Inclement Weather Policy
Riders are urged to use common sense and good judgment when deciding whether to embark on, or continue, bicycle rides in inclement weather or when a high heat index has been posted by the National Weather Service.
In rainy conditions, pavement and any metal material, like manhole covers and railroad tracks, can become slick. In additions, braking distance is greatly increased and visibility can be severely compromised. Puddles can conceal potholes and other defects in the road surface. Auto drivers may have a difficult time seeing riders on the roadway.
In windy conditions, tree limbs can fall unexpectedly either onto the roadway or onto bicycle riders. Bike control may be hard to maintain, particularly with crosswinds.
If the weather looks at all threatening, be sure to check local media outlets or the national weather service before starting a bike ride. Kalamazoo Bicycle Club policy with respect to National Weather Service severe weather warnings is as follows:
In the event of a TORNADO WARNING – where a tornado or funnel cloud has been sighted in the area, or has been identified on radar – all KBC events, including regular club rides, time trials and special rides will automatically be canceled.
In the event of a TORNADO WATCH – where conditions are conducive to tornado formation – or a severe thunderstorm warning, riders may ride regular evening club rides at their own risk. Club ride leaders might not be present at times when tornado watches and severe thunderstorm warnings have been posted. Club rides, time trials and special rides may be canceled in the event of a tornado watch or severe thunderstorm notification, at the discretion of the ride leader or event organizer.
Member's Ride Maps
KBC member Terry Butcher has been kind enough to share ten of his local ride maps, ranging in distance from about 31 to 132 miles. The maps appear on the website mapmyride.com, and most start from Breakaway Bicycles in Portage. Here’s the link to his library: http://www.mapmyride.com/profile/broncoterry/ . Once you get to his home page, click on “routes” and the individual maps will appear.
Bear in mind that some of these rides were mapped a while ago and conditions may have changed (road surface degradation, for instance) in the interim. But give one or two of them a try sometime and discover some new riding venues in the Kalamazoo area.
As KBC webmaster I am grateful for Terry making this resource available to the club. If others would like to share any routes they have please email me at webmaster@kalamazoobicycleclub.org.