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July 11, 2020

Ride Report - Sat. July 11, 2020 - Home Patch Report -  By Talia S.

Sixteen of us showed up this morning, including Uri (# 3) who has ridden with us a few times in the past, and Neil who joined for the second time.

Leaving Ra’anana, we rode south through Gan Roshal and the outskirts of Herzliya, crossing the bridge over route 4 near the Glilot junction, and returning north through Herzliya Pituach. We stopped by the coast to enjoy our snacks, getting a bit too comfortable and having a nice natter. We made good time, as there were less people and bike issues than usual. The aim was to avoid the crowds as much as possible, and we definitely succeeded.

It turned out to be a sand-free ride of around 28 kilometers. We didn’t stop for coffee at the end of the ride because of the Covid situation, but still, the weather was good, the ride was scenic, and I am convinced that a good time was had by all.

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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