Here is a general set of rules to follow while riding in Montreal, riding as a McGill Cyclist and posting rides. I figured it would be appropriate to dig up this info given that everyone is out riding again and safety is paramount. (Adapted from Drew’s awesome post April 9, 2011)
For the benefit of all those involved:
Leave the ipods at home, the sound of your wheels spinning should be music to your ears. Cycling is dangerous as it is, and not being able to hear cars makes it even more so.
Go on rides within your level. We’re here to push each other, and everyone has bad days, but please go on rides within your limit.
Red lights. We’re all adults, and at the end of the day all make our own decisions, but if you’re on a group ride please take safety measures to assure those with you do not get hurt. Running red lights and burning stop signs is not endorsed by McGill Cycling.
Cars, trucks and motorcycles are all larger than us. Don’t make them angry and be the bigger person (figuratively speaking) if they are angry.
Don’t ride in a cars, trucks, buses blind spot.
Keep your line, keep your head up and keep pedaling down hills if you’re at the front.
Paceline: X2 when you’re on a chill road. X1 when you’re not.
If you drop somebody, wait up and shelter them, generally there’s a reason that they’re getting dropped- help them out with it.
EAT EVERY 30 MINUTES-1 HOUR
BRING MONEY ON RIDES: We often stop for coffee, snacks
When wearing the McGill kit: Please adhere to all rules when riding in the team kit, you’re representing all of us and those who support us, think with your head.
Point stuff out: If there are potholes, rocks on the road, roadkill, cars parked, railroad tracks, there are hand signals that correspond, ask an experience rider if there are questions on this. Also if you’re braking, hand signal. Yell for car up/back when needed.
When overshooting a road: Continue on and stop/ turn around when safe, abrupt stops lead to crashes, both by other cyclists and cars.
When posting a ride, make sure you post:
TIME, DAY, MEETING PLACE, CATEGORY (Beginner-Advanced simply doesn’t work), RIDE LENGTH (Distance and estimation of time), RIDE NAME (if applicable, or at least where you’re going) and anything else that could be useful. Coffee ride? Weather?
ALSO:If you post a ride, show up for it.
If you write that you’re attending a ride, try your best to be there, and be on time (we will leave without you). If you aren’t going to show, post- somebody on the ride will likely check before they leave and nobody wants to wait for someone who isn’t there.
KNOW THE ROUTE THAT YOU ARE LEADING.
If the ride posting says McGill and/or gates, it means the Roddick gates.
As a general formula we’ve gone with this in the past:
Beginner 30km/h or less
Intermediate 31-36km/h
Advanced 37km/h+
The speed represents what you can pull at, not what you can get pulled at while in the back of the peleton.
Also, speed isn’t everything. The more advanced you go, the more technical the rides will be. ex. taking corners, descending and closer pacelining.
Ride within your limits. If you are a beginner, stick to beginner rides. If you are advanced, don’t show up to an intermediate ride and light up the group (ie. expect to ride at a lighter pace)
This collection of important information is not meant to offend anyone or to take any fun out of the sport. In short, ride safe and be respectful of others.
