The RAC this Week (Dec. 7th)

Dear Parents

Thank you for participating in last week’s Night Ride Bike Ride. We were beautiful.

And we are proud of all the younger siblings who rode 10 miles around the bay. 

A big thank you to Volunteer Sabine for the hot chocolate and cookies. 

____________________________________________________

Our next ride

Sunday, December 11 at 9 a.m.

Coastal Fun

Sorrento Valley Park And Ride | 12791 Sorrento Valley Rd | San Diego 92121

Make sure you bring name tags

We might get rained out on Sunday. In that case, we will cancel the ride.

Should we decide to cancel the ride,  you will receive an email and a post on Facebook by 9 pm the night before.

Should we have to cancel, and should Sunday’s ride be the only ride you are able to attend in December, we will not hold your absence against you. We strongly urge you to come to any of the other rides offered this month.

________________________________________________________

Your friendly RAC volunteer team

Abhi | Ana | Bill | Bob | Christiane | Frans | Hannah | James | Jeff | Joel | Julie | Kate | Kirsten| Kumar | Mani | Olav |Robert | Sabine and co-founder Dennis

__________________________________________________________________________

You are responsible for knowing RAC rules, procedures and announcements and for sharing all information with your family. Please forward this newsletter.

RAC Jerseys are now available for purchase

They are not required.

They run small.

Especially kids’ sizes should be ordered one size up

Future training ride dates are on the calendar on Rideacrosscalifornia.com

●      And here RAC 22|23 training rides

 Homework: “power pedal” with your child.

○      Pedal at 10 or 2 o’clock.

○      Don’t start on the seat. Don’t stop on the  seat

Arrive at t 8:45 am

●      You need to unload and check your bike, check helmets, sign in etc.

●      You will be asked to read and sign the RAC Agreement Form

○      if you have not done so already

●      Always bring

○      helmet

○      water (your child should carry her/his own)

○      a snack

○      a vest with a name tag .

Train with your child

●      The parent training with the child must be the person accompanying the child on the RAC.

●      The parent accompanying the child on the RAC must be the person training with the child.

●      A parent may not interrupt training for a few months and send the child with someone else during those months.

●      All riding parents and children must complete the requirements.

○      350 miles trained between September and April 10

○      At least one monthly training ride with us

■      including : One Safety Fun

●            Two Escondido Hill Rides (next year)

Splitting riding and chasing: If parents are taking turns riding and chasing, both parents must complete all RAC requirements.

Name tags

are mandatory. Starting in December, riders will not be allowed to leave the parking lot without a name tag.  Please arrive with name tags, front and back.

Passing

Only pass when it is safe to do so.

Don’t pass more than two people at a time.

Don’t pass when you are ahead of sharp turns

Don’t pass when there are people coming towards you on the bike path.

And please wear a name tag so that we can identify you and can talk to you privately and not have to put this comment in a newsletter.

You need to ride with your child.

            You shouldn’t be ½ mile in front or behind your child.

            You should always be within eyesight of each other.

The RAC this Week (Nov. 29)

Dear Parents

Congratulations to

             Rex           Marco                Alex

for attending all five training rides in November. Great job

____________________________________

Please ride every weekend (and then some)

The RAC is designed with the assumption that you and your child ride at least once every week, Twice is better.  Get out there every chance you get.

Many of you ride the official training routes on your own, and we applaud that.

Please consider time of day and traffic patterns when you ride on your own.

            Example: The 4SRanch Loop is pleasant on a weekend morning.

            Traffic is much heavier on a weekday afternoon when schools get out

______________________________________

Name tags

are mandatory. Starting in December, riders will not be allowed to leave the parking lot without a name tags.  Please arrive with name tags, front and back.

__________________________________________________

Passing

Only pass when it is safe to do so.

Don’t pass more than two people ata time.

Don’t pass when you are ahead of sharp turns

Don’t pass when there are people coming towards you on the bike path.

And please wear a name tag so that we can identify you and so that that we can talk to you privately and not have to put this comment in a newsletter.

________________________________________________

You need to ride with your child.

            You shouldn’t be ½ mile in front or behind your child.

            You should always be within eye sight of each other.

____________________________________________________

Saturday, December 3 at 4 pm 

The Night Light Bike Ride

South Shores Park S Shores Park Dr San Diego, CA 92109

●      This is our prettiest right.

●      Please arrive at 3:45 pm

●      Please decorate your bikes with lights.

●      Then we ride around Mission Bay in the dark.

●      Then we drink hot chocolate.

●      This ride does not count as a mandatory monthly ride

○      It is too easy at this point.

●      Possible light sources:

○      Battery operated holiday lights | Glow sticks | Bike light kits

○      For really cool inspirational pictures from previous years., click here

○      Everyone should carry at least one light source.

■      By the end of the ride, the route will be completely dark

                 Please bring the family to the Light Night BIke Ride

●      We are opening this ride to current RAC members’ families.

