Velo Valero

 Safety Trips for the Valero MS 150 Bike to the Beach

 

The following safety information is intended for the experienced and inexperienced cyclist who will participate in the 2006 Valero MS Bike to the Beach.  The goal is for every cyclist to be able to participate in the Bike to the Beach ride in a safe manner yet have fun and a sense of accomplishment.  Send all comments and concerns to cycling@valero.com.

Starting Line and Rest Stops – Hazardous Areas

 

These are two of the most hazardous locations for “bike to bike” accidents because of the congestion of hundreds/thousands of cyclists in a small area.

• Expect the unexpected when leaving the starting line.  Many riders are inexperienced and may drift or turn suddenly into you.
• Try to find your circle of safety after leaving the starting line where you’re not riding bunched up with unfamiliar riders.
• Always check the rear for cars and faster riders before pulling out to pass slower riders.
• Rest stops are hazardous because of the many riders who are stopping or leaving the rest stop at the same time – cross over traffic.  Slow down at all rest stops.
• Approach the rest stop with caution and signal clearly (hand and voice) if you intend to stop.  Likewise, depart carefully watching for other riders who are riding straight through.
• Rest stops will have food and fluids for the riders and portable toilets.  Some rest stops will also have representatives from bike shops to help you with simple repairs. 

Police, Motorcycle and SAG (Support and Gear) Support

 

The MS Bike to the Beach is one of the best organized rides with hundreds of volunteers on scene to make your ride safe and enjoyable.  You can expect to see the following:   

• Police traffic control at “some” (not all) major intersections.  When approaching a police controlled intersection, watch the officer closely and cross only when signaled to do so.
• At uncontrolled intersections, try to catch the car driver’s eye so they know when you’re going to cross and vice versa.
• Volunteer motorcyclists will patrol the bicyclist’s route looking for riders who have broken down, quit or need medical help.  Look for and wave down these motorcyclists if you need help.  They have numbers to the SAG vehicles and will call for help.
• MS 150 and Valero SAG vehicles will patrol the Bike to the Beach route.  The purpose of the SAG is to transport you and your bike to the nearest rest stop, pick up point or medical facility depending on your need.  The SAG may carry water, spare tubes and bicycle pumps.  The best way to attract the SAG is by taking off your helmet and waving it at the driver.

 

Common Road Hazards – Cyclists, Vehicles and Dogs

 

Every rider can expect to encounter hazards on the road and must be prepared to react in a way to provide safety to self and others.  Common hazards include:

• Other cyclists.  Expect many inexperienced riders to participate in the Bike to the Beach.  Ride defensively and be prepared to react to the unexpected such as no-notice stops, veering into your path, or pulling in front of you.
• Let other riders know what you’re doing by making announcements such as “On Your Left/Right” when approaching a rider from the rear.  Other announcements are “Stopping” when approaching an intersection or rest stop.  Call “Car Up/Car Back” when cars are approaching or announce any road hazards such as “Gravel”.
• Stopped cars can be hazardous.  Approach as if an occupant will suddenly open the door in your path.
• Some dogs love to chase cyclists for sport.  Only a few are aggressive and will bite.  Aggressive or not, they can still cause you to fall if you allow them to get under your bike.  Two approaches are to: 
  • Be aggressive by shouting, squirting the dog with water, kicking at the dog or trying to outrun it.  Be aware that kicking at a dog can cause you to lose your balance.
  • Slowing down, talking softly to the dog and coasting beyond his/her territory.  The important point is to never let the dog get under your front wheel and cause you to fall.

Fluids, Food, and Sun – Staying Medically Fit for the Ride

 

• Every rider will need to consume lots of fluids and nutrition throughout the ride to maintain enough hydration and energy to finish the ride without “bonking” (running out of steam).  Likewise, liberal use of sunscreen with a high SPF rating is essential to prevent sunburn, especially if it’s cloudy.
• Rest stops will be positioned about every seven to ten miles along the route.  Plan on stopping often to replenish your water and Gator Aid, to eat, get medical assistance, help with bicycle maintenance, and rest. 
• Every rider should carry with them at least two water bottles (or Camelback) to drink from while on the road.  Set a goal to drink at least one bottle every 10 miles particularly if it’s hot.  It’s advisable to start hydrating (drinking fluids) a day or two before the ride.
• Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to start drinking.  The consequences of not drinking enough could be dehydration, heat exhaustion or heat stroke – which could lead to a trip to the medical tent to be hooked up to an intravenous IV.
• Every rider should carry on board nutrition to consume between rest stops.  All bicycle shops have a variety of energy food to include energy bars, GU’s, power gels, etc.  As with fluids, don’t wait until you’re hungry to start eating.  

Riding in a Pace Line

 

A pace line is a single line of riders where everyone lines up behind the first rider, who sets the pace at a “constant” speed for the riders behind.  Rotation occurs when the front rider pulls off to the side (default to the left side) and drifts to the back of the line.  The next rider then sets the pace.  Safety techniques include:

• Be prepared to follow closely (no less than six inches) to the rider in front to get the benefit of the draft.  You use much less energy following a cyclist than riding in the wind by yourself.
• Never allow your front wheel to overlap with the next cyclist’s rear wheel.  A mistake by bumping wheels can bring down the whole pace line.
• Ride smoothly and predictably.  Never accelerate or brake quickly.  If you’re running up on the wheel in front, try to slow down by rising up into the wind or braking gently. 
• Maintain a constant speed when leading by glancing at your cycle computer.  Ride your allotted distance (about one mile) and then move to the rear.
• Signify you’re leaving the lead or any position in the pace line by slapping your left rear thigh twice and then drift to the left. 
• If you tire out, sit as many turns as necessary at the back.  Let riders coming back know that you’re resting and give them space to move in front of you.
• Reduce your effort going uphill and maintain control over your acceleration going downhill.
• The lead rider is responsible for calling and pointing out hazards ahead.  Other riders should echo the warning.
• Watch the pedal cadence of the rider ahead of you so that you can anticipate when they may speed up or more importantly, slow down.