The RAC This Week (Sep 16th)

Every riding parent must read every newsletter. 

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Dear Parents 

Thank you to those who came last week. It was great fun meeting you and seeing you again. 

Check out this great picture by volunteer Lei. More pictures are on our Facebook page. 

Please review RAC Requirements and RAC Rules.  

Another RAC Rule. 

Stay Seated. Shift Smart. 

• Kids love to stand on hills — don’t let them.

• Teach them to shift, not muscle through in high gear.

• Most 5th graders can’t climb standing — and our hills are long.

• Standing = wobbling. That’s tough and unsafe for riders behind them.

• Shifting keeps things smooth and steady.

• Parents. Set the example: stay seated yourself.

• (If your kid stands a lot, the seat’s probably too low — we can help!).
  

Homework for those who came last weekend.  

Power Pedal and Safety Stop  

• Please practice with your child. 

• Power Pedal to get started 

• Pedal at 2 or 10 o’clock. Push down. Hover. Count to three. Sit. 

• Do not allow your child to start on the saddle. Too wobbly.

• Safety Stop:

• Stand up. Squeeze both brakes gently. Hover. Count to three. Foot down. 

• Do not allow your child to stop while sitting. Too wobbly.

• Power Pedal and Safety Stop are a Must 

• Come early to training rides, and we’ll help your child practice 

• You’ll both be asked to show Power Pedal and Safety Stop at future rides. Be ready. 

Our Next Training Rides 

Saturday, September 20. 

9 am - 11 am 

Mesa Verde Middle School, 8375 Entreken Way, San Diego, CA 92129

Safety Fun 3 and Park Village 

Sunday, September 21. 

9 am - 12 pm

YMCA Upper Parking Lot. 13339 Salmon River Drive. SD 92129 

Safety Fun 4 and Long Duck Pond

If you picked up your vests last week, please arrive by 8:45 a.m. 

If you need to pick up your vests, arrive by 8:30 am. 

We start promptly at 9 am. 

Questions. 

• Question: Can my partner attend training rides with our child when I cannot? 

• Answer: Unfortunately, no. Only registered riders may attend training rides. 

• The person who rides the RAC with the child needs to train with the child. 

• Question: Can we leave the ride early because we have soccer? 

• Answer: Yes, but …  If you do, the ride doesn’t count towards your “once a month with us” ride. 

Looking forward to seeing and meeting you. 

Have a great week. 

Christiane 

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Our Facebook page 

The Ride Across California calendar. 

What to Bring on Every Ride 

RAC Requirements

RAC Rules

The RAC This Week (Sep. 9th)

Dear Parent 

Congratulations on winning the lottery! We’re thrilled to have you with us.

This is the first of many weekly newsletters.
They usually arrive on Tuesdays.
Please read each one carefully. You’re responsible for knowing all RAC rules, procedures, announcements, and changes.
Every riding parent must read every newsletter.

1. RAC Requirements

• Each adult rider + child: 1 Safety Fun Ride (September)

• Each adult rider + child: 1 monthly ride minimum

• Each adult rider + child: 2 Escondido Hill Rides (spring)

• Each adult rider + child: 350 miles total before April 6

• Record your miles. Mileage submitted in February

• If parents take turns riding/chasing, both must complete all requirements

2. RAC Rules

• By signing up, you agreed to our safety rules (we’ll review them as we go).

• Ride predictably—for motorists and kids.

• Be a role model: ride safely, ride smart.

• Always single file. No overlapping tires.

• Stop at every stop sign. Foot down. At the line.

• Communicate. Pass left. Scan.

• Helmets, vests, name tags—always.

• Stay behind the first volunteer.

• No Airbuds. No phones on bikes of 5th graders.

• Stay with your child.

• Be respectful to all.

• RAC rules override standard road rules.

3. ABC Bike Check at Home 

• Air – Tires firm? If not, pump up.

• Brakes – Squeeze. Working? Great. If not, tell us.

• Cassette – Rusty? Dirty? Clean it. Not sure how? Ask—we’ll show you.

4. Vests

• Included in your fee. Distributed before Safety Fun rides.

• Must add first name front + back (parent + child).

