As of 10:20 a.m. 4/18 I am hoping and planning for a window of rideable weather this afternoon 4/18. Join me for a cool afternoon ride, Bob W.

Given the current weather forecast for Tuesday 4/18, it looks a little questionable with morning snow and a high of 48. If a cancellation or postponement is necessary it will be posted here and a cancellation email will be sent out to all who have RSVP'd no later than 11:00 AM of the ride day.

Our route will be decided as we gather. I will be at Silver Park by 1:15 to begin check-in of the riders for this fourth of this season's rides. We will try to leave Silver Park as soon after 1:30 PM as possible. As another early season ride and to accommodate our retired riders who want to enjoy a slow paced ride we will be riding at a pace comfortable for our slowest riders. No one will be left behind.

While this ride is targeted towards UM Retirees, it is open to all MBC members. Please remember that these rides will be slow to moderate pace and minimal elevation change. Please RSVP if you’re considering joining the ride so that you will be provided the leader's contact information and can be informed of any late-breaking changes (e.g., weather-related cancellation/postponement).

• Ride name:  MBC UM Retirees Ride 4/18/2023
• Date: April 18, 2023
• Start time: 1:30 PM
• Gathering place: Silver Park east parking lot near the ball park
• Distance in miles: 11
• Pace:  Slow to Moderate 9 - 12 MPH
• Planned stops: Short stop at Bella Vista Pavilion in Fort Missoula
• Leader: name - leader contact information will be provided in the autoresponse email you will receive after you RSVP below.

We invite anyone to join us and discover the joy of riding with a companionable group of like minded bicyclists. Our insurance requires that all participants sign a waiver. Members may participate in MBC rides as often as they like after signing a waiver that covers the entire year. First-time participants may try out MBC as a guest on a ride with us and will be warmly welcomed, then must join to go on any future rides. If you would like to continue riding with us during the 2023 biking season please become a member.

Rider requirements and responsibilities:

• A helmet is required for all participants.
• All participants will be asked to sign an acknowledgement of risk (once per calendar year).
• Riders under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or person with an authorized parental waiver dated for the specific ride.
• All participants must check-in with the ride leader.
• While we are riding as a group, each individual rider is responsible for complying with all traffic regulations as an independent vehicle operator.
• Show courtesy and respect the Rights of Others by:
  • projecting a good public image and encourage responsible riding;
  • exhibiting considerate behavior towards other riders, pedestrians, motorists and the public showing respect, courtesy, responsibility and due regard for the rights of others.
  • avoiding confrontations and report incidents to the police as appropriate.
  • avoiding language that is obscene, insulting or threatening, even when provoked.
• For safety the use of earbuds or headphones while on a group ride is discouraged.
• For safety the use of "Aero bars" while on a group ride is discouraged.
• It is strongly recommended that each rider have a spare innertube that fits their rims and tire. Flats do happen!!
• Due to continuing COVID-19 considerations please bring a face mask for times when we may not be able to maintain safe distances. We will also be maintaining appropriate distances between riders during the ride.

IMPORTANT NOTICE - E-Bike restrictions on Missoula Bicycle Club rides:

We will welcome e-bike users to participate in MBC events as long as the e-bike is classified as a Class 1 e-bike. Class 1 e-bikes will engage the electric motor only when the bike is being pedaled by the rider and will disengage the electric motor when the speed exceeds 20 miles per hour. If your e-bike does not meet these qualifications, do not bring it to an MBC ride. You can review or complete policy definition "Definition of Vehicles Permitted in MBC Sponsored Events" using the preceding link.

When submitting your RSVP, please note that the number box below "How many other people, other than yourself, are you bringing?" is asking for additional people other than your self. A zero already includes yourself as 1.