A Few Tips

• These are long days of hard riding on the most challenging paved roads in the nation. Make absolutely sure that you and your bike are up to the task. All maintenance and repairs should be reasonably up to date, and your tires should be reasonably fresh. Proper riding gear, including a full-face helmet, gloves and jacket, is essential -- you're going to be in a world of hurt if you try this ride in a black t-shirt and biker beanie. Plus, we will laugh at you.
  
  
• We will meet and ride no matter what the weather (except maybe a blizzard). However, we will likely postpone departure times and/or shorten or change routes if the weather is very bad. It usually rains on us at least once or twice, but riding is still quite enjoyable with decent rain gear. No hiding in the hotel, Princess -- you won't melt, and spotty chrome never killed anyone. Mountain weather can and does change rapidly depending on terrain and elevation. Be alert, and always pack along rain gear and an extra layer or two. When it's blazing hot in the valleys, it can be damp and chilly at higher elevations.
  
  
• Riding in larger groups or riding in any kind of formation is EXTREMELY dangerous and is STRONGLY discouraged. These are mostly small, two-lane roads, often with hidden hazards and poor sightlines, so you MUST maintain the clearance to move left or right, accelerate, and brake independently as needed. Ride your own ride, ride single file, and leave plenty of space (at least a schoolbus' length) between riders. Blocking or impeding traffic in any way is illegal. This ain't a freakin' parade. Wave and smile to kids in minivans when you pass.
  
  
• Stay hydrated, and bring or buy snacks along the way. You'll be using a lot of energy and concentrating hard. If it's really hot, pay close attention to your temperature, mental state, and hydration.
  
  
• Most local and county roads in this area are in poor condition or are not paved, not marked, and never seem to go where you think anyway, so shortcuts on local roads are not usually worthwhile. TOP TIP: If you get in a group led by one of the locals, we'll sometimes take a scenic backroad for variety.
  
  
• There are no dancing girls or scenery at the gas stops, so there's no point to hanging around chit-chatting. Gas stops are excellent opportunities to change groups if you're scared stiff or bored silly, or if you just want to look at some different bikes for a while.