• Must fit over sweaters or hydration packs.

• Hydration backpacks required eventually. Water bottle OK early on.

5. Bring on Every Ride

• Bike(s)

• Vest with names and helmets

• Water (kids must carry their own)

• Small snack

• Small pump (if you have one)

• Tubes that fit both bikes

• Wrench (if no quick release)

7. Waivers

• Sent via separate email. Sign + return before your first ride.

8. First Training Rides 🚴

Saturday, Sept 13 – Safety Fun 1

• Mesa Verde Middle School, 8375 Entreken Way, San Diego, CA 92129

• Arrive 8:30 a.m. (vests, names, unload, check in)

• Ride starts 9 a.m. sharp

Safety Fun 1  Click here. 

• Download the ridewithgps app. (Basic features are free). You will see: 

• Route, miles ridden, and number of feet climbed—the red graph at the bottom shows where the hills are. 

• Arrive by 8:30 a.m. Pick out vests, write your name, unload the bike, and check in with attendance. 

• We begin promptly at 9 a.m.

Sunday, Sept 14 – Safety Fun 2 + Bike Path

Safety Fun 2 and Bike Path 

• Mesa Verde Middle School, 8375 Entreken Way, San Diego, CA 92129

• Arrive 8:30 (new vests) or 8:45 (if you already have a vest)

• Ride starts 9 a.m. sharp

• Safety Fun part 1 & 2 are identical—you may do both

• Every rider must complete one Safety Fun

• Full ride calendar:The Ride Across California. Calendar
  

9. Questions?

Just ask—we’re here to help. 

Congrats again—we’re so glad you’re here. 

Christiane and your friendly volunteer team. 

P.S. Future newsletters will be shorter. I promise 

The RAC This Week (March 31st)

Dear Parents

Congratulations to our new qualifiers. 

Ines - Emery - Aidan - Raven - Xavier - Oscar - Alexander - Kevin - Soha - Ethan - Matthew - Jonathan   

Dear parents of Gabriel, Jonah, Daniel, Eliza, Isaiah, Greyson, Elena, Sarina, Naomi, Toby, Dylan, Lucas. Please update your child’s miles by the end of this week here:  RAC 25 Miles Ridden So Far 

Our t-shirt contest winner is Delphin. Congratulations. 

Second place winner is Lizzie. We will use her design for name plates/tags.

Casual Tuesday afternoon rides. 

When? Tomorrow (April 1) at 4:30 pm

Start: My house. 12560 Senda Panacea. Easier Parking

Why? Because we need to ride hills and last week was fun 

Our new goal is eight hill climbs. 

The Route: The Wall x 8  

Bike path to Black Mt. Rd, return to the bottom of the hill, and repeat seven more times. 

This ride does not count towards your minimum ride attendance. 

Not an official RAC ride, no lead, no back, no ride support, no snack. Just me.  

The RAC route. Look for it next week 

E. Our Last Training Ride 

Sunday, April 6 

The Home Stretch 

13339 Salmon River Road. SD 92129 

Please arrive by 8:45 am. We start promptly at 9 am. 

Miles 2.2 - 20.1 of this ride represent the last 18 miles on the actual RAC. 

Not mandatory. We will not take attendance. 

Thank you for reading. Have a good week. See you next weekend or on Tuesday.  

Christiane

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Our Facebook page 

The Ride Across California calendar. 

Power Pedal 

RAC requirements 

RAC rules 

The 25 RAC | What to bring and what to leave at Home

The 25 RAC | A Typical Day 

The 25 RAC | Sunday through Saturday 

E. Important dates

RAC Reunion 

• Thursday, May 15 at 7 pm at Design 39 School. Bring the family

The RAC This Week (March 24th)

Dear Parents

1. Congratulations to our new qualifiers. 

Fiona - Joaquin - Florence - Vihaana -  Ian - Jack. 

All 5th graders completed at least two Escondido Hill Rides. 

Swara, Zachary and Elsa completed 5. Wow. 

Please update your child’s miles here:  RAC 25 Miles Ridden So Far 

1. In anticipation of Thursday’s meeting, please read the following documents. They will answer many questions. Also available on the website. 

