ABC Rides
Weekend rides are listed in the club Events Calendar by Thursday of each week, and a listing is e-mailed to each club member. All rides are weather permitting - cancellations are announced in an e-mail to members. Weekday rides are announced each Monday and are posted on the club calendar.
Many local rides begin at Davidsonville Park off of Patuxent River Road for rides to Deale, Galesville and around South Anne Arundel County.
Ride Cancellation Policy
When inclement weather is forecast the Club makes every effort to cancel rides via advance e-mail announcement. If, one hour before a scheduled ride, the official weather report for the ride start area predicts rain or strong winds, the ride may be cancelled. If you are in doubt, contact the Ride Leader.
Club rides are categorized according to pace and difficulty
- 13 - 14 MPH - On most Saturdays we offer a 30 mile ride at this pace. It's a no-drop ride, meaning that the group stops frequently and waits for everyone to catch up.
- 14 - 16 MPH - Rides are 35 - 65 miles over sometimes hilly terrain.
- 16 Plus MPH - For experienced riders able to average a pace of 16-plus mph over varied terrain for 50-60 miles.
If you average about 15.5MPH - We suggest riding with the 14-16 MPH group first; if you find yourself at the front of the pack and eager to go faster then move to the 16+ group.
Before choosing to ride with the 16+ group, please be aware:
- 16+ rides are for experienced, strong, fast cyclists who desire more of a challenge than provided by other group rides. The 16+ ride category is for bicyclists able to maintain average speeds of 16 MPH and more over climbs and challenging terrain.
- 16+ rides will drop slower cyclists. Cyclists are expected to be self-sufficient in terms of minor repairs, following cue sheets, and recovering from missed turns or incorrect cue sheets. The 13-15 MPH rides are usually no-drop.
Weekday evening rides - Evening rides are scheduled when there is adequate light. These rides go out as a single group and accommodate a pace of 14-16MPH.
Guest Riders and Waiver
If you're not a member and wish to ride with us, refer to the Full Events Calendar or contact the club president at abc_pres@annapolisbicycleclub.org to verify ride time, distance and speeds.
Please print, fill out and sign this waiver and hand it to the ride leader. A guest can only benefit from the waiver one time.
ABC Insurance Policy
Details about our member insurance policy can be found here and the Officers & Directors policy is here.
Helmets are REQUIRED on all ABC rides!
All rides should emphasize safe group riding and respect for motorists and other bicyclists. Ride distances tend to be shorter during the early and late seasons and longer during the summer. Most rides include at least one rest stop with snacks available for purchase. Call the ride leader if you have any questions and always take plenty to drink during the ride.
Incident Report Form
If an incident occurs on an ABC posted ride, an Incident Report Form on page 4 must be completed by the ride leader and then transmitted to the Vice President for processing with the insurance carrier.
Ride Leader Responsibilities
Ride leaders represent the Club with the highest standards of professionalism, safety, and decorum. Remember, the ride is for the riders. Encourage a fun, social, and safe experience. Know your riders and invite them to join the ride again in the future.
1. Know the ride route and adjust if needed for construction, flood, sunset, etc. Offer all riders a printed queue sheet or on line link. Ride Leaders are encouraged to recon the route prior to the day of the ride. Post the details of the ride and route as far in advance as possible on the events calendar via the Ride Coordinator.
2. If prior to arriving at the start location you decide to cancel due such things as thunderstorms, lightning, dense fog, ice, winds, or a tornado watch is in effect, notify pre-registered riders.
3. Arrive a minimum of 20 minutes before start time and access the weather conditions. If such things as thunderstorms, lightning, dense fog, ice, winds, or a tornado watch is in effect at the start time or shortly thereafter cancel the ride. As a courtesy remain at the starting location to inform any riders of your decision.
4. Bring and insure all guests have signed the guest waiver form legibly.
5. Do a visual check of rides equipment insuring all have helmets and their bikes are operational. Encourage riders to use their headlight and tail light while on the ride.
6. Five minutes before ride start time, count total riders and take the signed waiver forms with you on the ride.
7. Assemble riders, conduct introductions, announce ride route, average speed, regrouping plans, and field rider questions. Provide your telephone number. Remind riders that they may lose the route if they out pace the leader.
8. Riders joining after the start time will not be officially part of ride.
9. Start ride at the advertised time and allow for breaks. Assist riders with mechanical issues.
10. Exhibit safe riding skills, follow rules of road, ride the advertised pace, account for all riders throughout the ride. Keep the most distanced rider in view and encourage the last rider to have a partner.
11. Conduct a post ride review.
Ride Accident & Incident Report Protocols
Accidents can happen. If an accident or incident occurs, take all the time that's needed to help those effected.
1. Calmly assess physical injury: it may take a while for a downed rider to collect themselves. Check their helmet and bike for damage.
2. Continue riding if the rider, bike, helmet, are OK: otherwise go to #3.
3. Call 911 for immediate medical assistance is needed.
4. If a motor vehicle is involved call the police.
5. Get drivers insurance information, address, phone number, and plate number.
6. Obtain the names, addresses and phone numbers of all witnesses.
7. Preferably take photos of the scene, rider’s injuries, bike and all other involved vehicles.
8. Seek the necessary medical treatment for non-emergency injuries.
9. Encourage the involved rider to have the bike thoroughly inspected by a bike shop.
10. Notify the President, Vice President, and Ride Coordinator so we can understand and learn from the experience.
11. Complete an incident report.