THE EVENT
These are pre-season rides for those of us sport riders aching to get off our trainers and out onto the roads to get ready for the coming riding season.  Beginning in March and going through April, these rides will be conducted weather and road conditions permitting, and will initially be slow and short to accomodate our "winter legs".  Over the weeks we will progress to more moderate rates and longer distances. In all cases we will stick together and have a good time.  The goal: to build some miles and catch up on what we've been doing over the winter months.  During March we will ride either or both Saturday and Sunday, but in April, when the Heartland Spring Classic rides are on Sundays, we'll ride only on Saturdays.

THE RIDES
These rides are for sport road cyclists. Many of us have older road bikes that we ride on the winter roads, but you are welcome to ride a mountain or cross bike, especially for the rides in early March. Slow speeds are between 14-17 mph; moderate speeds are 16-19 mph. Short distances are between 20-30 miles; longer distances are between 25-40 miles. The speed and distances will not only be determined by the time of the season, but also the weather conditions and the wishes and conditioning of those who are riding that day.

WEATHER CONDITIONS
Each week around Thursday the decison process begins to determine whether or not a ride will go forward. By 11:00 AM on the day of the ride the decision will be made and posted to the Heartland website. These are the minimum conditions for a "GO" for a ride:

• Roads clear and dry, although some snow, ice, slush, salt, sand, gravel is to be expected.
• Temperature above 30 degrees, although sunny, no wind, and 25 degress can be enjoyable too.
• No precipitation, although later in the spring above 40 degrees and gentle rain might be considered ridable.
• Wind less than 25 mph, although gale-force wind with temps above 50 might be a fun and challenging ride, right?

• (empty) No decision has been made yet.
• (yellow) Ride may be on; call me if you want to go.
• (green) Ride is ON; at least one other rider (probably me) will be there.
• (red) Ride is OFF due to weather conditions, scheduling conflicts, or lack of interest.

• There were 4 riders the previous week.

• The course will not be marked on the road.
• You will be responsible for getting yourselves back to the start point. You will need to rely on a map (not provided) if you fall back from, or get out in front of, your group.
• Dress for the weather which can change quickly. Noteworthy are your feet: take special precautions to keep them warm.
• Even though we will be riding on country roads, remaining single file or at most two abreast and on the right side of the road shows respect for motorists, represents our club well and is highly recommended.
• The wearing of an approved helmet is mandatory.