The RAC this Week (Nov 27th)

Dear Parents,

Great Job last weekend. Everyone survived the three crazy steep hills. A huge accomplishment for all.

Weather Cancellation Policy - Today seems to be the perfect time to talk about ride cancellations due to rain. We will cancel rides when we feel the weather conditions could create potential hazards. The amount of rain and the location of the ride will be considered when we make the decision to cancel. You will be informed of a ride cancellation no earlier than 12 hours prior to the ride.

Vests - By now everyone should be wearing a YMCA yellow vest. If you are waiting for your size and have not received an email about pick up, please let me know. Additional vests are now available. Beginning December 1st everyone must be wearing the approved RAC vest color and style. Vests also need to be worn over all hydration packs unless the hydration pack is also yellow.

Rides this week
Scripps Miramar Lake Loop (if we don’t cancel due to rain)
Friday, November 29th, 9am–1pm
YMCA Upper Parking Lot, 13195 Salmon River Rd, San Diego

56 + Three Witches Ride
Sunday, December 1st, 9am–12pm
Deer Canyon Elementary, 13455 Russet Leaf Ln, San Diego (New Start Location)

Looking Ahead…

December 7th The Night Light Bike Ride and Potluck 4PM
We begin and end at the Rancho YMCA. We decorate our bikes with lights and ride down the bike path and back, in the dark. Potluck at the YMCA afterwards. Think of ways to decorate your bikes and yourself. We are still looking for a few non-riding parents to help with potluck set up.

December 14th Bob's Bike Clinic 9:00am-12:00pm at YMCA 10481 Scripps Poway Pkwy, San Diego; we'll show you how to clean your bike and how to make minor adjustments. Please bring your bikes and the kids.

December 11th RAC Meeting 7:15-9:00pm at Sundance Elementary School. Not mandatory but recommended

  • How to fix a flat (Bring a front tire)

  • What you need on training rides (and what some people bring anyway...)

  • Fashion show and t shirt design contest rules

Looking Further Ahead…

February 15th The Camp Pendleton Ride
This ride takes us from Oceanside to San Clemente and back and it's a lot of fun. We all need a permit for Camp Pendleton, and we cannot apply online anymore. We have to go to Oceanside in person, during their visitor's hours. https://www.pendleton.marines.mil/Base-Access/Recreational-Bicycling/  Minors can go with a registered parent.

The RAC this Week (Nov 22nd)

Dear Parents.

Thank you and congrats to all who came out last Sunday and rode up to Mt Soledad. You and your kids have earned your bragging rights, and you all looked amazing. Keep up the good work.

And yes, more hills this weekend. Your welcome! The Hill Climb Clinics are identical rides, Saturday and Sunday. They are short and steep. Wonderful practice. Come to one or come to both. We meet at 8:45 am at Park Village Elementary School. Please bring the usual stuff; for more details, check the website.

Hill Clinic Ride
Saturday and Sunday, 9am
Park Village Elementary School
7930 Park Village Rd, San Diego, 92129

Remember…

  • Make sure the kids are in a low (if not lowest) gear when going up the hill.

  • Power Pedal - This will be very important when starting on the hill.

  • If you stop, move to the right. Let the kids rest, then start again. Keep the rest as short as possible. Kids cannot walk up hills.

  • Slow and Steady is much more effective than crazy fast followed by collapse.

  • If your children are struggling, ask a volunteer for help. We will tell them what you have just told them, but since we aren't mom or dad, kids tend to listen… or are too polite to argue.

Monthly Ride Requirement. Good News. All remaining Scheduled rides on the Calendar are qualifying monthly rides, including the December 7th Night Light Ride. Try to attend as many rides with the group - more fun and support.

Looking Ahead…

Nov 29th Black Friday Ride. For all of us who don't like shopping at the mall, we head over to Scripps for a Loop around MIramar Lake. On the way out, we will stop at Todd Scheideman's (RAC Volunteer) deli for complimentary Root Beer Floats. Donations are welcome. Thank you Todd!

December 7th The Night Light Bike Ride and Potluck 4PM
We begin and end at the Rancho YMCA. We decorate our bikes with lights and ride down the bike path and back, in the dark. Potluck at the YMCA afterwards. Think of ways to decorate your bikes and yourself. We are still looking for a few non-riding parents to help with potluck set up.

December 11th RAC Meeting 7:15-9:00pm at Sundance Elementary School. Not mandatory but recommended

  • How to fix a flat (Bring a front tire)

  • What you need on training rides (and what some people bring anyway...)

