed on a 100 mile course. There are many (nearly 4000) riders on the course so expect lots of congestion until the first rest stop. BE PATIENT with yourself and with other riders. Those first 10 miles are slow going and packed with cyclists on the road.Ride single file or two across. ALWAYS PASS ON THE LEFT and give a little warning when you do, such as, "Coming up on your left!" so that riders know you are there. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER pass on the right. This is a big NO in cycling etiquette and safety.
OBEY ALL TRAFFIC SIGNS. That means you must STOP at a STOP SIGN or STOP LIGHT. Watch out for cars, slow down at railroad crossings, ride with some caution and keep alert.
USE YOUR HAND SIGNALS! Just as when you are driving a car, hand signals are important in letting other riders know if you are slowing or stopping, turning left or right, etc... Communication is the key!ABOVE ALL, RELAX AND ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE. The course is beautiful on every single route. The rest stops are packed with food, goodies and helpful volunteers. Remember to thank them! They are your friends, neighbors and family members who are donating their time so that YOU can have a great ride. So please take a moment to say THANK YOU!.
Please Read and Follow These
Rules of the Road for SAFE Group Riding!
* From the League of American Bicyclists
Be Predictable
In a group, your actions affect those around you, not just yourself
Riders expect you to continue straight and to ride at a constant speed
Signal and announce your intention to turn or slow down before you do so
Look Before You Make a Move
Use Hand and Verbal Signals
Use hand signals to indicate turns and point out hazards to others
Left turn, right turn, slowing or stopping
Back them up with verbal signals
Give Warnings
Announce “Left turn!” or “Right turn!” well in advance
Warn of road hazards
Avoid sudden stops or turns except for emergencies
Ride One or Two Across
• “Car back!” is the signal to get into single file
• Riding more than two abreast is illegal
Pass on the left; announce “On your left!”
Watch for Traffic: Rear and Ahead
“Car back!” when a car is approaching from the rear
“Car up!” on narrow roads or when riding two abreast
Watch Out at Intersections
“Slowing!” or “Braking!” or “Stopping!”
“Car right!” or “Car left!” if there is cross traffic
DO NOT say “Clear!” if there is no cross traffic; each cyclist should verify for him/herself that it is safe to enter the intersection.
Stop for Stop Signs and Signals
Don’t Pass at an Intersection
Announce Hazards
Point down to left or right to inform cyclists behind
Shout “Hole!” “Gravel!” “Oil!” “Glass!” “Bump!” and so forth.
Warn of Foot Traffic
Watch Out for Railroad Tracks
Cross perpendicular to the rails.
Drafting , or pacelining, can save a lot of energy due to reduced wind resistance, but...
Drafting requires the ultimate in predictability and trust
Do not attempt to join a paceline if you are not sure you know all of the elements of paceline
etiquette.
Mass Rides Pose Special Challenges!
Single-day and multi-day rides with hundreds or thousands of riders present some unique challenges.
First: So many bicycles on the roadways at one time. Even with staggered starts, the road can
be very crowded.
Next, the sorting out stage: The danger of bicycle-with bicycle crashes is greatest. Adrenalin-driven riders sprint around large groups of cyclists, often taking up all of the oncoming lanes to do so.
Other cyclists may sprint by on the right side of riders preparing to turn into a rest stop area or
to stop by the side of the road.
Probably the biggest challenge: The variety of skill levels among entrants, so
cyclists must ride with special care.
Cyclists should use extra care to:
o Avoid erratic behavior such as changing lane position without looking back.
o Avoid passing other cyclists whose skills they aren’t sure of, when surrounded closely by
them. Ride at the same speed, or slower.
Don’t wear headphones
o Obstructing the road can create a dangerous situation and cause a traffic jam
Be Courteous
Be courteous to others with whom we are sharing the road, whether they are motorists or cyclists. This is part of being a responsible cyclist, and it will help improve our image.
Have a great ride ladies and Thank You for making Little Red 2013 a SAFE and FUNtastic experience!!!