SLB Cycling Club is an employee, employee family and friends cycling club. 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 consideration membership with us, here are some Frequently Asked Questions that should help you get started in the club.

SIGNING UP FOR RIDES

How do I sign up for a ride?

From the website or using the mobile App select the Ride/Event.

Select the Rider if you are going to Ride. Fill in the information if not already part of your profile. Choose the length of route you think you will ride. Don't worry you can change your mind when signing up on the day 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)?

Our season year is September 1 to August 31. Our deadline for membership is December.

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 to inflate tubes

Water bottles and / or hydration pack with water, electrolyte, sports drink

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 to carry

Cycling shoes - optional, you can work up to these during a season

Appropriate clothing for the weather (hot, cold, rain, shine)

During winter, you may need or want: leg warmers or tights, shoe covers or toe covers, a warm but breathable bike jacket, ear covers or balaclava, long-fingered gloves

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? Only out west? Do they progressively increase in difficulty – start at low/no hills then progress to higher miles/hills?

We ride all over. Mostly west (beginning in Katy & Fulshear and as far as Bastrop), but also some north (New Waverly) and south (Missouri City). 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 by average speed, and all riders roll out within about five minutes. We begin roll out at 8:00am when we ride from January - April.

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. Usually our maps are 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 available 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 3pm the Friday before the ride. This will ensure that we purchase enough food for everyone coming to the ride.

DURING THE RIDE

Is there SAG support? Do you provide a phone number and do they roam the cycling course?

We typically have three SAG drivers on each training ride on the routes. Our route maps for each ride have the cell phone numbers for each SAG driver.

Will there be a place to use the restroom on the ride?

Yes, usually two to three of our rest stops will have a port-a-potty on location. Also, usually there will be restroom facilities or a port-a-potty at the ride start. However, during the summer, please plan to stop at a gas station on the way to the ride start just in case there is no facility for you.

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

About 15-20 miles between rest stops.

What is typically available at a rest stop?

We provide water, Gatorade, fruit (bananas, oranges), trail mix, granola bars, cookies, chocolate bars, etc. Our rest stops do not have tents set up at the 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. We typically do not have law enforcement officers on our rides because most of our ride groups are small enough not to need them. Routes are predominantly back roads and structured to minimize or avoid turns at busy or dangerous intersections.

How are medical emergencies handled?

Our SAG drivers carry first aid kits for minor injuries. In the event of a serious 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.

AFTER THE RIDE

Where do I see my ride mileage?

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