SLB Cycling Club is a cycling club for employees, employees' families, and friends. Our members are expected to share a commitment to safe and courteous cycling, fundraising for the MS150, enjoyment of the sport, and volunteering to support club activities. We welcome members who share our passion for riding to join our great club.

To help new members and anyone considering membership with us, here are some Frequently Asked Questions that should help you get started in the club.

What is the average number of riders in each of the training rides?

• From January to April, we have 40 to 60 riders. Our ridership is lower during the summer ride series, between 15 and 25.

SIGNING UP FOR RIDES

How do I sign up for a ride?

• Select the Ride/Event from the website or the mobile app.
• Select the Rider if you are going to Ride. Fill in the information if it is not already part of your profile. Choose the length of the route you think you will ride. Don't worry; you can change your mind when signing up on the day of or even during the ride.
• Select one of the Volunteer positions (you can Ride and volunteer for some positions such as Food Purchase, OIC)

How do I un-register for a ride I signed up for?

There are two ways to un-register for a ride.

1. Visit your My Membership page > scroll to the "My Ride Summary" section > click the "Unregister" button next to the upcoming ride. -OR-
2. Go to the ride event page > scroll to the bottom > on the "Participants" tab, click the "Unregister" button next to your name.

I signed up for the wrong mileage on an upcoming ride. How do I change that?

• Follow the instructions in the previous question to unregister from the ride. Then, re-register for the ride, selecting the new mileage of your choice.

Do I need to wait until January to become a member since it is an annual membership (Jan – Dec)?

• Your membership relates to our season year, September 1 to August 31, versus a calendar year.

BEFORE THE RIDE

What do I bring on a ride?

• Bike - a bike shop can help you with service if you haven't maintained yours in a while.
• Helmet - REQUIRED: you cannot participate without this.
• ID - driver's license.
• Health insurance card.
• Credit card and $10 - $20 cash.
• Cell phone.
• Tubes and tools to fix flats.
• Pump or CO2 cartilages with a connector to inflate tubes.
• You should carry water bottles or a hydration pack with water, electrolytes, or a sports drink. Avoid sugary sports drinks, especially in the heat.
• Snacks of your choice (in case you miss a rest stop or create one of your own).
• Sunscreen.
• An open attitude and a willingness to learn!

What do I wear on a ride?

• Helmet - REQUIRED: you cannot participate without this.
• Gloves.
• Sunglasses/eye protection.
• Padded cycling shorts - cycling's little secret: no underwear between you and your cycling shorts.
• Cycling jersey - offers storage pockets for all the gear you need.
• Cycling shoes are optional; you can work up to these during the season, especially if you are new to cycling.
• Wear appropriate clothing for the weather (hot, cold, rain, shine). If you have the room, it is recommended that you keep your gear in your vehicle. Remember, while it may be one temperature at your house, it could be completely different at the ride location.
• You may want leg warmers or tights, shoe or toe covers, a warm but breathable bike jacket, ear covers or balaclavas, and long-finger gloves during winter.
• Layering is an effective way to kit up: your base should be a wicking fabric (poly or wool, not cotton).

Where are the training rides? Do they progressively increase in difficulty—start at low miles with no hills and then progress to higher miles with hills?

• We ride all over the Houston metropolitan area. We begin in Katy & Fulshear and work west as far as Sommerville. We also ride north of Houston in Montgomery and New Waverly. Our final ride before the Texas MS150 is typically south in Rosharon. We start flat and shorter and progressively add distance and hills through the season.

Do training rides have varying distances or staggered start times by average speed?

• We provide three route options on most rides: Short (20-35 mi), Medium (30-45 mi), and Long (45-60 mi). Our rides begin with riders leaving the start at average speed, and all riders roll out within five minutes. From January to April, we start rolling out between 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 a.m., depending on the fog and sunrise.

How do I find the ride map?

• Go to the ride event page. On the right side, under "Downloads," you will have access to PDF and GPX files to download. Our maps are usually updated by Thursday before the ride. Make sure you have the right PDF map and GPX files! Check the date on the PDF map in the SAG driver info box before printing and bringing it to the ride.

How do I find the ride start location?

• The bottom of the ride event page includes the name and address of the start location. Also, the ride map in the "Downloads" section on the ride event page has driving directions to the ride start.

When do I need to sign up for the ride?

• Please register for a ride by 3:00 p.m. on Friday before the ride. This will ensure that we purchase enough food for everyone attending the ride.

DURING THE RIDE

Is there SAG Support & Gear on the route? Do you provide a phone number, or do they only roam the cycling course?

• We try to have up to three SAG drivers on each training ride on the routes. Our route maps for each ride will include each SAG driver's cell phone number.

Are there port-a-potties at the rest stops, or do you structure your rides around convenience stores (with restrooms)?

• During our main training season, from January to April, we try to place two to three port-a-potties along our route. Most of our rides also pass gas stations with toilets. During the summer, please plan to stop at a gas station on the way to the ride start, just in case you have no facility.

What is the average distance between rest stops on the training rides?

• Between 10 and 15 miles between rest stops.

What does a typical rest stop consist of?

• We provide water, Gatorade, fruit (bananas, oranges), trail mix, granola bars, cookies, chocolate bars, etc. Our rest stops do not have tents at the rest stop locations.

Are the training rides coordinated with or supported by local law enforcement, like police officers standing at busy intersections to help cross intersections?

• We coordinate our ride routes with local law enforcement but do not have law enforcement officers dedicated to our rides. It is crucial to follow the rules of the road and stop at all stop signs and red signal lights. Our routes are predominantly on back roads structured to minimize or avoid turns at busy or dangerous intersections.

How are medical emergencies handled?

• Our SAG drivers carry a first aid kit for minor injuries. In the event of a severe injury, our riders and SAG drivers know to call 911 for EMS. Our SAG drivers also carry information for your preferred emergency contact, and we will contact that person as soon as we call 911 on your behalf. Please make sure your emergency contact is current on each ride.

AFTER THE RIDE

Where do I see my ride mileage?

• Visit your My Membership page and look under "My Ride Summary." Wait until Monday after the ride to see your list of confirmed rides and ride mileage. Our officers are volunteers, and we need time to verify your ride route.

Who do I contact if something is not correct on My Ride Summary?

• Contact our historian with questions or concerns about your ride history information.