Ride Descriptors
TERRAIN: 1 - 10 from flat to 20% grades or worse.
PACE: Family (under 10), D = Easy (10 - 12), C = Moderate (13 - 15), B = Brisk (16 - 18 avg.) and A = Training (19 or more avg.)
DISTANCE: The distance of the ride will be posted on the rides calendar on the Club Rides page.
DROP: You need to know the route. Faster riders will not wait for you. If you can't fix your bike on the road, bring a cell phone to call for a ride. We recommend the buddy system (at least 2 together) always, but that is up to you.
NO DROP: The group (or a portion of it by agreement) waits at stop signs and turns for all other riders. Exchange cell numbers before you leave and let someone know if you stopped for any reason and if you abandon the ride so they are not looking/waiting for you.
MEMBERSHIP: Club membership is highly encouraged. First-time guests are welcome to join club rides. First-time guest do not need to be a member to join your first club ride. You can join the club online or download a membership form and mail it in with your dues.
INSURANCE: MBC is a member of the League of American Bicyclists (LAB). Through the LAB insurance program, MBC carries general liability coverage and participant accident coverage. The LAB insurance program that MBC carries is online including links to the Insurance Brochure, the Insurance Packet, and a link to Report an Incident. Coverage limits are highlighted in the Insurance Brochure. This coverage only applies to official MBC-led club rides and the time trials listed on the MBC rides calendar and only for current MBC members and first time guests.
TERRAIN: 1 - 10 from flat to 20% grades or worse.
PACE: Family (under 10), D = Easy (10 - 12), C = Moderate (13 - 15), B = Brisk (16 - 18 avg.) and A = Training (19 or more avg.)
DISTANCE: The distance of the ride will be posted on the rides calendar on the Club Rides page.
DROP: You need to know the route. Faster riders will not wait for you. If you can't fix your bike on the road, bring a cell phone to call for a ride. We recommend the buddy system (at least 2 together) always, but that is up to you.
NO DROP: The group (or a portion of it by agreement) waits at stop signs and turns for all other riders. Exchange cell numbers before you leave and let someone know if you stopped for any reason and if you abandon the ride so they are not looking/waiting for you.
MEMBERSHIP: Club membership is highly encouraged. First-time guests are welcome to join club rides. First-time guest do not need to be a member to join your first club ride. You can join the club online or download a membership form and mail it in with your dues.
INSURANCE: MBC is a member of the League of American Bicyclists (LAB). Through the LAB insurance program, MBC carries general liability coverage and participant accident coverage. The LAB insurance program that MBC carries is online including links to the Insurance Brochure, the Insurance Packet, and a link to Report an Incident. Coverage limits are highlighted in the Insurance Brochure. This coverage only applies to official MBC-led club rides and the time trials listed on the MBC rides calendar and only for current MBC members and first time guests.
Rules of the Road when Riding with MBC
Rules for Riding in a Group
- HELMETS ARE MANDATORY (ANSI/SNELL APPROVED).
- Ride SINGLE FILE when a car or truck is behind you. If it is a larger group of riders, though, it may be quicker and safer for a car or truck to overtake a group riding two abreast than it is to pass a long line of single file riders.
- Never ride more than two abreast, in accordance with Alabama law. Do not be a road hog, yield to riders trying to pass.
- Stay as far to the right as safely possible, except when making a left turn, or when going straight at a right turn only lane.
- Take a full lane when safety dictates. Pull off to let traffic pass when necessary.
- Make eye contact with drivers so you know they have seen you.
- Obey all traffic laws and signals. ALWAYS stop at stop signs. Your bicycle is legally considered a vehicle.
- Do not ride before daylight or after dusk unless you have proper reflectors and lights on your bike, in accordance with Alabama law. NOTE: A rear red reflector is mandatory after dark in Alabama.
- If you stop for any reason, get completely off the road.
- Always ride defensively. Be aware of other riders, vehicles and pedestrians near you. Never assume you know what they are going to do.
Rules for Riding in a Group
- Be Predictable: Group riding requires even more attention to predictability than riding alone. Call out stops and changes in direction to other riders.
- Know your limits. Crashes can occur when inexperienced cyclists do not have the bike-handling skills to make quick decisions in a pack.
- Pass on the left side only. Call out to riders you are about to pass, "On your left" or "Good morning". NEVER pass on the right.
- Communicate with your fellow riders using Ride Safe Language. Use traffic hand signals when appropriate.
- Announce hazards. Alert others to road hazards by pointing down to left or right and by calling out "gravel, hole, tracks, etc.".
- Maintain control and speed of your bike, even going downhill.
- Never overlap your wheels with another cyclist.
- Courtesy is key! Be respectful of other riders and motorists. Help others when needed.