Ride Etiquette for the May 2011
San Simeon Ride
Or
“The Leave’em For Dead Policy”

I hope everyone gets a chance to read this note regarding how we are conducting the rides, or actually the whole weekend, in San Simeon this coming May.  Some of you may have a pre-conceived notion of how rides and events are to be conducted.  I would hate to have you show up and be disappointed.

ABOUT THIS POLICY

This policy is a tongue-in-cheek way of saying that I expect everyone to have a good time, doing the things you want to do, at your own pace. I am not expecting anyone to do anything or be anywhere. 

My agenda calls for us to leave at a certain time and go to a certain place.  If you decide to sleep in and skip the ride, that’s great.  I will not come looking for you.  If you decide to take a short cut back, no big deal.  If you don’t call I’ll presume that you are ok.

If you do need help, call me.  My cell phone number is posted.  There are lots of resources for help and we can take care of you and your bike.  I may not get your message right away, but I will check for messages often.

MY ROLE:  I am the RIDE COORDINATOR, NOT the RIDE LEADER.

Some of you may be used to a “Ride Leader” who leads the group from point to point on a ride.  Ride Leaders conduct their ride much like a parade, minus the band (unless you have a GoldWing along).  If the ride leader goes left, everyone goes left.  If he goes right, everyone goes right.  The ride leader, working with a ‘sweep’ rider, keeps the group together.  This approach is very organized.  This is not our approach.

On this weekend’s rides, YOU are your own Ride Leader.  I, as the Ride Coordinator, have given you a suggested route and agenda.  From there, you are on your own. I want this to be an adventure with friends, not a parade.

ALL RIDERS WILL GO AT THEIR OWN PACE.

Go where you want, when you want.  If you want to jet ahead, we’ll meet you at the destination.  If you want to go slower, we’ll meet you at the destination.   It is totally up to you.  All I ask is that you ride within your own comfort level, and to be considerate of the safety of others.

I will admit now, I am not the fastest rider in the group.  I will be riding at my own comfort level also.  It is ok to pass me. Hopefully you know where you are going.

FIND RIDE PARTNERS

Break up into groups of 3-4 bikes.  Try to look for someone who rides your pace and style.  Find someone familiar with the area if you get lost easy.

BRING A WATCH

We will do events this weekend by the posted agenda.  It’s up to you to be on time.  We will not wait for anyone.  We will assume you didn’t want to go.

PRINT OUT ALL OF THE ROUTE SHEETS AND AGENDAS – BRING A MAP

I will not be bringing extra route sheets and maps.  Please save me some ink and print out your own. If you are unfamiliar with the area, bring a map!

BE SAFE – HAVE FUN

I want to everyone to have a good time.  A fundamental part of having a good time is not having a bad time….    Being a safe rider makes you more fun.  See how that works.

On this ride, safety is everyone's business.  I would expect that if anyone feels I am not riding safely, they will tell me.  Likewise, we should feel free to mention safety issues as they arise.  Please take criticism constructively, not personally.  We are in this to have a fun yet safe.

Lastly, please be courteous to other riders and the locals.  Pass safely.  Be patient.  We are visitors.

SEE YOU THERE!

-Howard-