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Jan. 25, 2020

Ride Report - Sat. Jan. 25, 2020 - Local Ride -  By Ted

Deciding where to ride is a consensus among our ride committee and not always is it an easy process. Differing views are to be expected but winter is somewhat easier as the raw data is mud or rain avoidance. This Saturday was an easy one so we decided an off-mud ride..Haim volunteered and all 12-13 of us set off on the paths along 531 in the Ra'anana section that runs westwards fro Ben Gurion. Apart from a little pool or two mud was in absence. From then on it was on foot and bike paths to the sea. At the Marina Ham stopped to chat to a former work colleague and then we set out to ride the Herzeliya pier playing dodgems with the avid walkers. We finally weaved our way out and departed for the cliffs that run south to the Mandarin Hotel. from there to Cinema City after regrouping as some riders "lost" their way. The weather was perfect despite a very cold start but as we hit the final stretch to Arcafe the temps rose to a comfortable 17 deg.
Great ride with great friends. Thanks to Haim and the weatherman.
Look mum....no Mud. This is the nature of an off-mud ride!!!!!!!!!!!!!

1. ARRIVE ON TIME - Your time is no more important than anyone else’s. Check the night before for air in the tires and that all is in proper working order.
2. RIDE PACE - This usually determines itself depending upon who and how many are riding. A smaller group is almost always quicker, while larger rides tend to be more relaxed and chatty – accept this reality!
3. KEEPING UP - Try to keep up with the pace of the group – it makes for a more enjoyable ride for everyone. If there is consensus that the pace is too fast, tell the leader!
4. NOBODY GETS LOST - Make sure that there is someone behind you who sees your riding direction. If not, wait until someone sees you before you continue… that person behind you will do the same. If everyone in the group does this, nobody gets lost and the group does not have to stop as a whole. We need to have space between riders – it is acceptable that the group is spread out, as long as you have sight contact with the rider in front of you.
5. YIELD – YIELD – YIELD - Always keep to the right unless you are passing. If you want to pass, make sure they are aware of your intention. Never change “lanes” before making sure you are clear to do so – sudden moves with no warning can cause an accident.
   If you have to dismount due to sand, mud, a technically difficult uphill, etc., pull off the path, so as not to impede the momentum of the riders behind you.
   Always yield to pedestrians, hikers, horses (all are unpredictable!).
   If a rider approaches from the opposite direction and there is no room to safely pass, be prepared to pull off the path and stop.
   The rider going uphill ALWAYS has right of way.
   Restricted Line of Sight? Slow down, increase your awareness and be ready to stop. If you are coming to a blind curve, ring your bell or yell “BEEP, BEEP”.
6. STAY TOGETHER –If you head up to the front of the ride or pulling away from the group always wait at the next junction for everyone to catch up. If you need to head back to the carpark, phone the leader, or at very least make sure you ask someone in the group to tell the leader.
7. TECHNICAL SECTIONS – Always wait until there is a safe distance between you and the rider in front before beginning a technical section. If you end up behind a slower rider don’t ride too close behind, it only increases the pressure on that rider and can cause an accident. Hang back and give both of you space to enjoy the trail until you can overtake safely.
   On a section that you would prefer not to ride, walk well clear of the track.
8. BE PREPARED - Ride with spare inners and/or puncture kits, tools, pump and basic first aid kit. Always wear a helmet, sunglasses, sunscreen, have plenty of water and some snacks. Do NOT wear earphones when riding – hearing what is happening around you is important.

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