Scheduling Rides
Ride Cancellations/Changes:
Ride Cancellations
- It is the prerogative of the ride leader (RL) to cancel a ride based on weather conditions on the morning of the ride. If, for example, precipitation is present or imminent, or the temperature is very cold or very hot, members should check the ride schedule 2 hours or less before the ride or call the ride leader to find out if the ride has been canceled.
- If an RL wishes to cancel a ride for weather reasons, the RL should click on the ‘+’ symbol next to your ride in the ‘My Scheduled Rides’ list. Click on ‘Edit Ride Information.’ The screen below will appear. Check the appropriate box, ‘Canceled’ and add comments. Then click on ‘Save Changes’ at the bottom. The changes will be reflected in the schedule.
- This information must be posted at least TWO HOURS before the start time of the ride, in order to be sure that all potential riders are aware of cancellations before they leave for the ride.
- RLs should check the weather in the area of the ride’s Start Point shortly before posting a cancellation. Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES may a ride be canceled for weather reasons any earlier than the day before the ride. Furthermore, if you decide to cancel a ride early in the day before the ride, it should be a situation where the probability of precipitation or other bad weather is extremely high, not “on the cusp”.
- RLs may not use this as a way of cancelling rides when the weather is not “iffy”. Keep in mind that potential riders may not even look at the ride schedule if the weather is not really problematic. If you are scheduled to lead a ride and can’t make it, you should find a substitute or go to “My Rides” and request one.
Time Changes
- RLs are permitted to request a weather-related time change.
- Time change request must be submitted to the Ride Coordinator (RC) by 6 PM the day before the ride and will subsequently be broadcast by the RC. Simply posting them in the Comments section of the ride is not satisfactory.
- Time changes are not permitted for evening rides.
Other Ride Changes
- Other changes, e.g. “we’ll wait at the start until the brief show passes”, etc. can be posted via the above screen by clicking on the Ride Change box and adding the comments as appropriate. This will cause Ride Change to appear on the schedule.
Guidelines for cancellations and time changes
The following guidelines will apply:
- Time changes and advance cancellations will be made only if temperatures are predicted to be extreme or the predicted probability of precipitation is very high during the anticipated ride period
- Accuweather.com’s predictions for the area of the ride’s Start Point will be the source used to judge the appropriateness of a proposed time change or cancellation
- Extreme temperatures mean:
- Temperature or Real Feel® above 90 degrees
- Temperature below 30 degrees
- A very high probability of precipitation means 50% or higher.
Guidelines for Ride Approval:
- FIRST: Check the ride schedule before either proposing a ride or choosing a ride from the featured ride schedule.
Why? You could find your ride competing with another similar ride.
Because? Starting with the 2018 Riding Season, the Board has decided rides should be approved as they are proposed. That means that a leader who chooses from the ride schedule could end up choosing one that is in conflict with your ride – if we all do not follow the guidelines below. - Please don’t compete.
Why? This protects you and your fellow Ride Leaders from losing riders to a “competing” ride on the same day.
How?
– Check the 7-day ride schedule and the Proposed rides for the day you want to propose a ride.
– Avoid proposing a similar (start point, distance, terrain) ride to one that is already on the schedule. - Please don’t repeat.
Why? This protects you and your fellow Ride Leaders from losing riders to an identical (pace, tour number) ride proposed a few days before or after yours. It also keeps the ride schedule from becoming too repetitive.
How?
– For weekday rides, check the 7-day ride schedule and the list of Proposed Rides for the weekdays in the same calendar week you want to propose a ride.
– Avoid proposing the same ride (pace, tour number) that is already on the schedule.
– For weekend rides, check both days of that weekend.
– Avoid proposing the same ride (pace, tour number) that is already on the schedule for that weekend. - Please DO check the ride schedule first and Proposed Rides
- Please DO look for variety when you propose a ride. We have over 800 active tours in the library.
Special Events:
What are Club Sponsored Bicycling Events?
The club schedules Bicycling Events which span several days in locations such as Lake George, NY, Cape May, NJ, etc. These rides are scheduled by the Events coordinator. Watch the newsletter for event dates, details and contacts.
How Can I Set Up A New Event?
Contact and work with the MAFW Bike Adventure Coordinator, listed under Contact Us, to plan and schedule your new event.
Tour Terrian Ratings
Tour v. Ride:
What is the difference between a “tour” and a “ride”?