●      If you think your other children, partner, in laws would enjoy this ride, please bring them. The more, the merrier.

●      Non registered attendees will be asked to sign a waiver.

●      Riders should be able to ride 5 miles. The one “hill” is a bridge.

●      RAC rules apply

●      Helmets required

●      Vests are not mandatory for family members.
We have a few loaner vests available

Your friendly RAC volunteer team

Abhi | Ana | Bill | Bob | Christiane | Frans | Hannah | James | Jeff | Joel | Julie | Kate | Kirsten| Kumar | Mani | Olav |Robert | Sabine and co-founder Dennis

__________________________________________________________________________

You are responsible for knowing RAC rules, procedures and announcements and for sharing all information with your family. Please forward this newsletter.

RAC Jerseys are now available for purchase

They are not required.

They run small.

Especially kids’ sizes should be ordered one size up

Future training ride dates are on the calendar on Rideacrosscalifornia.com

●      And here RAC 22|23 training rides

 Homework: “power pedal” with your child.

○      Pedal at 10 or 2 o’clock.

○      Don’t start on the seat. Don’t stop on the  seat

Arrive at t 8:45 am

●      You need to unload and check your bike, check helmets, sign in etc.

●      You will be asked to read and sign the RAC Agreement Form

○      if you have not done so already

●      Always bring

○      helmet

○      water (your child should carry her/his own)

○      a snack

○      a vest with name tag .

Train with your child

●      The parent training with the child must be the person accompanying the child on the RAC.

●      The parent accompanying the child on the RAC must be the person training with the child.

●      A parent may not interrupt training for a few months and send the child with someone else during those months.

●      All riding parents and children must complete the requirements.

○      350 miles trained between September and April 10

○      At least one monthly training ride with us

■      including : One Safety Fun

●            Two Escondido Hill Rides (next year)

Splitting riding and chasing: If parents are taking turns riding and chasing, both parents must complete all RAC requirements.

The RAC this Week (Nov. 24)

Dear Parents

1. RAC Jerseys are now available for purchase

They are not required.

They run small.

Especially kids’ sizes should be ordered one size up

____________________________________

1. Bikes available

a) RAC alumnus parent Robin has two bike available. One

orange Specialized Crosstrail Sport size M with 27" wheels for a child. One adult bike.

Please contact Robin directly. reverts@gmail.com

b) We also have another adult size Giant brand hybrid bike available. Let us know if you are interested.

______________________________________

1. Our next rides

Sunday, November 27 at 9 am

The 56 Bike Path

YMCA Upper Parking Lot, 13195 Salmon River Rd, San Diego, CA 92129

________________________________________________

Saturday, December 3 at 4 pm 

The Night Light Bike Ride

●      We decorate our bikes with lights and ride around Mission Bay in the dark.

●      Then we drink hot chocolate.

●      This ride does not count as a mandatory monthly ride

○      It is too easy at this point.

●      Possible light sources:

○      Battery operated holiday lights | Glow sticks | Bike light kits

○      For really cool inspirational pictures from previous years., click here

○      Everyone should carry at least one light source.

■      By the end of the ride, the route will be completely dark

                 Please bring the family to the Light Night BIke Ride

●      We are opening this ride to current RAC members’ families.

●      If you think your other children, partner, in laws would enjoy this ride, please bring them. The more, the merrier.

●      Non registered attendees will be asked to sign a waiver.

●      Riders should be able to ride 5 miles. The one “hill” is a bridge.

●      RAC rules apply

●      Helmets required

○      we have a few loaner vests available

Happy Thanksgiving. See you this weekend.

Your friendly RAC volunteer team

Abhi | Ana | Bill | Bob | Christiane | Frans | Hannah | James | Jeff | Joel | Julie | Kate | Kirsten| Kumar | Mani | Olav |Robert | Sabine and co-founder Dennis

__________________________________________________________________________

You are responsible for knowing RAC rules, procedures and announcements and for sharing all information with your family. Please forward this newsletter.

Future training ride dates are on the calendar on Rideacrosscalifornia.com

●      And here RAC 22|23 training rides

 Homework: “power pedal” with your child.

○      Pedal at 10 or 2 o’clock.

○      Don’t start on the seat. Don’t stop on the  seat

The Monthly Ride: Beginning in October, you need to finish at least one training ride with us.

●      We offer at least four month.

●      Please plan accordingly.

●      We take attendance. 

Arrive at t 8:45 am

●      You need to unload and check your bike, check helmets, sign in etc.

●      You will be asked to read and sign the RAC Agreement Form

○      if you have not done so already

●      Always bring

○      helmet

○      water (your child should carry her/his own)

○      a snack

○      a vest with name tag .

Train with your child

●      The parent training with the child must be the person accompanying the child on the RAC.

●      The parent accompanying the child on the RAC must be the person training with the child.

●      A parent may not interrupt training for a few months and send the child with someone else during those months.

