The RAC this Week (Feb 13th)

Dear Parents,

Continue logging your miles.  Link to Google sheet:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1YhRaGgGTDrVQcK_4CYRRhzJfwVhd91n0XjsFYttdPlk/edit#gid=869911748
You must complete at least 350 miles.  Don't stop at 350 miles!  The more you can ride the easier the RAC will be.  No need to update you numbers after you hit 350.

Don't forget to complete the attached SECNAV if you haven't already.  Day 3 of the RAC we will stop at the NAF El Centro base.  The document is required for all above the age of 18.  The Y safely stores the documentation until they submit all documents in person.  All Highlighted sections must be completed.  You can scan and email to amarrufo@ymca.org.

This Weekend’s Rides:
Camp Pendleton Ride
1601 San Rafael Dr Oceanside, CA 92058 (Intersection of Sunset and San Rafael) Saturday, February 15, 8:00am – 2:00pm
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/15215163
Parking is on the street in a residential neighborhood.  It's possible you may have to park down the road from the start.  Last year we had a very large group and it did take us longer than expected to find a spot so build in an extra 10 mins for that.

UCSD -- 3 Witches -- 4S Ranch
Mesa Verde Middle School, 8375 Entreken Way, San Diego, CA
Monday, February 17, 9:00am – 1:00pm
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31928842

Looking Ahead…

  • February 25th RAC Meeting 7:00-8:30pm at Sundance Elementary School.  Not mandatory but recommended. We will talk about camping, luggage, safety and t-shirt contest winner.

  • The Escondido Hill Rides start in March. We offer eight. You must attend two. Please get these done early. These are mandatory and we sometimes have to cancel due to rain.

  • The required April meeting (Thursday, April 2 at 7 pm or Tuesday, April 7 at 7 pm; pick a date) is mandatory. Everyone planning on attending the RAC is expected to attend one. Sundance Elementary School.

Nice job to the Kids who rode 5 of 6 rides in January:
Macy B.
Michael H.
Elise M.
Emilia R.
Louisa U.
Qi Y.

Top riders overall:
Michael H. - 18
Elise M. - 16
Madeline S. - 15

Keep up the good work!

The RAC this Week (Feb 7th)

Dear Parents,

A few Reminders:

  • Please remind the kids (and yourself) to practice proper passing especially when you are going up hills like the 3 Witches.  Scan and and say "On Your Left" as loudly as you can.  We're noticing some of kids are not passing safely or communicating.

  • If you have to stop for any reason, please step out of the bike lane onto the curb.   If the bike lane is narrow, passing riders have to ride around you and end up in the road potentially in front of passing cars.

  • Don't forget to complete the attached SECNAV if you haven't already.  Day 3 of the RAC we will stop at the NAF El Centro base.  The document is required for all above the age of 18.  The Y safely stores the documentation until they submit all documents in person.  All Highlighted sections must be completed.

Are you ready to log your miles with us?  You must ride a minimum of 350 miles before the RAC begins.  We of course recommend you ride more.  🙂  Please click on the following link, find your name, and log your current miles.  Continue logging your miles through April 11th.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1YhRaGgGTDrVQcK_4CYRRhzJfwVhd91n0XjsFYttdPlk/edit#gid=869911748

This Weekend’s Ride:
Mira Sorrento Witches Loop
YMCA Upper Parking Lot, 13195 Salmon River Rd
Sunday, February 9th, 9am – 2pm
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/9896426

Looking Ahead…

  • February 15th Camp Pendleton Ride - Don’t forget to get your Bicycle permit/credential - We have to go to Oceanside in person, during their visitor's hours. https://www.pendleton.marines.mil/Base-Access/Recreational-Bicycling/  Minors don’t need a permit. Minors can ride with a registered parent.

  • February 25th RAC Meeting 7:00-8:30pm at Sundance Elementary School.  Not mandatory but recommended. We will talk about camping, luggage, safety and t-shirt contest winner.

  • The Escondido Hill Rides start in March. We offer eight. You must attend two. Please get these done early. These are mandatory and we sometimes have to cancel due to rain.