  • Fashion show and t shirt design contest rules

Looking Further Ahead…

February 15th The Camp Pendleton Ride
This ride takes us from Oceanside to San Clemente and back and it's a lot of fun. We all need a permit for Camp Pendleton, and we cannot apply online anymore. We have to go to Oceanside in person, during their visitor's hours. https://www.pendleton.marines.mil/Base-Access/Recreational-Bicycling/  Minors can go with a registered parent.

The RAC this Week (Nov 15th)

Dear Parents,

Sunday's ride will take us up Mount Soledad. We highly recommend it.. The view is beautiful! It is also a great opportunity for everyone to get hill practice. Few things to remember:

  • Hydration - WU is predicting a warm day. Bring plenty of water. Consider bringing your hydration pack.

  • Make sure the kids are in a low (if not lowest) gear when going up the hill.

  • Power Pedal - This will be very important when starting on the hill.

  • Passing - Remind the kids to pass safely: Scan, Communicate, Move back into single file quickly

  • If you stop, move to the right. Let the kids rest, then start again. Keep the rest as short as possible. Kids cannot walk up hills.

  • Slow and Steady is much more effective than crazy fast followed by collapse.

  • If your children are struggling, ask a volunteer for help. We will tell them what you have just told them, but since we aren't mom or dad, kids tend to listen… or are too polite to argue.

Mission Bay / Mt. Soledad Ride
Sunday, November 17th, 9am
South Shores Park
S. Shores Park Dy, San Diego, CA 92109

Please give yourself plenty of time to get there to arrive by 8:45am and bring helmet, vest, name tag, extra tube, water, snack, etc.

Don't make the last ride of the month your only ride with us. A cancelled ride due to Rain cannot be an excuse for missing your monthly Ride Requirement.

Looking Ahead…

Our next RAC meeting: Wednesday December 11th 7:15-9:00pm at Sundance Elementary School.

  • How to fix a flat (Bring a front tire)

  • What you need on training rides (and what some people bring anyway...)

  • Fashion show and t shirt design contest rules

  • Not mandatory but recommended

December 7th The Night Light Bike Ride and Potluck 4PM
We begin and end at the Rancho YMCA. This one is purely fabulous. We decorate our bikes with lights and ride down the bike path and back, in the dark, and we look amazing. Potluck at the YMCA afterwards. Think of ways to decorate your bikes and yourself. We are also looking for a few non-riding parents to help with potluck set up.

Looking Further Ahead…

February 15th The Camp Pendleton Ride
This ride takes us from Oceanside to San Clemente and back and it's a lot of fun. We all need a permit for Camp Pendleton, and we cannot apply online anymore. We have to go to Oceanside in person, during their visitor's hours. https://www.pendleton.marines.mil/Base-Access/Recreational-Bicycling/  Minors can go with a registered parent.

The RAC this Week (Nov 7th)

Dear Parents,

Great job last weekend. The Kids are progressing nicely. Our Ride this Weekend:

4S Ranch Loop
Saturday, November 9th 9am
Mesa Verde Middle School
8375 Entreken Way, San Diego

We love Discounts - check out some of the local offers:

Our next RAC meeting: Wednesday December 11th from 7:15-9:00pm at Sundance Elementary School.

  • How to fix a flat. (Bring a front tire)

  • What you need on training rides (and what some people bring anyway...)

  • Fashion show and t shirt design contest rules

  • Not mandatory but recommended

Looking Ahead: December 7th The Night Light Bike Ride 4PM
This one is purely fabulous. We decorate our bikes with lights and ride down the bike path and back, in the dark, and we look amazing. Potluck at the YMCA afterwards. Think of ways to decorate your bikes or yourself. We are also looking for a few non-riding parents to help with potluck set up.

Looking Further Ahead: February 15th The Camp Pendleton Ride
This ride takes us from Oceanside to San Clemente and back and it's a lot of fun. We all need a permit for Camp Pendleton, and we cannot apply online anymore. We have to go to Oceanside in person, during their visitor's hours. https://www.pendleton.marines.mil/Base-Access/Recreational-Bicycling/ Minors can go with a registered parent.

Don't make the last ride of the month your only ride with us. If it rains we have to cancel rides. Rain cannot be an excuse for missing your monthly Ride Requirement.

The RAC this Week (Oct 31st)

Dear Parents,

Nice Job to everyone for completing your October requirements.  The kids did really well on the road this past weekend.  As of today you and your 5th grader should already have 73 miles logged.  Keep up the good work!

