Our first priority is your Safety and we are
committed to making this event as safe as possible. Many hours have
been, and will be, expended planning for and ensuring your safety on
this ride. It is also imperative that you understand your
responsibilities as a rider. We are in this together, and we must act
responsibly and in accordance with BTB Tour instructions and State and
Local laws. Compliance with BTB Tour instructions, state and traffic
laws are requirements that are intended to prevent injury, save lives
and enhance your tour enjoyment.
-
HELMETS ARE REQUIRED! Failure to wear a
helmet while on a bicycle participating in the tour can result in
expulsion from the tour.
-
Rear View Mirrors are Highly Recommended (not
required).
-
Riding Single File is Highly Recommended.
Never more than two abreast per ND State Law.
-
Vehicles cannot follow or accompany riders for
Safety reasons. Friends or relatives of riders should take a
different route or drive to the destination ahead of the cyclists.
-
No Pets. Please do not bring your pets in
consideration of fellow cyclists.
-
Know and obey all traffic signals, signs,
markings, laws and regulations. Stop at all stop signs. Signal all
turns. Cross only at intersections.
-
Stay alert at all times. Be aware of your
surroundings at all times. Ride in a straight line, and consciously
try to avoid excessive weaving back and forth.
-
Before you stop, make sure no bicycles or motor
vehicles are immediately behind you. Stop at the right edge of the
roadway and immediately move to the shoulder. Stay clear of the
roadway. Stopping is especially dangerous at the crest of a hill or
on a curve.
-
Call out to fellow cyclists when you are going
to pass on the left or right or up the middle. Use terms like “On
Your Left” or “On Your Right” loudly enough to be clearly heard.
-
Pace yourself. Not all riders travel at the
same speed, so don't try to keep up with someone who rides too fast
for you. Riding too fast or in too high a gear is tough on your
knees, heart and lungs.
-
No drafting. Drafting can cause pile-ups. It
is not permitted on the Ride.
-
Always make left turns from the center of the
road.
-
When stopping, let others know of your
intentions by sounding off and using hand signals. Pull to the
right side of the road immediately upon stopping.
-
Always cross railroad tracks at right angles.
-
Avoid open cracks in the road, sand and loose
gravel. Remember to alert Riders behind you of the danger. (You
can do that by calling out "gravel" or "rough road").
-
Cooperate with Ride officials at all times.
Officers, local law enforcement, and BIKE THE BORDER Bicycle Tour
staff (blue T-Shirts) will be patrolling the event - please obey
their instructions and signals.
-
Be especially vigilant when cycling downhill.
Do not “ride” your brakes, apply brakes intermittently.
-
Wear sunglasses whenever possible. Not only do
they keep the sun from distracting you, but the also keep wind and
insects from interfering with your ability to keep your eyes on the
road.
-
Make certain your bike fits you properly. Your
comfort and ability to “go the distance” is influenced by proper
bicycle fit. If you are not sure, have your local bike shop conduct
a bike fitting for you.
-
Wear bright clothing while riding, even during
the day.
-
June weather can be hot, or cool and windy
-
Please bring a sweat shirt or light jacket and rain clothing.