RIDE FAQ

 

Who can participate in HBC rides?

 

Anyone who shows up at the ride start can ride with us, member or not. Of course, we would like you to become a member.

 

Where does the HBC ride?

 

Most HBC rides are out west along I-10 or northwest along Highway 290. We also have several rides to the north and the south. In addition, we have numerous in-town EZ Rides.

 

What kind of rides do you have?

 

The HBC has a variety of rides.

 

The most common are the countryside rides where we ride on country roads well outside the city.

 

We also have EZ rides which are slow paced social rides in town.

 

There is a group named the Dirty Dozen who ride a century (100 miles) once a month.

 

Orientation rides are for new members and beginners. These rides have a ride leader.

 

There are also several informal recurring rides that do not have a ride starter.

 

How far and how fast do you ride?

 

Almost every ride has a variety of distances. The shortest distances are around 20 miles. Most people take the 40 mile option. Good riders will do 60 or more. Choose the distance that is right for you.

 

Most HBC rides do not have a ride leader. Everyone rides at their own pace. Ask around at the ride start to find the people going the same speed as you. Slow riders ride about 10 - 15 mph. Most of the club members ride about 15 - 20 mph. The hammerheads ride even faster.

 

Can you describe a typical ride?

 

About 15 minutes prior to the ride start, the parking area starts to fill. Members unload their bikes, check the tires, apply sunscreen and generally get ready for the ride.

 

The ride starter will put the maps and a signup sheet on the hood of their car. People sign in, take their maps, and sort themselves out according to who is going how far and how fast.

 

The ride starter holds a quick "ride meeting" to introduce new riders, point out any club officers, announce road conditions, and tell everyone where to meet for lunch after the ride.

 

At the start of the ride the group normally hangs together for a while, but soon the hammerheads and hard riders pull away and the ride spreads out as everyone rides at their own pace.

 

Usually every 20 miles or so there is a rest stop at a convenience store where riders can regroup and discuss any changes to the route.

 

After the ride we meet for lunch at a local restaurant.

 

How are the rides chosen?

 

The Ride Chairman sets the schedule. Several factors are taken into account such as the popularity of the rides, traffic, and events or festivals in the area.

 

What does the ride starter do?

 

The ride starter brings the maps and sign up sheet to the ride start and puts them on the hood of their car. The ride starter should welcome new riders and help them find other riders who will be going similar distance and speed. Just before the ride starts the ride starter hold a short "ride meeting" to introduce new riders, point out any club officers so that new members know who to ask questions of, make any announcements of road conditions, and tell everyone where to meet for lunch after the ride.

 

To be ride starter, contact the Ride Chairman or volunteer using this website. The Ride Chairman will mail you the packet of maps. No one is quite sure what happens to the signup sheets after the ride.

 

Do I have to wear a helmet?

 

Yes.

 

What equipment should I bring?

 

A bike would be nice. Of course you will need a helmet. Most riders wear cycling gloves. Many people bring their cell phones too. Bring water, either in water bottles or in a Camel Back. You should also have a spare tube, tire irons, and a tire pump to fix flat tires.

 

What kind of bike should I have?

 

For countryside rides, most people have road bikes with thin tires and multiple gears. Some people ride hybrid or touring bikes. Mountain bikes are predominant on the in town rides because they get fewer flat tires.

 

What if I have a flat tire?

 

If you have a flat tire, it is your responsibility to fix it. That said, at the first sign of trouble, other riders will slop to ask if you need help. If you do need help, don't be afraid to ask.