●      All riding parents and children must complete the requirements.

○      350 miles trained between September and April 10

○      At least one monthly training ride with us

■      including : One Safety Fun

●            Two Escondido Hill Rides (next year)

Splitting riding and chasing: If parents are taking turns riding and chasing, both parents must complete all RAC requirements.

The RAC this week (November 15th)

Dear Parents

1. An important message from Youth Support Coordinator Jeff.

We were made aware of an interaction on the 11/11/22 Road to Riches Ride between a parent and a member of the Youth Support that was witnessed by an adult volunteer. A parent was displeased with a decision a Youth Support made at a regulated intersection, not allowing a child and parent pair to proceed through the intersection on a yellow light, and took it up with a member of the Youth Support.

It has been made clear in meetings that during the RAC, a yellow light at an intersection means stop. If you are in the intersection when it turns yellow, continue through the intersection. The reason for this is that new riders can be slow, and intersections can be wide.  As well, if we are crossing an intersection regulated by a walk signal, you may proceed on a flashing hand, but not on a solid hand. 

Youth Support are experienced and trained to err on the side of caution.  As such, they may ask you to stop in situations that you feel are safe (early yellow light, hand still flashing). Please defer to the YS decision.  This is for your safety and the safety of your child.  The RAC is intended to be fun, but it can't be fun if it isn't safe.

Please do not argue with a member of the Youth Support regarding RAC rules. If you have a question/concern, always take that up with an adult volunteer. They can respond to your question/concern or guide you to the appropriate person.

--

Jeff

________________________________________________________

1. We still need help with chase.. Chase parents (and any children that come with them) will receive a discount. Please contact Sabine at sabinegschroeder@gmail.com if you can help.

_________________________________________________________

1. Our next rides

Saturday, November 19 at 9 am

The 4 S Ranch Loop

12560 Senda Panacea | SD 92129 | Please park in the neighborhood.

This ride includes an optional visit to Starbucks.

_________________________________________

Sunday, November 27 at 9 am

The 56 Bike Path

________________________________________________

Saturday, December 3 at 4 pm 

The Night Light Bike Ride

●      We decorate our bikes with lights and ride around Mission Bay in the dark.

●      Then we drink hot chocolate.

●      This ride does not count as a mandatory monthly ride

○      It is too easy at this point.

●      Possible light sources:

○      Battery operated holiday lights | Glow sticks | Bike light kits

○      For really cool inspirational pictures from previous years., click here

○      Everyone should carry at least one light source.

■      By the end of the ride, the route will be completely dark

                 Please bring the family to the Light Night BIke Ride

●      We are opening this ride to current RAC members’ families.

●      If you think your other children, partner, in laws would enjoy this ride, please bring them. The more, the merrier.

●      Non registered attendees will be asked to sign a waiver.

●      Riders should be able to ride 5 miles. The one “hill” is a bridge.

●      RAC rules apply

●      Helmets required

○      we have a few loaner vests available

______________________________________________________________________

1. Thank you, Jennifer, for this great picture.

See you this weekend.

Your friendly RAC volunteer team

Abhi | Ana | Bill | Bob | Christiane | Frans | Hannah | James | Jeff | Joel | Julie | Kate | Kirsten| Kumar | Mani | Olav |Robert | Sabine and co-founder Dennis

__________________________________________________________________________

You are responsible for knowing RAC rules, procedures and announcements and for sharing all information with your family. Please forward this newsletter.

Future training ride dates are on the calendar on Rideacrosscalifornia.com

●      And here RAC 22|23 training rides

 Homework: “power pedal” with your child.

○      Pedal at 10 or 2 o’clock.

○      Don’t start on the seat. Don’t stop on the  seat

The Monthly Ride: Beginning in October, you need to finish at least one training ride with us.

●      We offer at least four month.

●      Please plan accordingly.

●      We take attendance. 

Arrive at t 8:45 am

●      You need to unload and check your bike, check helmets, sign in etc.

●      You will be asked to read and sign the RAC Agreement Form

○      if you have not done so already

●      Always bring

○      helmet

○      water (your child should carry her/his own)

○      a snack

○      a vest with name tag .

Train with your child

●      The parent training with the child must be the person accompanying the child on the RAC.

●      The parent accompanying the child on the RAC must be the person training with the child.

●      A parent may not interrupt training for a few months and send the child with someone else during those months.

●      All riding parents and children must complete the requirements.

○      350 miles trained between September and April 10

○      At least one monthly training ride with us

■      including : One Safety Fun

●            Two Escondido Hill Rides (next year)

Splitting riding and chasing: If parents are taking turns riding and chasing, both parents must complete all RAC requirements.

The RAC this Week (November 8th)

Dear Parents

A Round of Applause for Rex and Marco 

who completed six training rides in October.

Way to go! We are impressed.

______________________________________________________________________________

Thank you for coming to the Fundraiser at Rubio’s.

