Originally Posted by
urbanknight
It depends on the situation in my opinion. For example, I lived in Agoura during my youth, and did most of my training rides from home. Of course, my training routes include roads desirable for road biking, or I wouldn't have done them day in/day out. Does that mean I shouldn't be allowed to ride the PUBLIC ROADS near my home on the day of Cruisin' the Conejo just because they pulled a permit to make an organized ride on them? The roads are open to the public, but the SAG stops are not.
I can see it being unethical if the person went directly to the start and utilized the markings to find his/her way through the exact course because they were too lazy to plan the route themselves or look up people's personal routes, but even that isn't illegal.
You might even be able to advance an arguement that you are doing the right thing by following their route. Since there are ready lots of bikes on the road you are employing the safety in numbers thing. Police might even be positioned along the route to help with traffic control. If I was out riding somewhere else and needed assistance it might create a strain on emergency services in the area.
For the record I have paid for every organized ride that I have been on, I just wouldn't think it was the greatest tradegy in world if someone rides the route on the same day. Just don't use the SAG services.