Group riding skills are an important part of the fun of PCC rides, so please review the group riding skills and safety habits PCC expects of all bicyclists participating in PCC rides. Use these Rules of the Ride as your guide:
1. Ride no more than two abreast ― single file in traffic and at intersections.
2. Pass only on the left ― and announce your intentions by calling out “On your left.”
3. When riding in a large group, create space to help motorists pass safely. Break into sub-groups.
4. Maintain a safe distance from the rider ahead of you.
5. Check all intersections for traffic. Avoid “group think.”
6. If you stop, pull completely off the road. All the way.
7. Always ride with traffic ― never against traffic.
8. Obey traffic signs and signals, markings and regulations.
9. Use hand signals to indicate left turns, right turns and stops.
10. Warn riders behind you of pot holes, dogs, cars (up, back, left, right), and other obstacles on the road.
11. Check your bike before every ride to be sure it’s in safe operating condition. Check tire inflation and seat height as well. (ABC Quick Check: Air, Brakes, Cables & Quick Release levers)
12 ALWAYS WEAR YOUR HELMET when riding your bike! Accident prevention is the first principle of safety, but accidents sometimes do happen. Helmets are the best means of minimizing head injuries.
PCC Ride Levels
LEISURELY Level 1:
Beginning rides for families or individuals.
Average speed 8-12 mph. Loop rides within or not very far from town. Friendly, social rides with an emphasis on fun, as well as learning basic safety and bicycling skills.
Expect to ride as a group ― individuals should not ride too far in front of the group (i.e., out of sight of the rest of the group), and no one will be left to ride alone behind the back of the group. Anyone having mechanical or physical difficulties can expect someone or a small group to stop and lend assistance.
TOURING Level 2:
For cyclists competent with basic safety and bike handling skills; participants should have experience riding in a group. Average speed 12-15 mph. Most of the ride should be done in the group format ― pace and distance encourage group discussion, socializing and riding, with some emphasis on improving group riding skills. No one will be left to ride alone behind the group, and anyone having mechanical difficulties can expect the group to stop and lend assistance.
FITNESS Level 3:
For experienced cyclists with substantial group riding experience wishing to concentrate on improving individual and group riding skills as well as physical fitness, with an emphasis on pace lines, some sprinting and intervals, etc. Average speed 15-18 mph. Individuals experiencing mechanical difficulties can expect a few members of the group to stop and lend assistance, including “pulls” to rejoin the main group. Group will stop occasionally to regroup with stragglers. Although physically challenging, emphasis is still on group riding for fun.
ADVANCED Level 4:
Semi-competitive rides; average speeds of 18+ mph for extended distances. Riders are expected to be fully competent with pace lines, sprints, intervals, etc. These are physically demanding rides ― dropped riders will probably be on their own, although those with mechanical difficulties may find a few members of the group