30% ($364.50) of all purchase went to benefit the RAC. We appreciate your help, and it was great seeing you.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

About estimate training ride times

On the rideacrosscalifornia.com website under Calendar, you will find a bunch of helpful stuff, including “length of training rides.”

Will 15 miles really take 6 hours? No.

When we estimate training ride duration, we err on the side of caution. We don’t want to suggest a finish time,  and then we are wrong and you to have to rush to you next appointment  because we said you’d be done by noon and you are not.

Many variables determine training ride duration.

■      The larger the group, the slower our exit from the parking lot

■      The warmer the weather, the slower the riders

■      The steeper the hills, the slower the riders

■      The larger the group, the longer the regroups

●      We regroup =  the front waits for the back to come in

○      typically early in the ride

○      because we are a community event

○      we encourage you to use this time to meet other parents/kids

■      “I need to leave the group early. My child has soccer at noon.”                  

Please don’t plan any other event too close to the RAC.

●      The RAC is a time commitment

●      The RAC is not something you squeeze in

●      Your ‘mandatory ride with us” counts for COMPLETED rides only. 

            Why are we so picky?  The more you train with us, the safer we are.

Because you asked

Where do I start a right turn?

You are about to turn right.  There is a bike lane going straight.  The is a right turn lane turning right. Where do you go???

 Do you 

A

●      stay in the bike lane

●      proceed to the intersection

●      scan

●      make a right turn from the bike lane

●      cross the right turn lane?

or B

●      scan

●      merge into the right lane

●      make the right turn from the right lane

  The correct answer is …..

B. You knew it.

Cutting across a right turn lane creates confusion for motorists and other cyclists behind you. And our goal is predicability =  safety.

Thank you for your questions. They are very helpful.

______________________________________________________________________________

Because you asked

Can the kid join a training ride when the parent can’t.

            Yes. Please let us know ahead of time so that we have a volunteer ready to ride with your child.

Can the parent join when the kid can’t?

            Yes. And we might just put you to work. 🙂

_____________________________________________________________________________

Our next rides

Friday, November 11 at 9 am

The Road to Riches

Mesa Verde Middle School | 8375 Entreken Way | SD 92129

●     Mile 5.1 is the beginning of a steep, ½ mile long uphill on a dirt road.

○      Most of us don’t have the gears or tires for this kind of terrain, so

○      feel free to walk up the hill

○      No need to single file as you walk up the hill. 🙂

●     Mile 6.8: Welcome to Hootersville, Del Mar Mesa’s very own farm

○      Goats Lenny and Squiggy are friendly and love carrots and apples.

○      Please bring carrots and apples.

○      The owners kindly ask that we don’t overfeed their goats.

Sunday, November 13 at 9 am

The UCSD Art Loop is a fun one. But aren’t they all.

Sorrento Valley Park And Ride | 12791 Sorrento Valley Rd | SD 92121

●      We climb Torrey Pines via the outside route.

○      Even though there is a double bike path, we single file.

○      Please encourage your child to “hamster.”

●      Stay in your saddle. Use low gears.

■      The goal: to reach the top without having to stop.

■      If you have to stop, please move to the right so others can pass you.

●      On UCSDs campus, we

■      regroup at the Sun God and take a picture.  It’s tradition.

■      ride through the Talking Trees (though they are usually quiet on weekends)

■      pass The Fallen Star (currently closed but really fun for the kids when it reopens)

■      and pedal past the Bear.

●      Click on the links for more info.

●      Mile 9.3: Please stay in front of your child to control his/her speed as we descend Torrey Pines.

_____________________________________________________________________

Looking ahead to future rides

Saturday, December 3 at 4 pm 

The Night Light Bike Ride

●      We decorate our bikes with lights and ride around Mission Bay in the dark.

●      Then we drink hot chocolate.

●      This ride does not count as a mandatory monthly ride

○      It is too easy at this point.

●      Possible light sources:

○      Battery operated holiday lights | Glow sticks | Bike light kits

○      For really cool inspirational pictures from previous years., click here

○      Everyone should carry at least one light source.

■      By the end of the ride, the route will be completely dark

                 Please bring the family to the Light Night BIke Ride

●      We are opening this ride to current RAC members’ families.

●      If you think your other children, partner, in laws would enjoy this ride, please bring them. The more, the merrier.

●      Non registered attendees will be asked to sign a waiver.

●      Riders should be able to ride 5 miles. The one “hill” is a bridge.

●      RAC rules apply

●      Helmets required

○      we have a few loaner vests available

______________________________________________________________________

Looking forward to seeing you this weekend.  Enjoy the rain.

Your friendly RAC volunteer team

Abhi | Ana | Bill | Bob | Christiane | Frans | Hannah | James | Jeff | Joel | Julie | Kate | Kristen | Kumar | Mani | Olav |Robert | Sabine and co-founder Dennis

__________________________________________________________________________

You are responsible for knowing RAC rules, procedures and announcements and for sharing all information with your family. Please forward this newsletter.