  • The required April meeting (Thursday, April 2 at 7 pm or Tuesday, April 7 at 7 pm; pick a date) is mandatory. Everyone planning on attending the RAC is expected to attend one. Sundance Elementary School.

The RAC this Week (Jan 24th)

Dear Parents,

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

A very big THANK YOU to Volunteer Todd Scheideman and his family for serving us the best Root Beer floats ever at C’s Deli. Always an impressive Root Beer selection.

As the rides get longer and the weather gets warmer, please remember to bring:

  • Hydration

  • A Snack

  • 2 Bike Tubes

This Weekend’s Ride:
Mira Sorrento Witches Loop
YMCA Upper Parking Lot, 13195 Salmon River Rd
Sunday, January 26, 9am – 2pm
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/9896426

Looking Ahead…

  • February 15th Camp Pendleton Ride - Don’t forget to get your Bicycle permit/credential - We have to go to Oceanside in person, during their visitor's hours. https://www.pendleton.marines.mil/Base-Access/Recreational-Bicycling/  Minors don’t need a permit. Minors can ride with a registered parent.

  • February 25th RAC Meeting 7:00-8:30pm at Sundance Elementary School.  Not mandatory but recommended. We will talk about camping, luggage, safety and t-shirt contest winner.

  • The Escondido Hill Rides start in March. We offer eight. You must attend two. Please get these done early. These are mandatory and we sometimes have to cancel due to rain.

  • The required April meeting (Thursday, April 2 at 7 pm or Tuesday, April 7 at 7 pm; pick a date) is mandatory. Everyone planning on attending the RAC is expected to be there. Sundance Elementary School.

Question: Can you explain the rules about stopping or continuing when we come across a pedestrian stop sign vs bike route stop sign? I noticed some people doing different things.
Answer: The first thing to always remember when you come to an intersection on a bike path, Pedestrians have the right of way and Cars don’t always stop for us. If there is a Pedestrian light we push the button and wait for the light to turn. If there is a stop sign whether its a bike stop sign or road stop sign we stop, foot down, look both ways and go. If there is no light or stop sign we do recommend you stop to avoid issues with cars.

The RAC this Week (Jan 17th )

Dear Parents,

Please complete the YMCA Waiver.  Attached.  Bring it to a ride, email it to Andy, or email it to Kate.  You must provide a completed waiver before you ride with the group.

This Weekend’s Rides:
Torrey Pines Outside
YMCA Upper Parking Lot, 13195 Salmon River Road
Saturday, January 18th, 9am – 2pm
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28328014

Root Beer Float Ride
YMCA Upper Parking Lot, 13195 Salmon River Road
Monday, January 20th, 9am – 2pm
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/24949171

Looking Ahead…

  • February 25th RAC Meeting 7:00-8:30pm at Sundance Elementary School.  Not mandatory but recommended

The RAC this Week (Jan 10th)

Dear Parents,

Big group on the Five City Ride last week. Great Job Everyone! Be sure to ride with the group as often as possible. If you only ride with us once a month, you still need to ride every weekend and during the week. You will be more prepared in April and much happier.

This Weekend’s Ride

Mission Bay / Mt. Soledad
Sunday, January 12th 9:00am – 1:00pm
De Anza Cove Park, 2727 De Anza Rd, San Diego, CA 92109
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28339637

Plan for extra time to travel to Mission Bay

Youth Support. Please be sure to thank our Youth Support when you see them directing riders, taking attendance, and helping 5th graders when needed.  They are doing an AMAZING job.  Mendy and Jeff take great care of the YS.  They make sure the YS are trained and the younger receive mentor-ship from the older and always paired up with an experienced YS when you see them at corners.  Safety first!

Please complete the YMCA Waiver. Bring it to a ride, email it to Andy, or email it to Kate.

Looking Ahead…

February 15th The Camp Pendleton Ride - Don’t forget to get your Bicycle pass/credential - We have to go to Oceanside in person, during their visitor's hours. https://www.pendleton.marines.mil/Base-Access/Recreational-Bicycling/  Minors don’t need a permit. Minors can ride with a registered parent.

February 25th RAC Meeting 7:00-8:30pm at Sundance Elementary School. Not mandatory but recommended

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!