Rules

 

This is not a race.  It’s just an opportunity to get out on a bike and have some fun.  If you want to ride fast, don’t do it around less experienced riders or in congested areas with lots of traffic.  There's lots of space on the highway to push yourself.  Trying to set a new Strava course record in downtown Sechelt is not a good idea. 

Helmets are mandatory. It’s the law.  There are pros and cons for both sides of the debate and we can discuss it while we ride.  It still doesn’t change the fact that you’re required to wear one.

 Carry I.D. It's recommended that all participants carry personal identification and their health care card in case of an emergency.  It is also a good idea to have emergency contact information with you.

 Carry a Cell Phone.  It is recommended that all participants carry a phone.  This Ride is supported and you'll be given a phone number before the ride so if you have any problem we can arrange to get you help.
 
Obey all traffic laws. All cyclists are personally responsible for obeying all traffic laws. This includes traffic lights and stop signs. There is enough animosity between motorists and cyclists.  Let’s not give them a justification for their misplaced resentment.

Ride safely.  This is not a highly organized event on a closed course. Ride a pace at which you are comfortable and in control.  Unless passing another rider, please ride on the right side of the solid white line as far as safely possible.  Sometimes, due to surface conditions, the shoulder is an unpleasant place to ride, so if you are going to be on the road proper, keep an eye out for traffic coming from behind.  Move over to the right as far as you safely can before it overtakes you.  Before passing another rider, ensure there are no vehicles approaching from either direction (motorists are known to pass on double yellow lines).  Announce your intentions by loudly saying, "passing on the left."   On the highway, ride in single file.  On some of the quieter roads it is acceptable to ride side by side, but pay attention to vehicles approaching from behind.  Upon approach of a vehicle, call out. "car back" and resume single file.  Please be aware there may be obstacles on the course.  If you are at the front of a group, call those hazards so that other riders behind you are aware.  Ride defensively and within your abilities. You are responsible for your own safety.

Acceptable bicycles.  Please use good judgment here.  Make sure your bike is in good working order.  Brakes are critical as there are many long, steep hills on the Sunshine Coast.  There are some steep climbs so make sure you have appropriate gearing. If you’re riding a bike with aero bars, please don’t ride in the aero position when riding with a group or in congested areas.  If you are carrying panniers, your bike will handle differently than unencumbered bikes.  Ride accordingly.  No trailers or child carriers.  The highway isn’t the best place for a child on the back of a bike.

iPods and other headphones are not allowed while participating in this ride. Besides, if you’re wearing headphones you won’t be able to hear me whine about how much my legs and butt hurt.

Event Cancellation. The BBQ will go on regardless of weather.  It will just have to move indoors.  The ride will go on if anyone shows up.  If nobody shows up, I’ll go home and watch the Tour de France.

Distance. There will be a 100 and a 50 km course.  There may even be a shorter course if there is enough interest.  So far, that is up in the air as not many have come forward requesting it.  If you decide you do not want to complete the distance, it is mostly an out and back course.  Please feel free to turn around at any time. For those that live off The Coast, we will provide directions to a place you can come back to and relax while waiting for the BBQ. Do not ride to the point that you injure yourself.   There is more pride in having the sense to turn around when it starts to hurt than there is in pushing on and hurting yourself, as I found out recently.  It is much easier to say, “I didn’t have it in me to finish today” than it is to say, “Sorry, that sounds like fun but I can’t join you.  I can barely move because I was too foolish to swallow my pride and stop my last ride early.”

Be self sufficient:  While we will make every effort to help you out if you get into mechanical or some other difficulty, you should be able to take care of basic mechanical problems or ride with someone who can help you.  You should carry at least a multi tool, spare tube or patch kit, enough food and water to see you through to the next aid station, and/or some money to buy food along the way.

No littering: If you require further explanation, I sentence you to 20 hours of community service.

Waiver of liability:  We will have a simple waiver to be signed before the event.  This is necessary as this ride is likely going to include more than just our immediate friends, as it has in the past.  The waiver will also require you to provide emergency contact information.