Future training ride dates are on the calendar on Rideacrosscalifornia.com

●      And here RAC 22|23 training rides

 Homework: “power pedal” with your child.

○      Pedal at 10 or 2 o’clock.

○      Don’t start on the seat. Don’t stop on the  seat

The Monthly Ride: Beginning in October, you need to finish at least one training ride with us.

●      We offer at least four month.

●      Please plan accordingly.

●      We take attendance. 

Arrive at t 8:45 am

●      You need to unload and check your bike, check helmets, sign in etc.

●      You will be asked to read and sign the RAC Agreement Form

○      if you have not done so already

●      Always bring

○      helmet

○      water (your child should carry her/his own)

○      a snack

○      a vest with name tag .

Train with your child

●      The parent training with the child must be the person accompanying the child on the RAC.

●      The parent accompanying the child on the RAC must be the person training with the child.

●      A parent may not interrupt training for a few months and send the child with someone else during those months.

●      All riding parents and children must complete the requirements.

○      350 miles trained between September and April 10

○      At least one monthly training ride with us

■      including : One Safety Fun

●            Two Escondido Hill Rides (next year)

Splitting riding and chasing: If parents are taking turns riding and chasing, both parents must complete all RAC requirements.

The RAC this Week (November 1st)

Dear Parents

Please come to our

Ways to save money. We are always looking out for you.

Our next ride

Saturday, November 5 at 9 am

The Gonzalez Canyon Gravel Snowman Ride

Westview High School | 13500 Camino Del Sur | SD 92129

●     A portion of this ride is on gravel

●     Please leave skinny road bike tires at home.

_____________________________________________________________________

Looking ahead to future rides

Saturday, December 3 at 4 pm 

The Night Light Bike Ride

●      We decorate our bikes with lights and ride around Mission Bay in the dark.

●      Strangers applaud us. We look so pretty.

●      Then we drink hot chocolate.

●      This ride does not count as a mandatory monthly ride

○      It is too easy at this point.

●      Possible light sources:

○      Battery operated holiday lights | Glow sticks | Bike light kits

○      For really cool inspirational pictures from previous years., click here

○      Everyone should carry at least one light source.

■      By the end of the ride, the route will be completely dark

                 Please bring the family to the Light Night BIke Ride

●      We are opening this ride to current RAC members’ families.

●      If you think your other children, partner, in laws would enjoy this ride, please bring them. The more, the merrier.

●      Non registered attendees will be asked to sign a waiver.

●      Riders should be able to ride 5 miles. The one “hill” is a bridge.

●      RAC rules apply

●      Helmets required

○      we have a few loaner vests available

______________________________________________________________________

Thank you for your questions. Please keep asking them

Looking forward to seeing you this weekend.

Your friendly RAC volunteer team

Abhi | Ana | Bill | Bob | Christiane | Frans | Hannah | James | Jeff | Joel | Julie | Kate | Kristen | Kumar | Mani | Olav |Robert | Sabine and co-founder Dennis

__________________________________________________________________________

You are responsible for knowing RAC rules, procedures and announcements and for sharing all information with your family. Please forward this newsletter.

Future training ride dates are on the calendar on Rideacrosscalifornia.com

●      And here RAC 22|23 training rides

 Homework: “power pedal” with your child.

○      Pedal at 10 or 2 o’clock.

○      Don’t start on the seat. Don’t stop on the  seat

Beginning in October, you need to ride with us once a month.

●      We offer at least four rides per month.

●      Please plan accordingly.

●      We take attendance. 

Always arrive at 8:45 am

●      You need to unload and check your bike, check helmets, sign in etc.

●      You will be asked to read and sign the RAC Agreement Form

○      if you have not done so already

●      Always bring

○      helmet

○      water (your child should carry her/his own)

○      a snack

○      a vest with name tag

Starting Sunday, October 16, a RAC approved vest with a name tag is mandatory. You will not be able to ride with us if you don’t have a RAC approved vest.

A friendly reminder

●      The parent training with the child must be the person accompanying the child on the RAC.

●      The parent accompanying the child on the RAC must be the person training with the child.

●      A parent may not interrupt training for a few months and send the child with someone else during those months.

●      All riding parents and children must complete the requirements.

○      350 miles trained between September and April 10

○      At least one monthly training ride with us

■      including : One Safety Fun

●            Two Escondido Hill Rides (next year)

●      If parents are splitting and are taking turns riding and chasing, both parents must complete the requirements.

●      Neon yellow safety clothing and name tags are mandatory now. So are helmets.

The RAC this Week (October 25th)

Dear Parents

Thank you for responding to last Thursday’s email re our need for chase.

