Beachside TriSport supports Cancer Care Partner with us in our effort when you sign up for training   Train for the Health First Health Plans Triathlon or Atlantic Coast Triathlon in Amelia Island: Orientation/Kick-Off Meeting on Thurs., July 15th @ 6:00pm at the Indian Harbour Beach Rec Center Summer/Fall Camps begin on Sat., July 24th Sprint - 10 weeks & Olympic/Half Ironman - 12 weeks Registration is open on Active.com Need Swim Coaching? Tri Swim Clinic below has what you need http://sites.google.com/site/apallowick/ email us at becky@beachsidetrisport.com to be put on our email list.
Bio Highlight Becky Moody - Head Coach After 5 years of my own triathlon pursuits, I decided that I wanted to share my passion with others and start ...  click here for more.	Sprint Workouts Please log on to access the calendar.	Olympic Workouts Please log on to access the calendar.	Half Ironman Workouts Please log on to access the calendar.

GROUP RIDING ETIQUETTE

Riding in a group takes practice.  In our camp we urge you to allow at least one bike length between you and the next rider as you become a more competent rider.  All it takes is a slight change in speed from the rider you are following and a lack of response from you to crash into the person in front of you.  Most experienced riders have learned this the hard way.  It takes practice.  The following are several “rules of the road” that every rider can benefit from:

• Always keep an eye on the wheel in front of you. 
• Always keep your hands close to the brakes and ready to use them when necessary.

• Only use aerobars when you are riding alone or at least 3 bike lengths behind the rider in front of you.  You may use your aerobars when leading a group.
• If you are in the front of a group of riders, hold a consistent pace for as long as you can (but don’t hog the lead).  If your legs or lungs tire and you must signal to the left, say “slowing” and drop off to the left of the “paceline”.  Let the other riders pass you on the right and go the back of the line.
• A good rule of thumb for leading a paceline is a 1-minute or less pull.  Don’t “hog” the lead, let other riders take a turn at pulling.  If the pace is too slow simply follow your own pace and go ahead. 
• NEVER cross someone else’s wheel.  Your bike should either be completely in front of or completely in back of the cyclists closest to you.  This is one of the most common ways to get in a crash.  If you are riding next to someone, make sure they are aware of it.  This should really only be on a low-traffic and slower speed type of road, and at a talking pace. 
• If drafting, allow at least one bike length between you and the next rider.  You will not be able to draft in a race anyway….so you may as well get used to pulling your own weight on the bike.  You must allow 3 bike lengths in a race or you will be penalized.
• Announce your intentions if in the front.  If you must slow down or stop, yell “SLOWING” or “STOPPING” (i.e.  If approaching a stop sign or light), “left turn” and point or “right turn”, etc. 
• Announce and point out if possible road debris & road conditions.  For example, if approaching a pile of sand you may yell “SAND!” or if going over a speed bump you should yell “BUMP!”. 
• Announce traffic or pedestrians on the road.  If in the front, you should yell “CAR” for an oncoming car or “Car Right” or “Car Left” for a car turning into traffic.  If in the back of the group, you should yell “Car Back” when a car is behind the group and ready to pass everyone.  If you see a runner (who is most likely running against traffic on the same side of the road as you are riding) yell “Runner Right or Runner Up!”. 
• Point out your intentions to cars behind you.  Point to the left if making a left turn, etc.  They need to know where you plan to go, they might try to pass you when you least expect it. 
• Make sure you follow basic road rules when riding in traffic as well.  Even though you are small compared to motor vehicles, you are still a “vehicle” on the road and subject to the same traffic rules (this includes stop signs, traffic lights, etc.)  

OTHER POINTS TO NOTE:

• Wear bright-colored clothing so other vehicles can see you easily. 
• Do not ride during rush hour.  The best time to ride is Saturday and Sunday morning when the sun first comes up.

BE SAFE OUT THERE!