Bike MS Safety Clinic This Exit Next Exit

Bike MS Safety Clinic This Exit Next Exit… 2016 Bike MS Bay to Bay Tour

Bike MS Safety Rules Bike MS follows all California Vehicle/Bike Code laws and include the following rules: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Wear a helmet – NO EXCEPTIONS! No headphones allowed. Obey all traffic signs and signals. Pass only on the left. Never ride more than 2 abreast so that other traffic can pass (including other cyclists). Give hand signals when stopping or turning. Cycle with traffic. Ride friendly! Show respect for others and the communities through which we will ride.

Rider Responsibilities » Pedestrians and Cars » Be predictable » Expect them to be unpredictable » Watch for car doors swinging open » Stay calm and be friendly » Signal their presence to other riders » Pedestrians always have the right of way

Riding Techniques » Be Alert » Watch for cars turning right » Watch for cars exiting driveways » Look back before passing or merging » Call out, “on your left” before passing » Watch your speed » Look for movement inside parked cars, a face in the side mirror

Group Riding Techniques » Communicate “Slowing” “Car Back” “On Your Left” “Gravel” “Sand” “Bump” (voice and hand signals) “Stopping” “Glass” “Pothole” “Tracks” “Runner Up” “Clear Back” – do not use! (don’t put your life in someone else’s hands)

Group Riding Techniques Cont’d » Ride to the Right (fast riders will pass on the left) » Keep your head up, look down the road past the rider in front of you » Maintain a steady speed and predictable line » Do not draft behind motor vehicles and do not ride too close to other riders or overlap wheels » Adjust your safety zone to the current road conditions

Riding in Wet Weather While we hope that sunny California stays that way, we will ride the Tour rain or shine! » Braking – leave more space » Slick Surfaces – avoid painted areas & metal covers » Face splatter! » Expect more flat tires

Assistance on the Route » Rest Stops with Bike Mechanics & Medical support » Ride Safety Marshals on the route » Route Marshals/Local Police » CARES/MARC vehicles » Take off helmet when in need of assistance

Hot Spots » City of San Clemente – stop signs » Bike trail into Trestles – pedestrian traffic » San Onofre Campground – 15 mph limit & stay to the right » Camp Pendleton – SINGLE FILE » Roads in La Jolla » Descents at Lake Hodges (narrow bike lane, rocks, and cross winds)

Pre-ride Bike Check (Before EVERY ride!) ü A – Air ü proper inflation, tire wear, loose spokes ü B – Brakes ü brake cable tightness, brake pads ü C – Chain, Cranks, Cassette ü Lube chain, fluid gear shifting, worn gears ü Quick Check ü quick releases tight, warped rims, frame fatigue, bolts tight When in doubt, take your bike into one of our participating bike shops (www. biketofinsh. MS. com) for a free safety check

What to Wear » HELMET!!! » » » » Stiff shoes Cycling clothes Eye Protection Gloves Arm warmers Leg warmers Skull Cap / Dew Rag Jacket / Vest

Hydration / Nutrition » Plan on drinking 4 – 8 oz. of liquid every 15 -30 minutes (more on hot days) » Consider using an energy drink » Fill up / top off your water bottles at every rest stop, even if they are not empty » Consider a backpack hydration system (Camelback)

What to Carry with You » Sunscreen / Lip balm » Tools Spare Tubes Patch Kit Multi-tool Pump or CO 2 Tire Levers » Energy Bars, Gels, Water, Electrolyte replacement » Picture I. D. (required) » Copy of Insurance & Medical information/meds » Cell Phone (only use when stopped) » Backpack/Saddle Bag » Money & Credit Card (for emergency use)