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Welcome New Members!


You have made a great decision to Come Ride With Us and we want you to make the most of it. The information that follows was selected with you in mind. Please take a few minutes to read “Your First SMBC Ride” and “Important Rules of the SMBC Road” below and then get serious with the videos and the SMBC Club Handbook. But, whatever you do, get out there and ride safely.

Your First SMBC Ride

 

If you are new to cycling, or, if you have not been on a bicycle recently, follow these suggestions:

  • Check the ride schedule on our website, SMBC.us or SMBC Ride Schedule and choose a ride that suits your bike-handling and pace (MPH) abilities.
  • If you have limited cycling experience, you may want to start at a slower pace and shorter distance than you normally would ride by yourself.
  • Contact the leader and discuss the ride and your abilities with them.
  • Ride consistently and you may surprise yourself with your quick progress.

Follow these simple guidelines to prepare for your first SMBC ride:

  • Check your email for up-to-the-minute news on the ride status. Rides may be canceled due to rain or inclement weather.
  • Ensure your bike is in good working order. Make sure your tires are properly inflated, brakes are in good working order, and handlebar ends are capped. Local bike shops can check and tune up your bike if needed.
  • Bright, easily seen clothing is suggested.
  • Arrive at least before 15 minutes the posted ride time. SMBC rides leave promptly at the posted time.

Bring the following to take on your ride:

  • Properly fitted bike helmet.
  • Water and optional sports drinks.
  • Spare tube that fits your tire size.
  • Tire levers.
  • Bike pump or CO2 cartridges.
  • Personal ID, ICE (In Case of Emergency) information, and insurance cards.
  • Basic snacks such as energy bar, banana, energy gel.
  • Mirror on helmet or bike (recommended).
  • Flashing lights, white on front, red on the rear (recommended).
  • Band-aids and rubber gloves for changing a flat (optional).

What does pace mean In the ride description?
Unless it is stated in the ride description, SMBC ride pace is at cruising speed.

Cruising Speed: First number is the slowest speed the group will ride on the flat road without wind and the second number is the fastest speed you will travel on flat road with NO wind! So, the speed for the entire ride should stay within the listed pace range. That said, if there is a strong tail wind, the pace may increase!


Average Speed
 is the average speed for the ride; at the end of the ride your ending pace should fall in the range. 
You may go faster than the range or slower than the range but at the end of your ride your pace should be within the posted range.


Important Rules of the SMBC Road

This means we signal at turns and stop at all stoplights and stop signs. Get more information about Florida bike laws at https://floridabicycle.org/bicycle-traffic-law/

Cyclists, like drivers of motor vehicles, must obey all traffic laws.  This means we signal at turns, stop at all stoplights and stop signs.  Get more information about Florida bike laws at https://floridabicycle.org/bicycle-traffic-law/

  • All SMBC cyclists must wear helmets.
  • A cyclist may not wear a headset, headphones or listening devices, other than a hearing aid, while riding [FL316.304].
  • Always ride with traffic, never against it.
  • Always yield to pedestrians when riding on sidewalks.
  • Ride single file. Do not ride two abreast.
  • Check traffic when crossing an intersection. You are responsible for your own safety.
  • Move to the right and STOP for emergency vehicles. Your ride leader should set the example. 
  • Ride defensively and anticipate the actions of motorists. 
  • Aerobars may be used in the front of a paceline or group (pulling) or off the back (four or more lengths) of a pace line. Ride Leaders, at their discretion, may prohibit the use of aero bars on their rides. 
  • If you ride an electric bike (e-bike), please Click Here to  read our E-Bike Guidelines

In addition to Benefits of Membership shown on SMBC.us, you may want to check out the following club perks.

  • FREE helmet name tag for each member. If you would like a name tag please email the following information to Tom Roberts @ navywings647@gmail.com
    • Your NAME (first name will appear larger than last)
    • City you would like listed
    • Your I.C.E. name and number
    • MAILING ADDRESS
  • Basic Bike Maintenance courses
  • Smart Cycling classes
  • Unlimited volunteer opportunities
  • Cycling Training Videos. For Videos files click HERE