10/31/2008: "San Juan Trails/Bicycle Trails"

This Saturday 11/1/08 The San Juan Trails/Bicycle Trails group invites all cyclists on the island to join us in a fun ride.

Our first group ride event will start Saturday at 11:00 am departing from the FHHS Turnbull Gym parking lot. The ride will go around Turn point, and take approximately 45 minutes to 1 1/2 hours depending on how fast you want to ride.

Every cyclist of any age and ability is welcome and encouraged to join us. Wear a helmet and plan to ride at your own pace. The only requirement is that you HAVE FUN!!

Drop in at the Farmer's Market before or after the ride in the High School Commons area for coffee, snacks or just to support the local farmers!

We plan for this to be the first of many regularly scheduled monthly, weekly, or bi-weekly rides , promote safety improvements and connect/unite local bicycle enthusiasts. Further rides will be announced.

Some suggestions to cyclists before heading out to the high school to join us include:

1.Wear a helmet. Adults be sure to set a good example for the kids.
2. Conduct an ABC Quick Check before every ride (That means check the tires for Air, make sure your Brakes work properly, the Chain should run freely, and Quick Check your bike that there are no loose parts on it and all quick releases are tight)
3.. Remember to Obey all traffic laws: ride on the right, slowest traffic farthest to right. You are a vehicle and must share the road. Please ride single file on our narrow island roads.
4. Wear bright colored clothing to make yourself visible to motorists . Visible yellow, yellow-green or orange work best.
5. Be prepared for mechanical emergencies with tools and know-how. Be sure you have a patch kit and a pump.

And for the motorists

Please remember to leave at least 3 ft. between your vehicle and the bicycle when you pass. Please share the road courteously.
Cyclists appreciate it if you slow down a bit when you pass but there is no need to honk unless you can see the cyclists really isn't aware of your presence and is not riding in a straight line.
Washington state law now forbids passing a vehicle if there is an on-coming bicycle or pedestrian. See RCW 46.61.125 (1d) for more explanation.