One of the concerns for many riders (especially new riders) in the MS150 is riding in such a large group.  The best advice Team FoMo can give for this concern is to come to a couple of training rides and allow some of the more veteran riders give you tips as well as it will give you a chance to ride in a group environment so you are more comfortable doing it.

Here are some more cycling safety tips and etiquette that will help you enjoy your cycling experience.  - Now to get out and ride!

What are the rules of the road?

• WEAR AN APPROVED SAFETY HELMET (make sure it correctly fits)
  (you must wear a helmet to participate in the MS 150 Bike Tour
• Obey all traffic signs and signals Obey traffic lights and any “Stop” or “Yield” signs and never cross double lines
• Stay alert and never wear headphones when riding
• Ride in the same direction as traffic
• Keep to the right hand side of the road at all times – a few feet from the edge
• When you have a vehicle approaching from behind - Ride single file to allow traffic to pass
• Pass on the left only
• Give hand signals when stopping or turning
• RIDE FRIENDLY and respect the communities we ride through.

Riders must follow the rules of the road, but it is also important to follow these safety tips and practice cycling etiquette:

• Always dress in brightly colored clothing for visibility
  • (TeamFoMo Jerseys are perfect!! - Want to wear one?)
• Ride in a straight line; don't weave
• When instructed by route staff, police or signage – stay in single file
• Cross railroad tracks perpendicular to the track.
• Try to make eye contact with drivers before turning
• Glance back often, always before moving right or left
• Bike mirrors are also very useful.
  • They can easily be attached and they enable you to see what’s behind you.  
• Watch out for yourself.  Don't depend on other riders to spot hazards
• Talk to your fellow cyclists. 
  • Let them know "Car Back", "On Your Left", or "Stopping".
• Before passing, look to be sure it is clear, then signal
• Call out “Car Back” when you have a vehicle approaching from behind
  • When you hear someone say "Car Back" - Ride single file to allow traffic to pass
• Call out "On Your Left" or "Passing" when passing another cyclist.
  • When you hear someone say "On Your Left", don't turn around.  Hold steady and straight.

• Take care if you are riding in a group and don’t ride too close to the person in front.

  • Keep at least two bike lengths ahead.

  • If you clip another bike with your front wheel you will be the one most likely to come off, so keep at a safe distance.

• Take care when riding downhill – this is where most bicycle accidents occur

Check out these other tips from some of our riders

   Do things the way drivers and other bicyclists expect you to do them. Be predictable. Then they will be less apt to make a mistake that puts you in danger. Anytime you’re riding your bike, think about whether your next move is something you’d do in your car. If the answer is no, don’t do it. This includes things like riding against the traffic flow, riding the wrong way on a one-way street, rolling through stop signs or red lights, darting across lanes of traffic and not signaling. In short, obey all traffic laws. Try not to be on your bike during the busy, rush-hour times of day. 

   Always use signal turns. Use your left arm straight out for a left turn, your left hand down with palm rearward for a stop, and your left arm up at 90 degrees for a right turn. Many riders prefer to signal a right turn with their right arm straight out and that’s become accepted. Use these same signals when changing lanes, then glance behind to be sure the way is clear. Like traffic, move into the turn lane to go left. Don’t wait till the last moment and dart across from the far right lane.

   Ride defensively and always be ready to brake. Be especially vigilant when an oncoming car could turn left across your path. The driver may not see you or may misjudge your speed. Another danger is when a driver passes from behind and then immediately turns right. In either situation, your best reaction may be to make a tight right turn in parallel with the vehicle. 

   Another nervous moment happens when you see a driver waiting on a side street, ready to pull out. The best way to tell if the car is actually moving forward is to watch the front wheels. If they’re turning, get ready to brake. When an emergency stop is necessary, remember that weight transfers forward. Your front brake becomes much more effective than the rear. To prevent the bike from tipping up, extend your arms to push yourself to the back of the saddle as you brake hard. Stay low and the bike will stop quickly and safely.

   To help drivers notice you, wear colorful clothing. Jerseys and helmets of red, yellow, orange or bright blue are much more likely to catch the eye than shades of natural colors– brown, black, gray, green. White isn’t a bad choice and is actually the best if you ride at night.

Gears: Some people get knee and leg injuries from not using the correct gearing on their bikes. Most people gear too high and pedal too slowly. You do not need to ride pushing against resistance. When pedaling, the pedal should always be going around at the same speed, no matter what the terrain is like. Gears should be used to achieve this.  You have all those gears - use them.

Gloves: Your hands may get numb and tender. Try wearing padded gloves, and vary your hand positions on the handlebars.

Sunglasses: Wear sunglasses when you are riding your bike. Not only do sunglasses protect your eyes from the sun, they also protect your eyes from insects and flying objects.

Water: Along the route water stops are set up for you to replenish your supply. Make sure you bring two water bottles and fill them up before leaving and at the rest stops. Try to drink every 10 minutes even when you’re not thirsty.

Preparing your bicycle

   Make sure your bicycle is in good condition before you come on the tour. Tune-ups are a necessity before you begin your expedition and should be scheduled in June or July to make sure your bike is ready in August. Do not try to bring your bike in the week before the MS 150 for a tune up – it may not be ready in time for the ride!  Bike mechanics will be on hand during the MS150 Tour to repair unexpected break downs.

Your bicycle should be equipped with the following:

• Reflectors
• Cycling computer (optional)  No we're not talking about hooking up your laptop to the handlebars - rather a computer that lists speed, mileage, average speed, etc.
• Two large water bottles
• Mirror (possibly on helmet)
• Bar, seat or rack bag (one or more)
• Tire pump
• Spare tube
• Tools and patch kit