What to Do After a Bicycle Crash in Middle TN

The vast majority of bicycle rides end without incident. But unfortunately, even the most experienced cyclist can be involved in a crash. Some of the best ways to prevent crashes are to follow local cycling laws.

In Tennessee, bicycles are considered vehicles, so cyclists are subject to all applicable rules of the road. You should obey traffic signs and signals, communicate upcoming turns and other actions using hand motions (when safe to do so), and equip the front of your bicycles with a white light visible at 500 feet and the rear with a red reflector/lamp visible from 50 feet away. The latter requirement is used to increase your visibility around motorists at night.

State law requires motorists to exercise due care around bicycles. They must keep at least three feet between the car and the cyclist when they pass, and even be careful when opening their car door. Continue reading →

Group Riding: Smart & Safe

Riding in a group is beneficial in many ways, here are some of the many tips you can learn at Monday night Ride Clinics with George Powell.

•Look Ahead – Focus your attention on what is in front of you, do not look at those you are IMG_1110talking to.

•DO NOT OVERLAP your front wheel – If your front wheel hits the cyclist in front, you WILL go down. Give yourself room to maneuver, approximately 18 to 24 inches from the cyclist in front of you.

•Be Predictable – Keep your line, don’t brake or speed up suddenly.

•Communicate – Indicate clearly what you plan to do by speaking and pointing. Also communicate hazards: cars, dogs, potholes, debris. Continue reading →

Deepest Sympathy to the Family of Tom Leanza (1958-2016)

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Tom Leanza and his wife, Connie

We are so saddened to hear of the recent death of a long-time HRBike club member, Tom Leanza. Tom lost his battle with cancer on June 22.

In celebration of Tom’s life, we will have a nice easy paced memorial bike ride leaving from Frazier McEwen park at 8 am, Saturday June 25, this is prior to Tom’s funeral. Tim Harrison will lead this ride, all levels of bike riders are welcome, see the website calendar for details. 

The funeral arrangements for Tom are as follows: visitation will be held on Saturday, June 25th, 2016 from 12:00-3:00pm at Kilgore Funeral Home with the funeral service to immediately follow at 3:00pm. For those who wish, in lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Mach Tenn Running Club. 
Continue reading →