First aid pac: I've got a humungous camel pac... so I cant really comment. :. >
On a more serious note- if I were to give us a grade for todays ride: C -
I would like give some feedback based on my observations and the rider comments I recieved today. I really appreciate the ride leaders who helped so please take my comments in stride. However, I do feel leaders AND longtime PV members need to be diligent to help preserve the emphasis we have in this clud to ride safe and have fun.
My first and foremost concern:
I observed several scenarios today that were just plain unsafe or was just plain rude (lack etiquette).
- we have no business riding through Banks, or known busy roads- two or three abreast- especially when we have cars back.
We all know about the John Doe jokers we run into- that could care less about sharing the road. Cant do much to change their attitude towards cyclists. That said, if we want folks to respect us.. we better play by the rules.
- car back means just that- get the heck out of the middle of the road
As we came around to cedar canyon prior to our climb to the rollers- we had a truck passing us in the left lane with on-coming traffic. The reason - our grouppe was taking up the entire right lane. I dont buy I didnt hear the guy barking car back. The guy screaming car back.. that was me. The guy chasing down the group ahead of me - and making my voice heard ....that was also me.
I'll ask forgiveness now- but I will be vocal about this. Ride leaders and senior pv members have to assume responsibility - to display safe technique and encourage others to get on board.
Last comment was feedback I recieved today after the ride. The couple I talked to were unhappy that their 17 group was riding closer to 19 (they linked up with us on the long route). I confess I had trouble keeping my group in our stated tempo several times. We just need to remind ourselves that folks expect us to ride within our stated tempo. Its no fun getting dropped -when your expectation is your riding within the level stated.
The positive thing I saw today- within my group -folks waited for others to catch up several times.