FullGas

guess I don't have a vested interest in playing by rules established by people just to satisfy their control issues.

when you get to the point of telling riders what color attire is permissible and what tools must be carried, I'm out...

in 50+ years of riding, I've never owned a multi-tool, so the 'safety' justification seems weak.

1989Pre 

+1

NYMXer

I guess you've never broke a derailleur or chain and was glad to have a chain breaker handy, or loose/out of adjustment saddle, misaligned stem after a fall and more? I'm only suggesting some items and points of group safety, but if you prefer to ride solo, then why protest so loudly?

Some people get it right away, some take some time and others, well, they never get it. Ignorance, stubbornness, ego and many other reasons come to mind but to think that nothing in this thread makes sense to you speaks louder than if your reply quoting me was all in capital letters.

Personally, I don't care what you do or don't do when you ride your bike as long as you do not jeopardize the welfare of others sharing the roads with you. If you can't agree with anything in this thread, then why continue to post in it? Don't leave mad, just leave!

FullGas

the requirement to wear a helmet is practical. after that, pretty sure most riders can figure out what color jersey they want to wear and what tools they need to bring without some self-appointed safety nanny prescribing a lengthy laundry list of inane 'rules'...

NYMXer

No one is "self appointed", all we are doing is contributing our thoughts to a thread on BF. If you don't agree or like the contents, then stop looking at it. Seems simple but will your thick head allow you to look away or are you just compelled to stir the pot?
I mean, REALLY...... what is your deal? Are you so anti social that even bad attentions feels good to you?

FullGas

simply pointing out that being over-zealous and implementing numerous unnecessary requirements likely doesn't improve safety or enjoyment.

citing Darwinism implies that you feel people are intellectually unable to show up for a ride and not cause mayhem without being force-fed a myriad of rules. which is really not a good place to start from...

and your personal insults are probably against the TOS, try to just stay on topic.

NYMXer

We just seem to see things from opposite spectrum's and will never agree. So, I wish you all the best but I'm not going to engage in on line arguments with you, as that seems to be your only objective here.

baron von trail 

This tells me exactly why I do not do club rides. Thanks.

Chris0516

In my locale, the one major regional bike club, and all the local non-club group rides, helmets and I.D. are a must. The faster the ride speed level. The less of a chance. That they will wait for riders to re-group. Blinkies and headlights are only required for evening rides.

up on two

Some good suggestions made in this thread, enough to possibly save a few some injuries this year. I read them all as suggestions, except for the guy who thinks they are mandatory and he is against being told what rules to follow, most comments are pro basic and common sense rules.
For me, it is talking with your fellows riders about dangers up ahead, cars pulling out of driveways, passing on the L or R, wear a helmet while expecting the unexpected.

jefnvk

Just out of curiosity, are you fine if no one stops and helps you because you didn't feel the need to carry tools to take care of simple fixes? If not, you are forcing someone else to give up their time riding to fix your problem, I have met people that have the expectation that "someone else" will always have what they need, so why bother having it themselves?

While many rules are undoubtedly there to justify "control issues", others are there for the opposite reason, because many people have no concern for anyone but #1 , and cannot control themselves in an appropriate manner around others.

In any case, I generally agree with you, it is why I like solo riding.

FullGas

you misunderstand...I carry adequate road-side repair items and as someone who rides solo 90% of the time, am totally comfortable with my self-sufficiency.

my objection was to the needlessly specific requirements. demanding riders carry a 'multi-tool' is a bit much...I've somehow managed to log 100+K miles without one of those.

the penchant for ride organizers to attempt to idiot-proof events using countless 'rules' is an annoyance. when it gets down to the point of restricting the color of jerseys, the type and number of lights, tools, ad nauseum, then it's time for some of us to avoid the Borg and ride on our own.

jefnvk

Oh, I didn't mean to imply that you weren't, it was more of a rhetorical. After 50+ years riding, I figured well that you can take care of yourself

That said, I have met the people that simply are of the mindset that someone else will have the spare they need, someone else will be able to fix their breaks, etc. I can easily see where such a rule could come from. Specificity can be problematic, though, if they are going to the level of carrying a specific multi-tool, instead of telling folks they need to be able to deal with changing a tire or fixing a broken chain or similar.

But yeah, riding alone is much more peaceful for me. I enjoy the charity/community rides when I want to ride with a group, otherwise I have no issues just taking off by myself or with the fiancee and doing what I want!