The 25 RAC | What to bring and what to leave at Home

The 25 RAC | A Typical Day 

The 25 RAC | Sunday through Saturday 

1. Underwear. 

Don’t wear any (when you ride) under your padded bike shorts. 

Underwear has seams and seams chafe during long days of consecutive riding. 

Use chamois cream (a product that reduces friction between your skin and the bike seat and prevents saddle sores (diaper rash). 

Chamois cream is sold under delightful names like “Assos, Chamois Butt’r and Gooch Guard.” 

1. Mandatory Parent Meeting. Bring your child  

1. Thursday, March 27 at 7 pm at Design 39 School. 

2. We take attendance. 

3. On the agenda: 

• T-shirt design contest winner reveal 

• A not so serious RAC quiz for 5th graders 

• Presentation of right (and wrong) luggage

• Inspirational words from Dennis 

• Time to ask questions 

• Tube repair demonstration. Please bring a front tire. 

• And more 

E. Casual Tuesday afternoon rides. 

When? Tomorrow (Tuesday, March 25) at 4:30 pm

Start: My house. 12560 Senda Panacea. Easier Parking 

Why? Because we need to ride hills and last week was fun 

The Route: The Wall x7 

Bike path to Black Mt. Rd, return to the bottom of the hill, and repeat six more times. 

This ride does not count towards your minimum ride attendance. 

Not an official RAC ride, no lead, no back, no ride support, no snack. Just me.  

G. Our Next Ride

Saturday, March 29 

Tritons, Witches and Coffee

Mesa Verde Middle School. 8375 Entreken. San Diego CA 92129 

Please arrive by 8:45 am. We start promptly at 9 am. 

This ride loops through UCSD, goes up the Three Witches and includes an optional stop at the 4SRanch Starbucks. 

Thank you for reading. Have a good week. See you next weekend or on Tuesday.  

Christiane

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Our Facebook page 

The Ride Across California calendar. 

Power Pedal 

RAC requirements 

RAC rules 

E. Important dates

RAC Reunion 

• Thursday, May 15 at 7 pm at Design 39 School. Bring the family 

The RAC this Week (March 4th)

Dear Parents

We hope this email finds you well. 

A. Please meet our most recent RAC qualifiers. 

Leysh - Paulo - Kaitlyn - Mila - Mark - Arjun - Ryan - Elsa 

Congratulations. We are so proud of you. 

B. Send me your kids’ miles. 

Please submit miles for the kids on the list below.  RAC 25 Miles Ridden So Far 

Thank you to those parents who added them last week.

C. A message from Kate, RAC Board Director 

“It’s great to see everyone in Escondido this year for the hill climbs.  We do want to share a change with the remaining hill climbs for this season. We are finding the downhill to the Mobil station to be a bit deteriorated due to recent weather conditions.  We decided to eliminate the downhill after 1st snack and now turn around at mile 10.5.  You still must complete 2 Escondido Hill Rides, but the ride will now be shorter, only 25 miles. The route has been updated. 

Thank you. Kate.” 

While we can’t change road conditions, we can do the following 

• Alert your child to ruts and bumps in the road. 

• Slow down on downhills.

• Ensure you are right in front of your child on steep downhills. Don’t get ahead. Your child will want to catch up. 

• Make sure your child keeps his/her hands on the handlebar. No fiddling with hair. No ‘look Ma, no hands.” No switching hands because it’s fun. Consider padded gloves for your child. The only time your child should remove hands from the handlebars is to drink from the Camelback. 

E. The shorter Escondido Hill Ride version we are riding now eliminates 633 feet of steep climbing. While that sounds great, it’s not. Because we need to climb hills to prepare, we are adding casual rides between now and the RAC. They do not count towards your “ride with us once a month” requirement. No attendance. Just a friendly ride with friends. 

When? Every Tuesday at 4:30 pm, starting on 11 March.  

Start: Across from 8331 Merge Avenue in the gravel lot. Near Mesa Verde Middle School 

Why? Because we need to ride hills. 

The Route: The Wall x 4  

We ride up on the bike path to Black Mt. Rd, return to the bottom of the hill, and repeat three more times. 

