Monday, January 12, 2009

Principles

While on rides this week I've given this potential 'cycling society' some more thought. Although I'm loath to be some type of director/president/chairman/master, I do think these principles of this undertaking should be considered. I have no, no, clue the response that this endeavor will bring, but I do strongly hope that these principles will be the ones followed if this is to be something new and exciting. And so.

The RCCS will:
  • make every effort for all rides to be group rides. The group should stay together as best as possible b/c it wants to stay together.
  • provide interesting experiences on and off the bike, ones that include history, nature, and camaraderie at a reasonable pace
  • ride at "Goldilocks" speed- not too fast, not too slow. Beginners should understand that these aren't necessarily designed for beginners, but they do not exclude them. Know your equipment and have some miles in the legs. And more importantly, have a spirit of adventure and curiosity.
  • stop for food and/or libations, whether they be water, soda, coffee or worse. A bike lock is a very good suggestion.
The RCCS may:
  • hike-n-bike, clamber, stop-n-study, and take many photo moments. For this reason, sturdy, walkable shoes are a good idea. Platform pedals are an excellent idea, but not a requirement.
  • ride in any weather possible, with the exception being ice.
  • visit many locations in Kentuckiana, not just ones in the 'River City' (i.e. Louisville).
  • discuss and promote bicycle commuting and the bicycle as a society-improving instrument.
  • visit historical sites, explore nature and our natural resources (i.e. parks, preserves, etc.), and give pause when needed.
  • make every effort to include "mixed terrain rides", including trails, gravel roads, off-the-beaten paths, alleys and such. Fat and sturdy tires are suggested, but not required.
The RCCS will probably not:
  • ride in pacelines.
  • be very interested in miles per hour, lactate threshold, or maximum heart rate.
  • drop people.
  • have officers, by-laws, bureaucracy or dues.

These are thoughts, but these are thoughts I've been thinking now for a while. A group built on these principles would be cool as hell and would benefit the local cycling community. Perhaps it never goes anywhere, but we'll do the 1st ride and if we have fun, we'll do another one. More to come soon, but the date will be January and the route will be the one previously mentioned, although not in detail.

1 comment:

  1. I like what you have to say so far. In fact, it seems like all that is necessary.

    ReplyDelete