We are still in great need of additional chase drivers for this year’s RAC to ensure that we can provide an appropriate level of safety and support for our riders.  We originally excluded the possibility of allowing siblings to be on the RAC in an effort to maximize the number of 5th graders that we could offer the ride to, but we must also make sure that those 5th graders (and their parents) are safely supported - so after careful consideration, we are now allowing siblings to be brought along on the RAC in the chase cars (but not as cyclists, We have size limitations. Sadly) in hopes that this will allow more families to contribute to the vital chase effort.  We recognize that adding one or more family members to the RAC may be cost prohibitive to some families, and so we are offering a discount to any family members who are becoming part of the chase effort.  We will also retroactively extend that discount to any second parents who have already signed up to be part of the chase effort. And we will offer that chase discount to one parent if you and your partner are splitting chase and riding.

Adult and 5th Grade Rider: $450 each

Adult Chase Driver: $250 each

Non-riding sibling: $200 each

Please let us know ASAP if you think that your family may help us to bring the number of chase drivers up to the level we need for a safe and “comfortable” (as comfortable as 250 miles on a bike seat can be) Ride Across California this year!

__________________________________________________________________

The following families still need to sign the Release and Waiver of Liability form:

Blum | Chang - Jones | Gray | Jaiswal | Kun - Haushalter | Panarelli | Wang (Hui) | Xie |

Please find Christiane next time you ride with us.

____________________________________________________________________________

Our next rides

Saturday, October 29 at 9 am

The Halloween Hillclimb Clinic  #1

Sunday, October 30 at 9 am.

The Halloween Hillclimb Clinic  #2 

Westview High School | 13500 Camino Del Sur | SD 92129

●      We teach your kids how to stop and start on hills

●      Not mandatory, but highly recommended.

●      These two rides are identical. Come to both. They will be scary.

●      These rides include an optional stop at Starbucks.

●      RAC appropriate Halloween attire is strongly encouraged.

○      Helmets and neon are a must

____________________________________________________________________________

Future training ride dates are on the calendar on Rideacrosscalifornia.com

And here RAC 22|23 training rides

____________________________________________________________________________

Looking ahead to December

Sat | 3 December | The Night Light Bike Ride

●      The Night Light Bike Ride is great fun

●      We decorate our bikes with lights and ride around Mission Bay in the dark.

●      Strangers applaud us. We look so pretty.

●      Then we drink hot chocolate.

●      This ride does not count as a mandatory monthly ride

○      It is too easy at this point.

●      Possible light sources:

○      Battery operated holiday lights | Glow sticks | Bike light kits

○      For really cool inspirational pictures from previous years., click here

____________________________________________________________________________

Thank you for your questions. Please keep asking.

Looking forward to seeing you this weekend.

Your friendly RAC volunteer team

Abhi | Ana | Bill | Bob | Christiane | Frans | Hannah | James | Jeff | Joel | Julie | Kate | Kristen | Kumar | Mani | Olav | Praveen | Robert | Sabine and co-founder Dennis

__________________________________________________________________________

You are responsible for knowing RAC rules, procedures and announcements and for sharing all information with your family. Please forward this newsletter.

 Homework: “power pedal” with your child.

○      Pedal at 10 or 2 o’clock.

○      Don’t start on the seat. Don’t stop on the  seat

Beginning in October, you need to ride with us once a month.

●      We offer at least four rides per month.

●      Please plan accordingly.

●      We take attendance. 

Always arrive at 8:45 am

●      You need to unload and check your bike, check helmets, sign in etc.

●      You will be asked to read and sign the RAC Agreement Form

○      if you have not done so already

●      Always bring

○      helmet

○      water (your child should carry her/his own)

○      a snack

○      a vest with name tag

Starting Sunday, October 16, a RAC approved vest with a name tag is mandatory. You will not be able to ride with us if you don’t have a RAC approved vest.

A friendly reminder

●      The parent training with the child must be the person accompanying the child on the RAC.

●      The parent accompanying the child on the RAC must be the person training with the child.

●      A parent may not interrupt training for a few months and send the child with someone else during those months.

●      All riding parents and children must complete the requirements.

○      350 miles trained between September and April 10

○      At least one monthly training ride with us

■      including : One Safety Fun

●            Two Escondido Hill Rides (next year)

●      If parents are splitting and are taking turns riding and chasing, both parents must complete the requirements.

●      Neon yellow safety clothing and name tags are mandatory now. So are helmets.

The RAC this Week (October 18th)

Dear Parents

Welcome to our latest group of families off the waitlist. We are so glad you are joining us.

A friendly reminder

●      The parent training with the child must be the person accompanying the child on the RAC.

●      The parent accompanying the child on the RAC must be the person training with the child.

●      A parent may not interrupt training for a few months and send the child with someone else during those months.

●      All riding parents and children must complete the requirements.

○      350 miles trained between September and April 10

○      At least one monthly training ride with us

■      including : One Safety Fun

●            Two Escondido Hill Rides (next year)

●      If parents are splitting and are taking  turns riding and chasing, both parents must complete the requirements.

●      Neon yellow safety clothing and name tags are mandatory now. So are helmets.