7.2 miles. 633 feet climbed. Should it get dark, we can ride on the sidewalk. 

There will be no snacks, caboose, or Bob—just Christiane. I'm looking forward to seeing you next week. 

E. Fun stuff 

This is a heat map that RAC parent Bill shared. Bill’s son Paulo likes it a lot. Maybe your child would as well? Bill used the app on his Suunto watch. 

Our Next Rides 

Sunday, March 9. (Daylight savings starts.) 

The Short Escondido Hill Ride # 4

362 W El Norte Pkwy, Escondido, CA 92026 

Please park at the LA Fitness parking lot's south end (green). 

Please arrive by 7:45 am. We start promptly at 8 am. 

Some Escondido Hill Ride tips 

• You need to complete 2 with us. We offer 6. 

• DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST TWO RIDES. 

• The EHRides include two snack stops. 

• Try to make it up the hills without stopping. Help your child pace him/herself. 

• If you must stop on the hills 

• Stop where it’s flat-ish. 

• Make sure to move to the right 

• Stop before a curve, not in or behind a curve 

• Stop in the shade if it’s hot

• Make sure your child is off the saddle when he/she stops. 

• Please practice if that is not yet second nature.

• Stay right in front of your child on downhills 

• Instruct your child to keep hands on the handlebar. 

The RAC is next month. Just saying. 

Thank you for reading 

Christiane

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The RAC this Week (Feb 27th 2025)

Dear Parents. 

1. Congratulations to all who came out last weekend. It was hot.

A special round of applause to Zach S. He completed two Escondido Hill Rides, trained 350 miles and is therefore our first 5th grader to qualify. Great job, Zach.  

1. Send me your kids’ miles. 

Please add your kids’ miles if your child’s name is on the list below. If you don’t, we have to run after you, call you, email you, text you, and that is more work for us and we are all volunteers with jobs. Thank you. 

Why do we want to know? We want to help you catch up if you are falling behind. 

Please use the link   RAC 25 Miles Ridden So Far  and update as often as you like. 

E. From Dr. Bob, Bike Mechanic. 

Dr. Bob wants to remind everyone that they must have two tubes for each bike.  This goes especially for training rides where we can only carry a limited number of tubes.  You do not want to be stuck getting driven back to the start because of a tiny piece of glass.

This week Bob discusses how to power your devices during the RAC.

Power on the RAC

Our Next Rides 

Saturday, March 1 

The Escondido Hill Ride  # 3 

362 W El Norte Pkwy, Escondido, CA 92026 

Please park in the south end (green) of the LA Fitness parking lot. 

Please arrive by 7:45 am. We start promptly at 8 am. 

Some Escondido Hill Ride tips 

• You need to complete 2 with us. We offer 6. 

• The EHRides include three snack stops. 

• Try to make it up the hills without stopping. Help your child pace him/herself. 

• If you must stop on the hills 

• stop where it’s flat-ish. 

• make sure to move to the right 

• stop before a curve, not in or behind a curve 

• stop in the shade if it’s hot (won’t be a problem this week)

• make sure your child is off the saddle when he/she stops. Please practice if that is not yet second nature. 

Thank you for reading 

Christiane

The RAC this Week (Feb 20th 2025)

Dear Parents. 

Thank you for your kids’ fun tshirt contest contributions. The winner will be announced at the March 27 meeting. 

Send me your kids’ miles. 

The following miles are still missing. 

Why do we want to know? We want to help you catch up if you are falling behind. 

Please use the link   RAC 25 Miles Ridden So Far  and update as often as you like. 

RAC 25 Miles Ridden So Far 

Mandatory (and last) parent meeting on Thursday, March 27 at 7 pm at Design 39. 

Bring the kids. 

Our Next Rides 

Saturday, February 22 and Sunday Feb 23  

The Escondido Hill Ride 1 + 2 

362 W El Norte Pkwy, Escondido, CA 92026 

Please park in the south end (green) of the LA Fitness parking lot. 

Please arrive by 7:45 am. We start promptly at 8 am. 

Some Escondido Hill Ride tips 

• You need to complete 2 with us. We offer 6. 

• Try to ride two back to back this weekend. 

