Hello SBC Members and area cyclists,
It has been more than four months since everything closed in March. This time has been uncertain and trying time for all of us. I wish good health and safety for each of you. Have you ever seen a statement like this recently? If so, you probably know what is coming next. Let me take a moment and summarize where we are in COIVD-19 in Illinois and what steps the SBC Board has taken to get back to group riding.
In a similar letter I wrote on May 28, 2020, with the Governor’s announcement that Illinois has moved into Phase 4 (Revitalization) in the Restore Illinois Plan. Since June 27 the Board is trying to determine how to safely move forward to group riding again. In Phase 4 there are two important points to note that allow us to once again move toward group riding: 1) “Gatherings: All gatherings of 50 people or fewer are allowed with this limit subject to change based on latest data & guidance,” and 2) “Outdoor recreation: All outdoor recreation allowed.”
In accordance with the Plan (phases 1 through 4) the Springfield Bicycle Club recommends wearing a face mask if strict adherence to distancing guidelines is not possible. Six feet may not be sufficient distancing when cycling due to factors such as speed, weather, and proximity to others.
We will revise this information, in accordance with public health guidelines, as updates are provided.
The Board is announcing that larger, longer rides, such as the SBC Challenge Rides, not currently take place, but be sure to check out the Summer COIVD Cycling Challenge page on our website.
I am excited to announce that the SBC is reopening Club rides (in limited capacity –see below) after the posting of this announcement!
I am aware that there are small riding groups that have formed through the Springfield cycling community. The Board understands that there are risks being in large groups right now, so outlined below are recommendations that the Club encourages all riders to follow. Each rider should understand that they are riding at their own risk.
Rides will be listed on the Ride Schedules page and on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/spfldcycling/). We will continue to post descriptions with distances and anticipated average speed for each group.
All rides will be the “Show-n-Go” format. Riders should be self-sufficient and able to maintain the average speed in the description. All riders meet at the designated starting point and agree on a destination and determine a route at the time of the ride. Some rides may have a primary point person, but do not anticipate a leader at every ride. If you are a Club member and wish to get credit for the ride, you can either log the miles yourself or contact the Records Keeper.
Guidelines and Precautions for SBC Rides:
- All SBC rides are limited to 50 riders.
- All riders should be symptom free for 14 days. Symptoms include fever, chill, fatigue, cough, upper respiratory infection symptoms, body aches, loss of smell or taste. If you have a fever, STAY HOME!
- Stay at home if you begin to feel unwell, even with mild symptoms such as headache and slight runny nose, until you recover.
- If you have labored breathing or a cough when you take a deep breath, please stay home.
- Riders must wear a cloth mask to prevent droplet spread when distancing is not possible. This is not intended to filter the air, just contain droplets. Bring a spare mask.
- If you must sneeze, cough, blow your nose, etc. drop back and ensure that no one is in your slip stream.
- Bring a handkerchief or rag to carry on the ride. Paper products do not do well when mixed with sweat.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Mind the gap. Ride side by side or more than 20 feet behind. The farther away the better. Distances of 20 feet are likely safe.
- Do not pass water bottles, food, etc.
- Bring enough food and hydration so that convenience store stops are not mandatory. If you do enter a convenience store, wear a mask.
- Keep in mind that most public park restrooms are still closed, and many port-a-johns are no longer along the trail.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects (handlebars, water bottles, etc.) after the ride using a regular household detergent and water prior to disinfection.
Be Safe. Be Well.
Wave to me when you see me pass.
Troy Gilmore
Acting President
Springfield Bicycle Club
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