Dharmawheels - Buddhist Bicycle Pilgrimage

Q: Who hosts the practice rides?
A: Dharmawheels lists practice rides on its website and email list as a convenience to the community in order to aid like-minded cyclists in meeting, training and forming community for the Buddhist Bicycle Pilgrimage and throughout the year. Training rides are not sponsored by Dharmawheels, nor does Dharmawheels offer insurance or assume any liability. These rides are organized informally by individuals like you. 

Q: How do I host a ride?
A: Once you've registered on the DharmaWheels yahoo group , you can host a ride and invite others. However, please check the schedule of available rides to make sure your proposed ride doesn't conflict with another ride (in terms of time and geographic area) that has been previously planned.

Q: How do I join a ride?
A: To join a ride, you will need to register on the dharmawheel.org website itself (lower left hand corner)  and then click on available practice rides to join.

Q: How do I design a ride?
A: We encourage all practice rides to focus on helping beginners get up and over the hump, with every ride to include both a shorter route and a longer route. Short and long routes can be timed so that the entire group can reunite for a fun lunch. Typically, a shorter routes should begin at about 20-25 miles in June and build up to over 50 miles by September. They are configured to turn beginners into "in-shape" cyclists. The short route leader should ride slowly at the back of the pack (7-8 mph average) to make sure no one gets lost or "dropped" and to provide tips and pointers for beginners. Longer routes can begin at 50+ miles and are configured for more seasoned riders.

Q: Will there be SAG (support and gear) vehicles in case I can't finish or get injured?
A: While such support is offered on the Buddhist Bicycle Pilgrimage, it's NOT offered on training rides. These are informal get-togethers and are not officially sponsored by DharmaWheels. In any case -- in ALL cases -- you should be as self-reliant as possible. This means bringing, minimally, the following:

1. HELMET,
2. a spare tube or patch kit,
3. a pump or other means of filling a tube,
4. appropriate clothing (gloves and cycling-specific clothing are highly recommended),
5. money,
6. I.D. and health insurance card,
7. medications or first aid supplies you might require,
8. cell phone for emergencies (but service is often not available in areas we ride),
9. a map (if you aren't' familiar with the route).

Finally, try to always ride with a partner or partners in the group.

Riding in a large group can be fun!