• The EHRides  include three snack stops 

• Try to make it up the hills without stopping. Help your child pace him/herself. 

• If you must stop on the hills 

• stop where it’s flat-ish. 

• make sure to move to the right 

• stop before a curve, not in or behind a curve 

• stop in the shade if it’s hot (won’t be a problem this week)

• make sure your child is off the saddle when he/she stops. Please practice if that is not yet second nature. 

Thank you for reading 

Christiane

Dear Parents. 

Please send me your children’s t-shirt designs by Feb 15. That’s Saturday.  Details here. 

Fundraising: Feb 13.  That’s tomorrow. The Kebab Shop on Carmel Mt Road. Flyer here 

March: Luna Grill. Date TBA 

April: El Pueblo (alumni night), Panda Express. Bonchon. Dates TBA

Send me your kids’ miles. 

Update as often as you like. 

            RAC 25 Miles Ridden So Far 

Mandatory (and last) parent meeting on Thursday, March 27 at 7 pm at Design 39. 

Bring the kids. 

Our Next Ride 

Saturday, Feb 15 at 9 am. 

Tritons and Witches 

Please arrive by 8:45 am. 

Mesa Verde Middle School. 8375 Entreken Way. SD 92129 

This ride is identical to last Sunday’s ride. 

Thank you for reading 

Christiane

________________________

Our Facebook page 

The Ride Across California calendar. 

Power Pedal 

RAC requirements 

RAC rules 

The RAC this Week (Feb. 7th)

Dear Parents. 

Please send me your children’s t-shirt designs by Feb 15.  Details here. 

Fundraising: Feb 13. The Kebab Shop on Carmel Mt Road. Flyer here 

March: Luna Grill. Date TBA 

April: El Pueblo (alumni night), Panda Express. Bonchon. Dates TBA 

Our Next Ride 

Sunday, Feb 9 at 9: 00 am 

Tritons and Witches 

Please arrive by 8:45 am. 

Mesa Verde Middle School. 8375 Entreken Way. SD 92129 

This ride combines the UCSD Loop with the Three Witches ride and is our longest and steepest yet. Yay 

Crocs on kids on rides. Crocs are cute but not a good idea for a bike ride. Especially on hilly rides. Sunday’s ride is a hilly ride. 

Thank you for reading 

Christiane

_________________________

Our Facebook page 

The Ride Across California calendar. 

Power Pedal 

RAC requirements 

RAC rules 

The RAC This Week (Jan 16th)

Dear Parents. 

Fundraising news. Thank you for coming to our Chipotle Fundraiser. A great cause and “a good reason not to cook.” (Jennifer Young. RAC mom) 

Future fundraising dates 

Feb 13. The Kebab Shop on Carmel Mt Road. Flyer below and attached. 

March: Luna Grill. Date TBA 

April: El Pueblo (alumni night), Panda Express. Bonchon. Dates TBA 

RAC Parent Meeting 

Thursday, January 23 at 7 pm at Design 39 School. 

17050 Del Sur Ridge Rd, San Diego, CA 92127

Bring your questions and your kids. 

On the agenda:

Camping. 

The T-Shirt Design Contest Fashion Show 

and more. 

This meeting is not mandatory.  

What is the RAC T-Shirt Design Contest? 

The price includes a RAC t-shirt designed by one of our 5th graders. 

Every paying participant receives one.

Requirements: 

Has to be designed by a 5th grader 

Limited to a certain number of colors. 

Must include “RAC” or “Ride Across California” and “2025” somewhere. 

Needs to be submitted to me by the deadline (mid-February) 

Please encourage your child to participate. It’s so great when 150 people wear your child’s design. 

This week, Dr. Bob discusses how to keep your bike running well during the RAC Keeping Your Bike Running

Our Next Ride 

Saturday, January 18 at 9 am 

The 2nd Long Mission Bay Mt Soledad Ride 

De Anza Cove Park. 3000 N Mission Bay Drive. SD 92109 

• Please arrive by 8:45 am. 

• Make sure you ride in front of your child on the downhill 

Thank you for reading 

Christiane

_________________________

Our Facebook page 

The Ride Across California calendar. 

Power Pedal 

RAC requirements 

RAC rules