A tour is a route. If you use a Garmin, they are called courses. A tour is associated with:
- a cue sheet
- RideWithGPS files (map and tcx or gpx for downloading)
- start point
- terrain rating
A ride is a scheduled tour and appears on the ride schedule. A ride has:
- a leader
- a date and start time
- a specified pace
- a specified tour
We often use the word “ride” for both of these, and determine the meaning by the context. Computers are not good with ambiguity so for the club website it is important that we differentiate between these two.
So if you are generating a new cue sheet, you are creating a new tour. While rides get added to the ride schedule.
Pace & Terrain Definitions
Road Day & Evening
When choosing the pace you want to do, please consider:
- if you are new to the club it is better to start with a slower pace and your work your way up to faster paces
- choose the right pace for you on that day and don’t pigeon-hole yourself into a single pace classification. Factors impacting your pace include
- terrain
- how much you have been riding
- who you are riding with
- your conditioning
- distance – note that you should increase the maximum length of your rides gradually. It is recommended that you do not attempt a ride any longer than 20% more than your longest ride of the season.
Pace classifications use average speed, which is the total distance divided by the moving time. This is the average speed reported by most by bicycle computers, although you might have to adjust the options to exclude time while not moving. It is critical to realize that your average speed is significantly less (typically 3/4 or less) than your “cruising” speed on flat terrain.
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Pace |
Minimum Average Speed |
Description |
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18+ mph |
Hard fast riding, few stops, slower riders will be dropped, frequent pace lines. |
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17 mph |
For very fit cyclists, slower riders will be dropped, leader rides at listed pace, occasional pace lines. |
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16 mph |
For fit cyclists, terrain varies, up to 30 miles between rest stops. Leader sweeps no slower than 16 mph. BUT if there is a concurrent identical (same tour #, same start time) C+ ride, or the ride leader has posted “no sweep” in the ride comments, the leader rides a B pace and does not sweep. |
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14.5 mph |
For accomplished cyclists, terrain varies, up to 30 miles between rest stops, leader sweeps no slower than 14.5 mph. If there is a concurrent identical (same tour #, same start time) C ride, the Ride Leader may choose not to sweep and depend on the C ride to look after slower C+ riders. |
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13 mph |
For accomplished cyclists, terrain varies, up to 30 miles between rest stops, leader sweeps no slower than 13 mph. |
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11 mph |
For experienced cyclists who want an easier pace, up to 20 miles between rest stops, leader sweeps no slower than 11 mph. |
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9 mph |
Relaxed riding for experienced cyclists, easier terrain, up to 15 miles between rest stops, leader sweeps no slower than 9 mph (typically no longer than 35 miles and on terrain not more difficult than C+). |
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CA(Casual) |
Casual |
Relaxed riding, no steep hills, frequent stops, group stays together. |
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varies |
Special ride. Click on ‘More’ (after login) to read special comments. |
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Ride leaders on A, B+, B, TA and TB rides are not required to sweep, so riders on such rides should either be confident that they can keep up with the pace of the group or be comfortable riding independently.
Ride Leaders on C+, C, D+, D, TC, TD and TE pace rides are required to sweep. However, riders on those rides must be able to average at least that minimum speed, making only the scheduled rest stops, or they may be dropped.
The terrain rating for a tour is determined by “average climb”. That is the total climb, as determined by ridewithgps.com as per the club’s map of the tour, divided by the length of the tour. Total climb is the total uphill climb ignoring the downhills. Note that the total climb as reported by ridewithgps.com is almost always lower than the climb reported by bike computers doing a route. That difference is “built into” the classifications below.
- The ratings are:
- Rating Average Climb (ft/mile)
- A greater than 75
- B 50 to 75
- C+ 40 to 50
- C 25 to 40
- D less than 25
Two tours with the same terrain classification may have very different terrain profiles. For example one C+ terrain route may be relatively flat with one big climb, while another C+ terrain route may have lots of “rollers” but no big climbs. The best way to determine the type of terrain a route covers is to click the “MAP” link for the ride from the ride schedule and look at the terrain profile at the bottom of the ridewithGPS.com page for that tour.
Path & Trail Rides
ALL PATH AND TRAIL RIDES ARE SCHEDULED DURING FULL DAYLIGHT HOURS
PACE: Varies with type, terrain and group.
- MB Mountain bike required (Bike with 26-inch or 29-inch knobby tires, flat bars)
- HB For MB’s or Hybrids (road-sized frame with flat bars, wide tires, pedals that allow EZ off and on) Tires should be at least 28mm or 1 1/2 inches wide; some road bikes will accept 28mm tires, but road bikes not recommended.
- HT Highly technical – may include steep climbs/descents, very rocky, large intentional obstacles, drop-offs – for very experienced riders only
- MT Moderately technical – may include some steep climbs/descents, water crossings, some rocks or roots – for lower intermediate riders and up
- NT Not technical – relatively smooth hard pack with few or no steep hills or obstacles – riders of all abilities
For HB rides (Path)
- NH Not technical for hybrid bikes. All HB rides will have an NH terrain rating. Trails are generally hard pack and may be partially paved – riders of all abilities. Road bikes with 28 mm tires OK, but hybrid still better.
Indoor Rides (e.g. Zwift)
Indoor rides will have the Pace set to “I” to indicate an indoor ride.
Ride Mechanics
Cue sheet use:
A cue sheet will list every turn of the ride with mileage at each turn or major intersection. You will need to refer to the cue sheet while you’re riding so that you make the proper turns and don’t get lost. The cue sheet will list each turn as “R” for right turn, “L” for left turn, “X” for cross road or go straight, “BR” for bear right, “BL” for bear left, “Stop” for stop sign, “Light” for traffic light, “T” for T intersection, etc. Oftentimes there will be warnings listed as “caution” to alert you of hazards. A cue sheet is by no means a comprehensive listing of all hazards. It’s simply a tool to assist you in completing your ride.
It’s recommended that you have a way to clip the cue sheet to you handlebars or shifter cables so that you can refer to it during the ride. You’ll find cue sheet holders at local bike shops or you can use something as simple as paper binder clips. Also, it’s important that you have an odometer on your bike that displays mileage, so that you can confirm each turn in advance by referring to the mileage listed on the cue sheet.
Access cue sheet:
How Do I Get Cue Sheets For A Ride?
It’s easy. Just make sure you log in, then go to the ride schedule and download the PDF.
We ask that ride leaders bring a small number of cue sheets with them, but it’s best to download your own. And while you’re on the site, have a look at the map feature for an overview of the route.
All members have full access to the Tour Library and can download cue sheets of their choosing. They can also search the tour data base based on ride start points, length of ride, terrain, etc. This is one of the best features of the web site. Please consider becoming a Ride Leader, it’s one of the best way to give back to the club for all the services it has provided for you.
How do I report errors in a Cue Sheet or Directions to a ride start point?
If, while on a ride, you notice an error or ambiguity in a ride Cue sheet or in directions to a start point report the corrections to your Ride Leader who should send a copy of the corrected sheet or unambiguous notes to the club Cue Sheet Librarian. Typically, the old text and the replacement text should be sent to avoid ambiguities.
These changes may include:
- Incorrect directions
- Changed street signs
- Incorrect mileage indicators
- Terrain classification, e.g. C-terrain should have been labeled B-terrain
- Safety warnings, e.g. hazards
- Ambiguities in Cue sheet directions
- The street name or, in some cases, alternative names for the street (e.g. Mt. Kemble Ave (a.k.a. rt. 202)
Bring to ride:
What Should I Bring To A Road Ride?
- Yourself, 20 minutes prior to the scheduled start time. MAFW rides generally leave at or very close to the time for which they are scheduled.
- A cue sheet for the ride with the Ride Leader’s phone number. To get your cue sheet, Log In and go to the 7-day ride schedule. Click on “cue sheet,” download and print. Click on “more” and you’ll find the Ride Leader’s preferred phone number to copy down on your sheet. Please bring a cue sheet even if you plan to ride by GPX or TPX. It’s a good backup in case there are problems with electronics.
- The understanding that the primary objective of the ride is safe fun and your full attention to the safety aspects of the ride is required.
- If you are having medical problems that could present a safety hazard to you or other club members, it is your responsibility to use good judgment about your fitness for the ride. If you are unsure, seek the advice of a medical professional. No one in the club has the expertise to approve your medical fitness for riding. This is your responsibility. Please do not endanger others.
- If you had a bad day and need to blow off steam, go for a walk instead.
- A bike in good working order that you know how to ride safely. Just got a new bike? Take it for a ride on your own before riding with the club.
- A welcoming attitude for new members. Introduce yourself.
