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Ride guidelines

All participants in NCC groups rides are required to sign a waiver. This is done when you sign up for a ride. You can also sign the waiver online here.

Each ride will have at least one designated ride leader, who has the authority to enforce rules if needed.  

Before the start:

  • Choose a ride at your speed/skill level and sign up using the calendar. 
  • Do a full bike readiness check: make sure mechanical systems are in working order and tires are in good condition.
  • Carry the tools to repair a flat tire (in town, there are fix stations).
  • Bring enough liquids and carbs to fuel your ride.
  • Wear sunscreen if needed.
  • If the weather is questionable, ride leaders will send out updates by email to registered riders.
  • Listen to directions and instructions from ride leaders their job is to get you home safely!
  • Don’t wear earbuds or anything else that might impair your hearing.
  • Carry some type of identification including emergency contact information, such as a ROAD iD.

During the ride, the club has three basic rules that all riders must comply with for the safety of everyone.

  • Keep it SAFE
    • Stay double or single file, call out obstacles, no sudden accelerations or braking
    • The yellow line rule applies under all circumstances (don’t cross the yellow line or the road center line)
    • Always follow the rules of the road, i.e., stop at stop signs, red lights, give pedestrians in walkways the right-of-way, etc. If in doubt, read the Massachusetts Bike Laws Summary
    • Ride single file out of town.
    • Riders should be single file except when the width of the road or shoulder allows for side by side riding.
    • When passing slower riders, always pass on the left.
    • Riders should be as far right as is safe to do so, preferably to the right of the white line.
    • When pulling to the left (when passing slower riders or descending back from the front of a pace line) always look back first.
  • Keep it STEADY
    • Keep the agreed upon pace. Don’t jump the group. Don’t take a longer pull that slows the group down. Feel free to sit out a pull
    • Don’t overlap wheels with the rider in front of you. The forward rider needs the ability to avoid road hazards without hitting you!
    • When riding in a pace line, keep your speed consistent
    • Point out road debris and dangerous conditions to riders behind you
  • Keep it SUPPORTIVE
    • We’re here to have fun, look out for one another – slow down to support the group and watch for stragglers.
    • Don’t be shy: ask questions, speak up!
    • We aim to have fun, friendly, responsible and inclusive rides. Non-members are welcome on all of our club rides up to two times a year.


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