WHAT TO EXPECT ON RIDE DAY
|
| Ride at your own pace |
This is not a race. There will be some fast riders, don't let that influence you pace. Riders should reach Provincetown between 7 and 10 hours after they start. There will be riders of different abilities so you should be able to find other riders that you can ride with. However, there may be times when you will be riding by yourself. The important thing to remember is to ride at a speed that is comfortable for you.
You should plan to ride at your endurance pace - about the same as you have been riding for the your last few long rides. Whatever you do, don't go out too fast or try to chase the 'rabbits' up ahead; you will regret it later. It is much better to start out too slowly rather than too fast; you can always pick up the pace later. Your first long distance ride isn't the place for a speed record.
Riding with a group that travels at a comfortable speed makes it easier for most people. If you are with a group that travels too quickly, drop off and pick up a more moderately paced group. If your group is too slow, make a quick sag stop and leave with a faster group.
|
| Expect a variety of road conditions and scenery |
You will have constantly changing scenery along the route. There will be busy roads and town centers as well as peaceful country roads and bike trails. There will be fun downhill runs and seemingly endless up hill treks. You will pass by forests, meadows, sand dunes and the ocean. On some parts of the ride, you may feel overheated from the sun, you may ride through a rain shower and you will enjoy a sea breeze when you get close to the ocean. You can always look forward to being greeting cheerfully by all of the pit stop crews and the bike route guides along the route!
|
| Ride carefully and considerately |
Keep an eye out for road hazards and shout out to the riders behind you when you see any hazards. Watch for cars and trucks who may not expect to see you on the road, especially at intersections. When using the restrooms at restaurants and gas stations along the way, be considerate of the store's generosity. The pit stops are located on public and private land so be sure to use trash barrels and keep the area clean.
|
| Emergencies |
If there is a major mechanical problem or an accident, someone should ride ahead to the next pit stop or back to the last one (which ever is closest) and report the difficulty. The pit stop crew members can use their 2-way radio to contact one of the SAG vehicles which are used to pick up riders under such circumstances.
For serious medical problems, call the emergency number for the mobile medical team printed on the maps. You may have to leave a message to describe the nature of the problem, your location and call back number. A vehicle will be dispatched to treat the person and transport the person to the next pit stop or the nearest hospital, if necessary. If you absolutely cannot make it to the next pit stop or you have reached a closed pit stop, contact the emergency number on the map.
If you are injured or your bike breaks down, seek help immediately from any Harbor to the Bar crew member (pit stop crew, bike route guides, mobile sag vehicles, mobile medical crew, mobile crew leaders). All crew teams are equiped with 2-way radios so emergency help can be summoned quickly. If you see another rider who is needs help, offer your assistance. Sometimes simply staying with a rider who needs help can make a big difference to the rider.
|
| Drink lots of water |
Dehydration can be a problem, especially in hot weather. Be aware of cramping, headaches, or disorientation. Drink plenty of water and Gatorade before you feel thirsty. Drink more than you think you need. Juices are OK, but not as good as water or Gatorade. You should avoid coffee and cola drinks (i.e. drinks with caffeine, which will dehydrate you) and DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL!
|
| Read the map and directions |
You will be given a map with directions at the start. The map also shows the locations of pit stops, bike shops and bathroom stops (usually at fast food restaurants) along the way. Store the map in a bike bag away from sweaty rear pockets. If you get lost, refer to the map or ask a local for help. If you get really lost, call the Harbor to the Bay emergency number that will be on the map.
|
| Route markings and bike route crew members |
The directions are fairly complicated in some locations, so there will be road markings as your main guide. You will be following markings that are bright green triangles with a line through the middle. The markings will be sprayed on the side of the road periodically and especially at locations where the route makes a turn. Don't confuse our markings with any other colored or shaped markings from other rides or local highway maintenance crews.
At potentially confusing turns and intersections along the route, look for Harbor to the Bay Bike Route Guide crew members (wearing a special ride T-shirt) who will point you in the right direction. If you or another rider needs emergency assistance, let one of the Bike Route Guides know so they can call for help.
Be mindful that dirt or cars may obscure a marking. If you haven't seen one for a while, consult your map or return to the last marking that you saw.
|
| Pit stops and rider check-in |
Pit stops will be located at the side of the road approximately every 15 to 20 miles. Consult the map for the specific locations. Water, Gatorade, fruit, snacks and extra maps will be at all pit stops. Every pit stop will have a medical crew and First Aid supplies. Some pit stops will also have a bike technician and spare parts available. Lunch will be available at the Sagamore bridge pit stop and one other pit stop after that.
Roughly 1/4 to 1/2 mile before a pit stop, the familiar bright green route marker will also contain the words "PIT". Some pit stops as well as the finish line will have rider check-ins. All riders will need to stop at the check-ins to have a crew member check off your number so we can make sure that we do not lose any riders. Roughly 1/4 to 1/2 mile before the pit stops with rider check-ins, the route markings before the stop will contain the words "PIT, CKIN". Your rider number will be written on your leg the day of the ride.
|
| Take short breaks |
Don't linger at pit stops. Keep in mind that a long leisurely stop will make it harder to get going again. Even though you may be tired, it is better to go at a slow, steady pace than to stop for too long.
|
| SAG vehicles |
There will be a variety of Harbor to the Bay vehicles that will be travelling back and forth along the route to ensure rider safety and provide help when needed. SAG vehicles can pick up riders who are either injured or whose bike has broken down and take the rider and bike to the next pit stop for assistance. There will be a mobile medical crew vehicle which will respond to injured riders along the route who need to be transported to the next pit stop or the nearest hospital. The crew leaders will also be travelling along the route to handle any emergencies that arise and for overall management of the crew members. Finally, a sweep vehicle will follow the last ride to monitor and assist any riders at the end of the group.
|
OTHER RIDER RESOURCES:
The Harbor to the Bay Bike Route Map
How to train for the ride
|
|
