Prerequisites

- All ride participants must be a member of the PROBUS Club of Blue Mountain, or a guest of a member, and must have signed a waiver.

- Each cyclist must have a bike in good working order.

- Each cyclist must be self-sufficient — able to handle their own flat repairs, water, food, and other needs.

- Each cyclist must carry a charged cell phone, photo ID, emergency contact information, and clothing appropriate for the day's weather. The What3Words app must be installed on their phone.

- All riders must wear a certified bike helmet. Mirrors and rear lights are required.

- Cyclists must be able to meet the fitness requirements for their chosen group:

- Group A: Able to ride for 1.5 hours at an average of 20 km/h.

- Group B: Able to ride at an average of 17 km/h.

Weather Policy

Rides will be cancelled if:

- Rain, lightning, or high winds are forecast with a 70% or greater probability.

- It is already raining at the start of the ride.

The final decision in all cases rests with the Ride Leader. Cancellation notice will be sent by email the evening before or by 7:30 a.m. on the day of the ride.

How We Ride

- All groups are led by a volunteer Ride Leader (RL). The RL knows the route, carries a cell phone, and briefs the group before departure.

- Riders must follow their RL, ride single file and tight to the right, and obey all traffic laws. Maintain a safe distance from the rider ahead but ride as a tightly spaced group. No discussion groups please – leave that for when we have lunch after the ride.

- On trails be on the lookout for oncoming riders and warn others if you see them.

- No rider shall ride ahead of the Ride Leader unless specifically arranged in advance.

- Do not stop on the road — move off the pavement onto the shoulder.

- Left turns must be made at right angles at intersections. Riding against traffic is strictly prohibited.

Communication Is Critical

- Before departure, each rider must check in with the RL to confirm their group.

- Riders must inform the RL or sweep if they are leaving the group at any point during the ride.

- Front riders should call out road hazards; rear riders should call out approaching vehicles.

- All turns and stops must be signalled.

- If a rider becomes separated from the group, he should call the RL's cell phone for directions. The What3Words app may be essential for communicating your location.

E-Bikes (Pedelecs)

- Pedelecs provide electrical pedal assistance only while the bike is being pedalled.

- Pedelec riders must follow all the same guidelines as other riders.

- Pedelec riders must exercise caution and courtesy when passing on hills, and must not pass the Ride Leader.

- If your ebike is fitted with a throttle override feature it should not be used as a substitute for pedalling throughout a ride. It can be used for short power assists or emergencies ONLY. Any use beyond this is not permitted on group rides.

Additional Tips

- Ride predictably. Avoid abrupt movements or overreactions to potholes and road hazards.

- On descents, riders at the front should keep pedalling to maintain pace so that those behind do not need to brake. Allow extra following distance before a descent begins.

- Passing must be done on the left, announced with a clear "passing on your left" call.

- Choose your group realistically. It is far better to ride comfortably within your group than to be continuously at your limit.

- Group rides are not races. Take turns sharing the work at the front.

- Speak up. If you observe a safety violation, address it politely — we are all responsible for the quality and safety of our rides.

- Flat tire or mechanical issue? Shout out immediately. If the group is unaware, someone may collide with you or the group may ride on without you. Once the group knows, they will stop to assist or help arrange a pickup.

- Do not engage in confrontations with drivers or police officers — including gestures of any kind.

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Hydration & Nutrition

Older adults have a diminished sense of thirst, meaning you can become dehydrated before you feel it. Drink on a schedule — don't wait until you're thirsty.

Carry a snack even on shorter rides. Blood sugar dips can cause dizziness or poor decision-making, which is dangerous in a group.

In heat, take extra precautions — older bodies regulate temperature less efficiently.

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