July 9 Ride

Hello Summit Bikers;

Next week July 9 we will have arranged technical talk from Team Managers prior to our weekly ride. This year I have asked Brad to discuss two topics, clothing and hand signals. Many clubs use hand signals as a way of indicating hazards, turning and stopping and it should make for improved safety on our rides.

Plan to meet at Team Managers in Frisco at 8:50. Team Managers is located across from the Holiday Inn off the Dillon Dam Road in Frisco. The discussion will be in the shop so leave the bikes outside. At approximately 9:30 we will prepare for the ride either up Vail Pass or to Copper.

This week we are going to institute a new structure for our rides similar to what some other bike clubs use. We plan to break the group into three sections, with an A, B, and C group. We plan to have a leader and a sweep with each group. The A group will generally be the fastest group (averaging 15 to 17 mph). The B group will be the moderate group (averaging 12 to 15 mph). The C group will be for all others. The plan is to make sure everyone has a compatible group to ride with.  Allen Wambach and Steve Laden will coordinate the effort Monday at the start of the ride since I am still on crutches.  They will be looking for volunteers to lead and sweep for each of the groups.  If you have an idea of which group you want to ride with and are willing to help Let them know.  It may take a couple of weeks to get into the proper groups but over time this should lead to a better experience for all of us.

After the ride at approximately noon plan to picnic at the Dillon Ampitheatre in the shelter over looking Dillon Reservoir. There will be no grill as the fire danger is currently so high we felt it was unsafe to have a grill even in a controlled space. Please plan to bring a sandwich and something to drink as well as a dish to share with your friends. Plates, napkins and condiments will be available.

Optional rides still occur on Thursday afternoon and Sunday morning. See the Summit Biking Calender for details. In addition, other rides are being arranged by Allen Wambach with emails announcing where and when these will be held. Summit Biking's Youth program is off to a great 2012 season and riders are encouraged to join these rides as often as possible. The full schedule of youth rides is posted at http://summitroad.wikispaces.com/ .

John Bowyer