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March 7, 2020

Ride Report - Sat. March 7, 2020 - Home Patch Ride -  By Frances

Here comes the sun...

Around 18 of us set off with some grey clouds hovering - which resulted in a few drops scattering on us in the last half hour of our ride.

We covered around 15km picking up a bit of mud towards Batsra, heading on through Sde Warburg, a few ups and downs as we went through Tsofit and made our way back via the Kfar Saba Park (never been there - lovely trees in bloom that the Japanese would gasp over....).

We went through Hod Hasharon where some stopped off for refreshments, while a smaller posse made its way back to Raanana. Even a smaller posse made it to Arcaffe where we shared a few rays of sun with a delightful black cat. Very friendly and sat on our laps and even stuck its paw into empty cups of coffee looking for milk...

The weather held and we zoomed along without much stopping - led by Haim, Anna (and John on the last leg home.) Lovely day - good to be out and about!

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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