A few reminders:

  • Please stay with your child unless you have made arrangements with another parent willing to watch your child.  We’re still seeing kids on the road alone.  That is a safety issue and should never happen

  • We do encourage the kids to pass while on the bike path.  Great place to learn.  However, we are seeing some unsafe passing.  Please practice with your child and remind them to only pass when they have the space and when there are no oncoming cyclists (front or back) – scan and communicate

  • Be mindful of other cyclist on the bike path and trails.  Everyone should be aware of their surroundings on the path just as you are on the road.  We share the road.

Vests are expected to be in the week of November 14th.  For those still waiting, someone from the Y will contact you when they arrive.

Rides this weekend:

Miramar Lake Cadence Ride
(Not a qualifying ride for attendance)
Saturday, November 2nd, 9am
10300 Scripps Lake Dr, San Diego, CA 92131

Trader Joe’s
Sunday, November 3rd 9am
Deer Canyon Elementary
13455 Russet Leaf Lane, San Diego, CA 92129

Looking ahead: February 15. The Camp Pendleton Ride
This ride takes us from Oceanside to San Clemente and back and it's a lot of fun. We all need a permit for Camp Pendleton, and we cannot apply online anymore. We have to go to Oceanside in person, during their visitor's hours. https://www.pendleton.marines.mil/Base-Access/Recreational-Bicycling/ Minors can go with a registered parent.

Don't make the last ride of the month your only ride with us.
Website: rideacrosscalifornia.com password: homer

Your RAC Volunteer Committee
Bill | Bob | Christiane | Dennis | Frans | Jeff | Joost | Joel | Jorge | Julie | Kate | Mendy| Mike | Olav | Phil | Sabine | Todd

The RAC this Week (Oct 24th)

Dear Parents,

Thank you all for attending the Safety Ride and fulfilling your training requirement. And kudos to those who came more than once.

Just a reminder, you must attend at least one qualifying monthly ride with the group. Riding with the group every weekend is highly recommended. You will be better trained, more conditioned for longer rides and hills, and much happier during the week of the RAC. Don't wait until the last ride of the month to ride with the group.

This Sunday's Ride is your last opportunity to fulfill your monthly ride requirement. Please check out the ride details on the website.
The Road to Riches Ride
Sunday, October 27th, 9am
Mesa Verde Middle School
A few miles into the ride, we will be riding on a rocky, gravel road in the canyon for a short time. Stay with your Child.

Practice at home...

  • Power Pedal and Quick Start

  • Changing gears

  • Hand Signals

  • Communication ("Slowing, Stopping, On your left")

Hydration - As the rides increase in distance please be sure to have plenty of water. This may be a good time to start looking at Hydration Packs/Camel Baks.

Looking ahead: February 15. The Camp Pendleton Ride
This ride takes us from Oceanside to San Clemente and back and it's a lot of fun. We all need a permit for Camp Pendleton, and we cannot apply online anymore. We have to go to Oceanside in person, during their visitor's hours. https://www.pendleton.marines.mil/Base-Access/Recreational-Bicycling/ Minors can go with a registered parent.

The RAC this Week (Oct 17th)

Dear Parents,

Good to see everyone out this weekend on the training rides. Keep up the good work.
This Sunday at 4pm is the Last Opportunity to Fulfill your Safety Requirement.

Please remember

  • Arrive 15 minutes early

  • ABC's at home

  • Stay with your 5th grader

  • No Riding in the Parking Lot

  • Bring a tube that fits your bike

  • Helmet - fit properly

  • Vest

  • Attendance - if you don't check in you were not there

  • Do not walk your bike. Stop as often as you need but don't push your bike. When you walk, your muscles are not getting stronger.

Practice at home

  • Power Peddle and Quick Start

  • Hand signals

  • Communication (Slowing, Stopping, On Your Left)

Hydration - As the rides increase in distance please be sure to have plenty of water. This may be a good time to start looking at Hydration Packs/Camel Baks.

Our Next Rides - check calendar for more details

10/19: Saturday at 9am
56 Bike Path Ride
Upper Y Parking Lot, 13195 Salmon River Rd.

10/20: Sunday at 4pm
Safety Ride
Mesa Verde Middle School

LAST QUALIFYING RIDE THIS MONTH
10/27: Sunday at 9am
The Roads to Riches
Mesa Verde Middle School

Don't make the last ride of the month your only ride with us.
Website: rideacrosscalifornia.com password: homer

Your RAC Volunteer Committee
Bill | Bob | Christiane | Dennis | Frans | Jeff | Joost | Joel | Jorge | Julie | Kate | Mendy| Mike | Olav | Phil | Sabine | Todd

The RAC this Week (Oct 10th)

Dear Parents,

Please keep tracking your miles and rides.  Every rider in your family must attend a Safety Ride (Adult and Child). There are 2 more: October 12 and October 20.