- A properly fitting helmet meeting CPSC standards
- Clothes to match the weather – you’ll get lots of advice if you ask
- A full water bottle or two
- A spare tube and patch kit
- Tire levers
- A portable air pump
Some experience in changing tires is helpful, see L.L. Bean’s Fixing a Flat Tire for more information.You usually will get help from other riders if you need it, but, except on rides rated as Casual, you should be able to change your own flat tire.
Leave the music head sets at home and don’t answer your cell phone while riding. We have had terrible accidents by riders who ignored this.
What Additional Items Should I Bring To an ATB Ride?
When you are riding a hybrid or mountain bike off road, assistance is less available and items like tire tubes have a far greater variety than with road bikes so you must be prepared with repair items specific to your own bicycle. In addition to all of the items required for road cycling, you should come prepared with the following:
- A portable pump for off road tires (greater air volume) or CO2 inflator with at least two spare canisters
- A chain repair kit
- A Camelback-style water reservoir (70 – 100 oz. capacity)
- You will consume more water than road cycling
- Rest stops are often unavailable
- On mountain bike trails you need both hands on the handlebars at all times
- Bring a supplemental water bottle for hot days
- Power bars, gels or snack – food is generally not available on most rides
- A cell phone is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Should you get separated from the group and have an accident, it may be a while before someone finds, and can assist, you
Races, Clinics, Time Trials
Bike Clinics:
Based on membership requests, we may kick off the season with a ride that is preceded by a bike clinic. In addition, we have Bike Shop Sponsors that participate in our annual meeting that prepare and deliver talks about a wide range of topics, including bike maintenance. One of our sponsors holds bike maintenance clinics for club members. For further information on this, contact the club Ride Coordinator or club President.
Races:
The club does not sponsor races.
Time Trials:
Yes, when someone volunteers to organize one.
Leading Rides
Volunteer:
If you are interested in becoming a Ride leader, take a look at the Ride Leader Handbook. It is a bit long, as it covers most (all?) of the details of being a ride leader, and the ride leader functions on the club website. You can focus on page 2, which summarizes the most important aspects of being a ride leader (but does not cover the details of using the ride leader features on the club website). If you are comfortable with the role and responsibilities described in the Handbook, email your request to become a ride leader to the Ride Coordinator (ridecoordinator@mafw.org).
If you feel like a “mentor” ride with an experienced ride leader is something you would like to do, let the ride coordinator know and they will pass along some names of folks they consider good ride leaders, or you could just ask a ride leader you respect.
Miscellaneous
Social/Working Events:
The events are:
- A Spring and Fall picnic
- Every Fall there is a volunteer-appreciation pizza party.
- A November Annual Meeting
- In December, there is a MAF pot-luck awards dinner and holiday party – the food is great.!
- In Feb/Mar there is a kickoff meeting
- NEW! We support the Morris Area Freewheeler Foundation charity ride, The Revolutionary Ramble, with volunteers. the net proceeds go to our local volunteer ambuluance squads, which lessens the goverment burden for this valuable service.
- Ride planning committee meetings are held throughout the year. Board of Director meetings are held about 8 times a year depending on need. Members are invited to attend. Talk to the Ride Coordinator or the President for details if you wish to attend.
Drawings for bike gear and bike shop gift certificates are held at each event.
Watch the web site, the newsletter and email announcements for dates and times.
Bike Accidents:
Why should I report an accident?
We would like to encourage people to report even minor accidents, such as falls, even if no one was injured. There are two reasons to do this.
First, we would like to learn more about what is causing bike accidents so that we can help our members avoid them on future rides.
Second, if someone is injured and the bike accident isn’t reported at the time it occurs, the individual may have difficulty in obtaining coverage under the club’s medical insurance policy.
How Do I Report A Bike Accident?
Report all bike accidents to the Club’s Safety Coordinator. In addition, the ride leader should fill out the accident report on the back side of the ride sign-in sheet at the scene of the accident for further reference. Submit that information through the Club website as soon as possible (go to the Ride Leader section and then click on Create Crash Report). Also submit the sign-in sheet (scan and send via e-mail or USPS) to the Safety Coordinator to show that the individual was on a club ride (for insurance puposes). The Safety Coordinator may call you to ask for additional information or clarification.
Does The Club Provide Insurance For Its Members?
Part of your dues pays for accident insurance through the League of American Bicyclists. You must first file with your primary insurance carrier, then with American Specialty Insurance. The club Safety Coordinator handles the details.
The Club’s insurance policy is for General Liability and protects our members and volunteers as well. Guests are covered for one ride only.
Club insurance only covers accidents on club sanctioned rides.
