Charity rides can be a minefield for new riders and veterans alike. You'll see all kinds at charity events, from the racers out for an "easy" training day to families with small kids doing "long" 10 mile rides. After spending countless miles pedaling through group rides, races, charity rides and solo training rides, I've come to a few conclusions about what to do and what NOT to do on those benefit rides.
DO: wear your helmet
Helmetless cyclists are nothing more than future organ donors. Sad, but true. Keep the lid on, keep it on all day, and make sure it's strapped down correctly. You'll thank yourself if you should hit the pavement and that "uncool" lid saves your life.
Don't: wear the free t-shirt
Seriously. Nobody….NOBODY should wear the (often grossly oversized) free giveaway t-shirt during the event. This includes the ride AND the post-ride BBQ or festivities. Even if your alternative is riding naked, resist the urge to stand out as a complete newbie fred and leave the t-shirt in the car. Cycling jerseys were made for a reason, but if you don't happen to own a jersey, you can still get away with a dry-fit exercise shirt, or at worst, a non-event t-shirt.
Don't: Tie your jacket around your waist
You have jersey pockets for a reason (hopefully you're wearing a jersey.) If you don't, for god's sake don't tie the jacket around your waist. You risk leaving it dangling dangerously near the rear wheel, waiting to be sucked into the seatstays and catapulting you to the pavement (I hope you're wearing your helmet?)
do: ride PREDICTABLY
Even if you're the newest n00b, the best thing you can do for yourself and those around you is to be predictable. Keep as far right as possible, hold your line (don't swerve around, no matter how steep the climb may be), don't cross the yellow line, respect traffic signs and signals, and most of all be aware of who and what is around you. By being predictable you keep yourself and your fellow riders safe.
do: be courteous
There's a stigma that "real roadies" have a stick up their butt and won't wave or acknowledge other riders' presence on the road. In this case, there's no need to be snarky. Say hello, wave, etc etc. While it may be tiresome, remember when you were a new rider and someone waved at you and it made your day. Make someone else's day; give a wave or a nod of the head.
Don't: pin your number incorrectly
Too many times, I see numbers that are pinned at the top corners, flapping in the breeze. Usually, said numbers are pinned at the collar level of the participant's free giveaway t-shirt. Utilize seven of those free safety pins and place your number either on the left side of your torso over the ribs or low over your jersey pockets (leave the pockets open of course.) Ignore those punched holes on the numbers and pin the four corners (through the number material) and then one each on the left, right and top center of the number. Your number won't flap and it'll stay clearly visible.
Do: wear your gear properly
Just because I have this photo, I have to comment on it. See the guy with the bright red chamois…on the outside of the shorts? Know your clothing, know your bike and your gear, and for the love of god, don't be that guy that everyone is staring at….
Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Leave me a comment below.