Attendance

  • If you don’t mark the attendance sheet, the ride doesn’t count. No exceptions! If you do not complete one group training ride in the month of October, or you do not attend a Safety Fun Ride, you will be dropped from the RAC. Don’t wait until the last qualifying ride or last ride of the month

  • Know your requirements. Visit the website: https://www.rideacrosscalifornia.com/registration-requirements

Training Rides - Please Stay with your Child

  • If you're child is much faster than you, ask your child to slow down or please find another family or adult willing to take responsibility for your child.

  • If you are faster than your child, ride with your child. This is about the 5th graders and the wonderful bonds you will all create with your children. Trust me, they will get better if you continue training together.

  • We are seeing too many kids without parents. We will soon leave the safe and predictable bike path. Kids on the road without parents is never a good thing.

Don't forget:

  • vest

  • helmet

  • water

  • name tag (if your name is not on your vest)

  • snack

  • extra tube for your tire (and a wrench unless your wheel has a quick release)

  • sun screen

  • 15 minutes early. You need to unload your bike and we leave on time.

  • be respectful to volunteers and follow their lead

  • know the route

  • Have Fun!

Rides that Do Not Qualify for monthly ride attendance due to low mileage

  •  Safety Ride (required)

  • Miramar Cadence Ride (optional)

  • December Night Ride (optional)

Our Next Rides - check calendar for more details

10/12: Saturday at 9am
Safety Ride
Mesa Verde Middle School

10/13: Sunday at 9am
56 Bike Path Ride.
Upper Y Parking Lot, 13195 Salmon River Rd.

Don't make the last ride of the month your only ride with us.

The RAC this Week (Oct 2nd)

Dear Parents,

It's October! Start tracking your Miles and Rides. Know your Requirements. Visit the Website: https://www.rideacrosscalifornia.com/registration-requirements

1.      Safety rules. You and your child MUST bring to every ride:

  • vest

  • helmet

  • water

  • tube

2.      Don't Forget

  • name tag (if your name is not on your vest)

  • snack

  • extra tube for your tire (and a wrench unless your wheel has a quick release)

  • sun screen

  • 15 minutes early. You need to unload your bike and we leave on time.

  • respectful to volunteers and follow their lead

  • know the ride route

Rides that Do Not Qualify for monthly ride attendance due to low mileage

  • Safety Ride (required)

  • Miramar Cadence Ride (optional)

  • December Night Ride (optional)

Our Next Rides - check calendar for more details

10/5: Saturday at 9am
Long Duck Pond Ride
YMCA Upper Parking Lot, 13195 Salmon River Rd

10/6: Sunday at 4pm
Safety fun
Mesa Verde Middle School

Don't make the last ride of the month your only ride with us.

The RAC this Week (24 Sept)

Dear Parents

Welcome to the 2020 RAC and congratulations for making the lottery. We are very glad you are in (and very sad for the families who are not.)

1.      This is the first of your weekly emails; we rely on the fact that you read all of them and keep yourself informed.  

2.      Please familiarize yourself with our website www.rideacrosscalifornia.com    Password:   homer

3.      Safety rules. You and your child MUST bring to every ride: vest, helmet, water

4.      Also bring

  • name tag (if your name is not on your vest)

  • snack

  • extra tube for your tire (and a wrench unless your wheel has a quick release)

  • sun screen

5.      Always be

  • 15 minutes early. You need to unload your bike and we leave on time.

  • respectful to volunteers and follow their lead

6.      Program requirements

You must complete one required safety ride. Dates are

  • Saturday, September 28 @ 9 am

  • Sunday, October 6 @ 4 pm

  • Saturday, October 12 @ 9 am

  • Sunday, October 20 @ 4 pm

complete a RAC sponsored training ride at least once a month (October – March)

complete a minimum of 350 total miles before the RAC

complete two Escondido Hill Rides

attend one mandatory meeting in April. Dates TBD.

There will be no make-up rides. Please check the website (under ‘calendar’) for exact starting locations. Click “more details” to see the routes.

7.      We will not remind you of these requirements. It is your responsibility to fulfill your commitment to your training program. If you are not able to fulfill these requirements, you will be asked to drop out.

8.      Now to the fun stuff. Our next rides
9/28: Saturday at 9 am.
Safety fun. A cheerful introduction to the way we ride.
Mesa Verde Middle School

9/29: Sunday at 9 am.
The Short Duck Pond Ride: down the 56-bike path and back.
We will be looking for short ducks 
12560 Senda Panacea, San Diego 92129 (Christiane’s house.)
 Please be 15 minutes early to every ride.

Do you have questions? Please ask. Looking forward to seeing you.
Christiane, RAC volunteer