The training rides are designed to teach riders several different
things that will be critical to safety during the actual ride. All these factors are important and need to be understood and practiced so that the day of the
event there are no serious crashes and/or injuries. Additionally the group is able to learn to properly manage
its time to stay on schedule for the school stops. The training rides include riders assigned
the role of "shepherd." These individuals are dressed in specific colors so that they are easily identified
by the riders. Shepherds lead the route, control the pace, help individual riders who may be having physical or
mechanical trouble and also provide traffic control on training rides. Shepherds utilize 2 way radios to communicate
with each other and the SAG vehicles.
SAG support is a staffed vehicle which carries gear, first aid supplies, tools and food/ beverages for the training
rides. It is also equipped with a bike rack so that a tired/injured rider can be transported with their bike. It
also plays a very important role by informing the shepherds of any traffic problems/concerns approaching from the
rear.
Training rides are also a time when the shepherds can learn to work with the riders, sometimes on an individual
basis, to help them through any difficulties they may have on the ride. A little friendly coaching and encouragement
can go a long way when a rider is having an "off" day.
Learning to ride side by side and keep a tight, well organized line proceeding down the road is very important.
The more organized the line, the safer it is. The more efficiently we move through traffic and intersections the
better, keeping the motoring public from being delayed and/or aggravated with us.
Communication is vital to keeping the riders safe as well. Turns, stops, dangerous road sections and approaching
traffic all pose a threat to a large group ride. Leaning to get this important information to all the riders in
a timely fashion is a main goal of the training rides.
Fitness is a part of the process too. Riders should be training for fitness on their own, but the training rides
are a good way to gauge your training to see if you are training hard enough an able to keep pace for the terrain
and distance that these rides include. The training rides start at approximately 35 miles in length and increase
up to approximately 60 miles the week before the actual event. Scheduled bathroom breaks are set at intervals similar
to the legs of the ride and figured into the actual route planning of the training rides.
There is a great social aspect to the rides as well. We all learn about each other as we pedal the miles away.
And there is a certain bonding that goes on as the group suffers together through heat, long miles in the saddle
and occasionally some less than perfect weather conditions.
Riders who attend training rides on a regular basis are sure to realize the benefits on the day of the actual event
and often thank the shepherds for their efforts leading up to the big day. When you train and ride as a team we
all ride safer and happier.
