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Ride Information

Helmets are REQUIRED on all BBC Rides!

Each year the BBC conducts more than 400 "day" rides. These rides are led by over 100 BBC members who volunteer to be Ride Leaders. There are several one day "events" that are more formal, have more participants and usually charge a fee to cover expenses. We also conduct several "multiday" tours that take place in Maryland or go to nearby states. BBC tandem riders comprise CRABS (Couples Riding A Bicycle Simultaneously), one of the largest tandem groups of any bicycling club. Membership to CRABS is included with a BBC membership.

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 and many include a restaurant meal stop. Call the ride leader if you have any questions and always take plenty to drink during the ride.

BBC Ride Cancellation Policy -- 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, call the Ride Leader. For the weather forecast, use the telephone company's forecast at 410-936-1212 or the TV weather channel.

BBC Ride Categories -- Regularly Scheduled Rides are categorized according to difficulty, so there is something for everyone. These rides have cue sheets and ride leaders except for the EVENING RIDES.
BBC INSTRUCTIONAL RIDE SERIES - We sponsor an Instructional Ride Program to anyone over 16 years old who is interested in learning basic skills, road repairs and in improving as a cyclist. This program is aimed at helping riders develop group riding skills and to comfortably participate in club rides.
CASUAL - For cyclists who want a relaxed experience, these rides maintain a pace of 8-10 mph. Routes with easy terrain are up to 25 miles. Rides with some hills are generally 15 miles or less. Re-grouping points are periodically designated. COORDINATOR - Judy Getz - 301-865-7563
10 - 12 MPH - For average adult riders able to average a pace of 10 - 12 mph for 25 - 45 miles. Terrain is usually moderate but can be hilly. COORDINATORS - Dick Voelkel - 410-744-6941 and Tom Anzalone - 410-329-3864
13 - 15 MPH - For faster riders able to average a pace of 13 - 15 mph for 35 - 65 miles over sometimes hilly terrain. COORDINATOR - Gary Brandon - 717-235-3893
15 - 17 MPH - For experienced riders able to average a pace of 15 - 17 mph over varied terrain for 40 - 130 miles. COORDINATOR - Judy Broadwater - 410-628-6297
18 MPH - For the strongest and most experienced riders able to average a pace of 17 - 19 mph over varied terrain for 50 - 100+ miles. COORDINATOR - Phil Feldman - 410-744-8874
EVENING RIDES - These rides are cluster start rides and start at Glenelg High School in Howard County and at Oregon Ridge Park in Baltimore County. There is no designated pace to these rides and they are good training. Distance is up to 35 miles. Evening rides are leaderless rides and without cue sheets.
TANDEM - Riding on a "bicycle built for two," with the CRABS (Couples Riding A Bicycle Simultaneously) over moderate terrain for 25 - 60 miles. There is no specified pace, but groups of different paces usually form and regroup at rest/food stops. Many rides offer two or three alternate lengths (e.g. 25/45 mi.) COORDINATORS - Peggy & Tom Dymond - 410-272-9139
WEEKDAY - Typically a pace of 15-17 mph over varied terrain in Northern Baltimore County. COORDINATOR - Renee Faison - 410-356-7088
WINTER RIDES - The winter rides, held on Saturdays and Sundays, are for hardy riders. Riders should be experienced in handling mechanical repairs on their own. There is no assigned pace for these rides, and riders of similar capability are urged to ride together. Rides are classified as SHORT, less than 35 miles and LONG, more than 35 miles. If you are a slower rider, you may want to bring along a friend on the longer rides. SHORT COORDINATOR - Gloria Epstein - 410-665-3012 LONG COORDINATOR - Terry Harrigan - 410-549-1798

Have a question about rides? Contact Road Captain, Gene Bayer - 443-850-0671.

Bike Maintenance Clinics

Ongoing clinics for cyclists interested in learning tips from the pros are held Tuesday evenings, 7PM, at Joe's Mt. Washington Bike Shop. These basic bicycle maintenance clinics cover topics such as flat tire repair, roadside gear and brake adjustments, proper cleaning and lubing techniques, wheel truing, and how to do a pre-ride checkover. There is no charge, and all you need to bring is an appetite for information. The clinics will last approximately half an hour and will focus on one topic per week. To check which topic is scheduled, or for any other information please call the shop at (410) 323-2788.