• Casual to fast-paced, 15 miles to over 100, flat to hilly (see ride ratings and TA calendar) 
  
• Mostly road, but some mountain bike rides.
  
• “No-Drop” for all local rides under 35 miles unless otherwise posted as a “drop” ride
  
• “Drop” for longer rides unless otherwise posted as a “no drop” ride
  
• “No drop” for all away rides
  
• Local and Away
• Other organized rides
  

Ride Leader's Responsibilities

Every TA ride is lead by at least one Ride Leader: an experienced rider who has been through the club's ride-leader training program. The Ride Leaders' responsibilities are:

• Assess safety of roads (cancel or shorten planned rides due to wet roads, dense fog, or extreme heat)
  
• Assess rider fitness and equipment; this includes disqualifying a rider for any of the following: inadequate or unsafe equipment (no helmet, no brakes, no water, etc); lack of basic bike handling/maneuvering skills; illness or obvious poor health; known or suspected inability of the member to keep up with the posted pace; and unsafe behavior. They do this knowing they will have the full support of the board concerning any decision they make. The ride leader has the last word
  
• Plan a safe route with appropriate water and bathroom stops
  
• Post rides to the calendar at least 1-2 weeks in advance
  
• Have every rider sign the ride sheet
  
• Deputize a co-leader if the group is too large; ideally have one Ride Leader for every 10 riders.
  
• Verbally address (in private, not in public) riders who do not follow the “rules of the road” and report them to the board
  
• Introduce new riders to the group and make them feel welcome
  
• Mentor and assist new riders
  
• Fill out incident reports for any accidents/incidents

Rider Responsibilities

• Be properly prepared with required equipment
  
• Have a bicycle appropriate to the ride and in good working order
  
• Know the basics of handling a bike
  
• Have a good concept of his/her own fitness level and overall health.
  
• Check the ride Calendar and understand the ride ratings to avoid choosing a ride that is much too easy or much too difficult
  
• If you have any doubt or questions, contact the ride leader with your questions
  
• Take into account how your own ability and pace is going to impact the pace and number of re-groups experienced by the other riders.
  

Equipment

Required Equipment

• Road bike (or other bicycle type as specified in the ride description) properly sized for you, in good working condition (brakes work; tires are properly inflated and in good shape; no bent/broken spokes; etc.)
  
• Helmet (ANSI or SNELL approved)
  
• Identification and emergency contact information
  
• Tire/tube repair tools and materials
  
• Pump or CO2 cartridges
  
• Water/food
  
• Tail light (required by law for low-light conditions, fog, etc)
• Headlight (required by law for riding at night or in low visibility)

Strongly Recommended Equipment

• Bright clothing
  
• Rear-view mirror
  
• Cell phone
  
• Cash or credit card (for food, beverages, coffee, or emergencies)
  

Rules of the Road

• Ride defensively; anticipate and signal problems, obstacles, and unsafe conditions.
  
• Be aware of your own surroundings at all times ("situational awareness").
  
• Be visible; wear bright clothing and use a taillight and headlight. Riders project a very slim profile to drivers up front and behind – visibility is critical to survival!
  
• Ride in the designated bike lane or as far right as safely possible (watching for car doors, perpendicular parking, and other hazards).
  
• Ride single file in traffic; two abreast is permitted when traffic allows. (Cyclists have the right to use the roadways, but not to impede other traffic).
  
• Always maintain sufficient distance from other riders to ensure safe stopping in emergencies (wet/slick spot, sudden obstruction, etc.).
  
• Be prepared for full stops at red lights and stop signs. Obey vehicle traffic rules.
• Signal your intentions audibly, and with hand signals if safe to do so (passing, slowing, turning, moving in/out of single file, etc.); it is critical that those around you know what you intend to do before you do it. Surprise no one!
  
• Pass only on the left, unless conditions permit or you have no choice,and always call out when passing.
  
• No stunt riding, hot-dogging.
  
• Respect other riders and motor vehicles by riding safely and demonstrating your awareness of them and concern for their safety as well.
  
• Don’t wear earbuds/headphones in both ears (Vehicle Code27400)
  

Definitions

Ride Rating: Hilliness / Pace / Mileage

Ride description: more detailed information about the route: may include expected regroups, bail-outs, more specific information on hills and speed etc. It is very important to read the ride description before you decide to go on a ride.

Bail-outs: Points where riders have the option of turning back early and ride leaders have the discretion to ask a rider to turn back early if they are unable to keep the pace.

Bike: Road, mountain, commuter, fixie, etc

Drop Ride: You have to be able to keep up, or know the route and/or the way back on your own

No-Drop Ride: Even within a single pace there will be differences in speed between riders. No-drop rides will re-group periodically to allow everyone to catch up and to help ensure no one gets lost. We also assist riders who have mechanical issues or flat tires. Please be aware that you are supposed to be able to keep up with the general pace posted for the ride.

OTFOYO: Off The Front, On Your Own: Ride leaders are not responsible for riders who get ahead of the group. Riders off the front are responsible for finding their own way home. Please inform your ride leader, or another rider if a ride leader is not available, if you are taking off.

Local: Starting from the Kaiser steps. May include BART ride.

Away: Starting from somewhere other than Alameda. Usually car pools will be arranged.

TA ride: sponsored by TA and led by a TA ride leader

Other organized ride: organized and sponsored by another organization

Member: Someone who has paid dues to TA and is allowed to ride with us and sign in on the ride sheet

Guest Rider: A non-member riding with TA. You are allowed one ride as a guest before you are required to join TA.

Ride Leader: Has completed ride leader training and can post and lead TA rides

Hand and verbal signals: ways we communicate with those around us: