The RAC this Week (Jan 2nd)

Dear Parents,

Happy New Year everyone!  As of today you and your 5th grader should already have logged 210 miles.  More training makes the the RAC so much better!

This Weekend's Ride - Very Important - 7:30am start - Arrive at 7:15

Five Cities
Saturday, January 4th 7:30 am- 1:00pm
1875 Harbor Island Dr San Diego, CA 92101
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/15761139
Allow at least 30 minute travel time from the PQ area to the harbor. This ride includes a ferry ride; please bring $5 per person (bikes are included) for ferry tickets. Credit cards are accepted.

Please remember

  • always bring tubes that fit your and your child's bike

  • never pass the front volunteer

  • always wear a name tag

  • scan, communicate, pass safely

Congratulations to the following 5th graders for riding 4 out of the 5 December rides.  Nice Job!

  • Maxwell C.

  • Jake C.

  • Yung-Ren S.

  • Emily W.

The RAC this Week (Dec 26th)

Dear Parents,

Sunday's ride is the last ride of the month.  If you have not completed a December ride, you need to be there.

Name Tags:  Please be wearing a name tag (front and back) at every ride.  We're noticing the name tags are disappearing on some of our riders.

2020 RAC T-shirt Design Contest  Send your design to kron6@hotmail.com or respond to this email.  Deadline for Submission is January 1st, 2020.   More details on the website homepage: https://www.rideacrosscalifornia.com/

This Weekend's Ride - leaving from Deer Canyon Elementary School

Lasso Ride
Sunday, December 29th, 9am to 12pm
Deer Canyon Elementary, 13455 Russet Leaf Ln, San Diego
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28327951

Looking Ahead

Torrey Pines Outside
Wednesday, January 1, 9am to 2pm
YMCA Upper Parking Lot, 13195 Salmon River Rd, San Diego
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28328014

The RAC this Week (Dec 20th)

Dear Parents,

A very big THANK YOU to Volunteer Bob Jacques for hosting a successful Bike Workshop last Saturday - many satisfied customers.  I also want to give a "shout out" to Rick from "4 Wheel Bike Shop" who volunteered his time to assist where needed.  https://www.4wheelbikeshop.com/

2020 RAC T-shirt Design Contest Send your design to kron6@hotmail.com or respond to this email.  Deadline for Submission is January 1st, 2020.  Examples of past t-shirts attached.  Requirements as follows:

  • Design must have 5 colors or less. The more brilliant the better. You also need to include the following:

    • "RAC" or "Ride Across California”

    • "YMCA"

    • "2020"

  • Everyone registered for the RAC will receive and wear this t-shirt. There is nothing like seeing your child's design on 300 people.

New Helpful information on the website:

Don't make your only ride with us the last ride if the month.  Tomorrow's ride:

Mira Mesa 56 Loop
Saturday, December 21st 9am to 12pm
YMCA Upper Parking Lot, 13195 Salmon River Rd, San Diego
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/30962063
We will have YMCA vests at the ride tomorrow.  Please see Kate if you still need one.

The RAC this Week (Dec 10th)

Dear Parents,

It was wonderful to see everyone come out on Saturday for the Light Ride. So happy for the break in the rain. A very big THANK YOU to Sabine Schroeder for the warm cider, hot chocolate, and the yummy cookies. Hope to see you all at the events of this week.

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

  • How to fix a flat (Don't forget to bring a front tire to practice)

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

  • Fashion show and t shirt design contest rules

December 14th Bob's Bike Clinic 9:00am-12:00pm at YMCA Sports Field, 10481 Scripps Poway Pkwy, San Diego, CA 92131
https://goo.gl/maps/H4224AKtLfj39gWo7 Entrance in the shopping center behind Chase Bank

  • We'll show you how to clean your bike, how to make minor adjustments, and assist where needed. Bob has a Fabulous Check List.

  • Please bring your bikes and the kids. This will be a great opportunity to adjust the kids bikes and have them practice off the road.

  • Remember, the kids often listen to the volunteers before they will listen to Mom and Dad

Ride this Weekend
In-N-Out Ride
Sunday, December 15th 9:00am – 2:30pm
Sorrento Valley Park And Ride, 12741 Sorrento Valley Rd, San Diego, CA 92121
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/9896313

The RAC this Week (Dec 5th)

Dear Parents,

As of today you and your 5th grader should already have logged 146 miles. Be sure to ride as often as possible during the holidays. And don't wait for the last ride of the month. Looks like it's going to be a rainy winter.

NO CELL PHONE USE while riding. No exceptions!

Saturday Night Light Ride 4PM, please arrive no later than 3:45
YMCA Upper Parking Lot
13195 Salmon River Rd
The Pot Luck is Cancelled We were planning to utilize outdoor space for the Pot Luck. With the weather and temperature it may be uncomfortable being outside. We will not cancel the ride due to rain since we will be on the Bike Path. Dress warm.
LIGHTS It will get very dark when the sun goes down. Be sure to have a light to guide you back to the parking lot. If you don't have a front bike light you can easily duct tape a small standard flashlight to your handle bars. Example attached. If you have neither, find a buddy you can follow. Light up your bike as much as possible for visibility and fun. Mini lights, Glow Sticks, etc. Some of this can be found at Walmart and the Party Store. I will have extra Glow Sticks. See bike examples attached. Looking forward to seeing all of the lights on the Bike Path.

Mark your Calendar, Bob's Bike Clinic is coming soon...

  • We'll show you how to clean your bike, how to make minor adjustments, and assist where needed. Bob has a Fabulous Check List.

  • Please bring your bikes and the kids. This will be a great opportunity to adjust the kids bikes and have them practice off the road.

  • Remember, the kids often listen to the volunteers before they will listen to Mom and Dad.
    December 14th 9:00am-12:00pm
    YMCA Sports Field, 10481 Scripps Poway Pkwy, San Diego, CA 92131
    https://goo.gl/maps/H4224AKtLfj39gWo7
    Entrance behind Chase Bank in shopping Center

Congratulations to Michael H. and Serena J.who did 4 rides in November. Nice Job!

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