●      Sometimes we have extra. If we don’t, you cannot ride with us that day.

●      Tip:

○      Put your vest (with name tag) and gloves in your helmet.

○      Hang helmet on handle bar.

Because you asked

Can my older child/visiting uncle/family friend attend training rides?

Sadly, no.

○      The older child/visiting uncle/family friend is not covered by our insurance. 

○      The larger the group, the harder the volunteers’ job becomes 

○      We strongly encourage you to take the older child/family friend/visiting uncle on a private ride on those days you don’t train with us.

Our next rides

Saturday, October 22 at 9 am

Safety Fun #3

Mesa Verde Middle School | 8375 Entreken | SD 9212

Sunday, October 16 at 9 am  

            Safety Fun #4

            Mesa Verde Middle School | 8375 Entreken | SD 9212 at 9 am

●      One is mandatory for all adults, children, and youth support.

●      These two are our last two Safety Funs.

●      All Safety Fun rides are identical. You may come to as many as you like.  

●      Future training ride dates are on the calendar on Rideacrosscalifornia.com

Looking ahead to December

Sat | 3 December | The Night Light Bike Ride

Sun | 11 December | Coastal Fun

Sat | 17 December | The Carmel Country Hill Ride

Mo | 26 December | Escondido Out n Back

Sat | 31 December | The Short Mt Soledad Ride

The Night Light Bike Ride is an evening ride. We decorate our bikes with lights, circle Mission Bay and look amazing. Then we drink hot chocolate. This ride does not count as your mandatory monthly ride (because it’s too short).

Payment and scholarship

●      Payment to Olav is now past due.

●      We have scholarship money available.

●      For scholarship questions, contact Olav. olav.schroeder@rideacrosscalifornia.com

The Ride Across California annual Board Meeting

●      is this coming Thursday (October 20)

●      at 7 pm

●      on Zoom  and

●      open to current RAC parents.

●      Please join us for a glimpse of the fascinating inner workings of the RAC board.

●      Agenda

Thank you for your questions. Please keep asking.

Looking forward to seeing you this weekend.

Your friendly RAC volunteer team

Abhi | Ana | Bill | Bob | Christiane | Frans | Hannah | James | Jeff | Joel | Julie | Kate | Kristen | Kumar | Mani | Olav | Praveen | Robert | Sabine and co-founder Dennis

__________________________________________________________________________

You are responsible for knowing RAC rules, procedures and announcements and for sharing all information with your family. Please forward this newsletter.

 Homework: Please practice “power pedal” with your child.

○      Pedal at 10 or 2 o’clock.

○      Don’t sit on your seat.

Beginning in October, you need to ride with us once a month.

●      We offer at least four rides per month.

●      Please plan accordingly.

●      We take attendance. 

●      Always arrive at 8:45 am

●      You need to unload and check your bike, check helmets, sign in etc.

●      You will be asked to read and sign the RAC Agreement Form

○      if you have not done so already

●      Always bring

○      helmet

○      water (your child should carry her/his own)

○      a snack

○      a vest with name tag

○      Starting Sunday, October 16, a RAC approved vest with a name tag is mandatory. You will not be able to ride with us if you don’t have a RAC approved vest.

The RAC this week (October 11th)

Dear Parents

Congratulations to another group of families who made it off the waitlist. Thank you for your patience, and we are so glad to have you.

1. Because you asked

●      Does “Safety Fun” count as our monthly mandatory ride? 

Yes. We strongly encourage you to take your child on a second, longer ride as well that weekend.

1. Our next rides

A.    Saturday, October 15 at 9 am.

Safety Fun #2

Mesa Verde Middle School | 8375 Entreken | SD 9212

B.    Sunday, October 16 at 9 am. 

            The Park Village Escape Ride

            Mesa Verde Middle School | 8375 Entreken | SD 9212 at 9 am

●      Always arrive at 8:45 am

●      You need to unload and check your bike, check helmets, sign in etc.

●      We take attendance

●      You will be asked to read and sign the RAC Agreement Form

○      if you have not done so already

●      Always bring

○      helmet

○      water (your child should carry her/his own)

○      a snack

○      a vest with name tag

○      Starting Sunday, October 16, a RAC approved vest with a name tag is mandatory. You will not be able to ride with us if you don’t have a RAC approved vest.

●      Future training ride dates are on the calendar on Rideacrosscalifornia.com

1. More Safety Fun Rides

Safety Fun #3 and #4 on October 22nd and October 23 

●      One is mandatory for all adults, children, and youth support.

●      All Safety Fun rides are identical. You may come to as many as you like.

4.    Looking ahead | December rides

Sat | 3 December | The Night Light Bike Ride

Sun | 11 December | Coastal Fun

Sat | 17 December | The Carmel Country Hill Ride

Mo | 26 December | Escondido Out n Back

Sat | 31 December | The Short Mt Soledad Ride

The Night Light Bike Ride is an evening ride. We decorate our bikes with lights, circle Mission Bay and look amazing. Then we drink hot chocolate. This ride does not count as your mandatory monthly ride (because it’s too short).

