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Going
on a Run this Weekend? Well here is
some things to keep in mind when
going on a run:
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Always show up with a full tank
of gas.
-
If attending a run with a group
of people, make sure you enter
as a group. Trying to regroup
in a staging area just creates
chaos for the people working
their butts off to make a run a
success
-
Be prepared, Find out fees and
have any paperwork filled out
and readily available. Most
runs have this information
available on their
website. Read and sign
waivers.
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On the road, use signals
liberally and be sure that other
riders are aware of your
intentions so that no one is
caught by surprise
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Signal early and slow gradually.
Ideally, knowing the route is a
plus.
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If you aren't comfortable with
what others in the group do,
drop out before it causes
trouble.
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A
common problem is a speed
differential. Slower riders
often feel uncomfortable trying
to maintain the pace of faster
folks. They shouldn't try to. If
the other riders complain that
you are slowing them down, tell
them to go ahead.
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The basic group riding formation
is familiar to most riders. The
lead rider rides to the left of
the lane, with the second rider
to the right and a few lengths
back. The third rider is a
similar distance behind the
second, and so on. This
staggered formation leaves room
for each bike to swerve to the
side and provides reaction time
to brake.
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Riding side by side limits
escape routes when a threat
arises.
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When roads get twisty or narrow,
you should open up into a
single-file formation.
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When you come to a stop at an
intersection, tighten up into a
two-abreast configuration at the
stop.
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Ride Safe and be alert.
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While waiting for a run to
start, walk around your bike and
give it a safety check. Tires,
lights, and Fluid levels. When
you are done, do the same to a
fiend’s bike. Different eyes
sometimes see different things.
Have
fun, ride safe and ride often.
Kevin Curth
Webmaster for the Chicago Chapter of
ABATE of Illinois
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