5. Payment and scholarship

●      You should have received payment information from Olav.

●      The first payment ($100 per person, non refundable) is due on October 15.

●      We have scholarship money available.

●      For scholarship questions, contact Olav. olav.schroeder@rideacrosscalifornia.com

6. Bike rack for four bikes

            RAC alumni parent Kelly Farrell has a bike rack for four bikes that she is happy to loan to someone for the RAC season. Please contact her directly at 202 420-8445. 

Thank you for your questions. Please keep asking.

Looking forward to seeing you this weekend.

Your friendly RAC volunteer team

Abhi | Ana | Bill | Bob | Christiane | Frans | Hannah | James | Jeff | Joel | Julie | Kate | Kristen | Kumar | Mani | Olav | Praveen | Robert | Sabine and co-founder Dennis

__________________________________________________________________________

You are responsible for knowing RAC rules, procedures and announcements and for sharing all information with your family. Please forward this newsletter.

 Homework: Please practice “power pedal” with your child.

○      Pedal at 10 or 2 o’clock.

○      Don’t sit on your seat.

Beginning in October, you need to ride with us once a month.

●      We offer at least four rides per month.

●      Please plan accordingly.

●      We take attendance. 

The RAC this Week (October 3rd)

Dear Parents

Congratulations to the families who made it off the waitlist. We are so happy to have you.

1.    Because you asked

●      Can dad train with our child until April and mom goes on the RAC? She is an experienced cyclist.

○      No. The parent who is going on the RAC needs to train with the child.

○      We teach and expect specific skills that differ from typical
‘experienced cyclist’ skills. We need all riders to practice these skills.

○      If two parents attend the RAC and want to alternate chase and riding, both need to attend training rides and fulfill requirements.

●      If I am late to a training ride and didn’t check in, can I submit a picture|Strava link to prove I was there?

○      No. Julie (attendance volunteer) does not accept any of these options.

○      Please arrive by 8:45.

●      If my child is busy but I am not, can I come to a training ride without my child?

○    Absolutely. We’d love to have you.

●       What is the RAC?  The slides from the meeting, for those who asked.

●      I am bringing tubeless tires on the RAC. Good idea?

○      Please read Bob’s thoughts on Tubeless Tires .

●      How do we get to the river in Yuma, to the start of the RAC, in April?

○      Arrange with a family member, friend, person who owes you a favor to be driven out there.

○      Arrange to go with a chase family, (Chase families bring a car)

○      Or rent a car in SD, drop off your family at the river, return the car to the Yuma airport and Uber back to the starting point.

○      The RAC will rent a truck that will drive out your luggage (but not your bikes).

2.    Our next ride

Sunday, October 9

The Long Duck Pond Ride   click on the link for more information

Upper YMCA parking lot | 13195 Salmon River Rd | SD 92129

●      Always arrive at 8:45.

●      You need to unload and check your bike, check helmets, sign in etc.

●      We take attendance

●      You will be asked to read and sign the RAC Agreement Form

○      if you have not done so already

●      Always bring

○      helmet

○      water (your child should carry her/his own)

○      a snack

○      a name tag

○      a vest (starting October 16, a RAC approved vest is mandatory ) 

●      Future training ride dates are on the calendar on Rideacrosscalifornia.com

3.    Safety Fun Rides

            October 15,22,23

Safety Fun # 2, 3 and 4 

●      One is mandatory for all adults, children, and youth support.

●      All Safety Fun rides are identical. You may come to as many as you like.

4. Beginning in October, you need to ride with us once a month.

●      We offer at least four rides per month.

●      Please plan accordingly.

●      We take attendance. 

5. Payment and scholarship

By now you should have received registration information from Sabine.

Olav will send out payment information shortly.

The first payment ($100 per person, non refundable) is due on October 15.

We have scholarship money available.

 For scholarship questions, contact Olav directly at olav.schroeder@rideacrosscalifornia.com

6. Homework

Please practice “power pedal” with your child.

●      Pedal is in the 10 or 2 o'clock position.

●      Rides are not seated on sattle.

7.  Friday, April 14 2023

●      finds us in Wynola, where the nights are often cold.

●      Many families opt for a hotel/AirBnB in Wynola or nearby Julian

●      Please make your own hotel and transportation arrangements.

●      You always have the option to camp.

Thank you for your questions. Please keep asking.

Looking forward to seeing you this weekend.

Your friendly RAC volunteer team

Abhi | Ana | Bill | Bob | Christiane | Frans | Hannah | James | Jeff | Joel | Julie | Kate | Kristen | Kumar | Mani | Olav | Praveen | Robert | Sabine and co-founder Dennis

__________________________________________________________________________

You are responsible for knowing RAC rules, procedures and announcements and for sharing all information with your family. Please forward this newsletter.