Cancellation of all PPTC Events Until Further Notice

Fellow Pedalers, 

It hasn’t been long since the last communication regarding the region’s COVID-19 outbreak, but a lot has changed in such a short amount of time. The nation and our region are under a state of emergency, with all CDC and WHO guidelines restricting social activity, proximity to others, and asking us to hunker down to help “flatten the curve” of transmission. 

In light of these recent updates, Potomac Pedalers is canceling all group rides effective immediately, at least through the end of this month and until further notice.

What does this mean for us cyclists? 

ALL RIDES LED BY PPTC MEMBERS FROM NOW UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE ARE NOT PPTC SANCTIONED RIDES. This means while you will have access to the club’s Ride with GPS account and member directory to find a route and a buddy, if anything happens to your riders, the liability is on your shoulders. 

Keep active but not in active groups. Ride in abundant sunshine when available, but alone or in VERY small numbers.

If you go out on the roads, I advise you to adopt Ironman’s rule of six bike lengths distance between you and the next rider. There won’t be a road marshal available to hand you a yellow card you and give you a drafting penalty, but the consequences could be far worse for the health of you and other riders close by. 

Keep maintaining the hygiene practices outlined in the previous email if riding. 

Lewes weekend is still on until a further evaluation can be made for the end of April, but Six Pillars Century has been canceled and subsequently any organized activity for Spring Thaw is following suit.

Be on the lookout for some group meetups in Zwift for those who want to stay home, but still get in a ride and chat with other like-minded friends.

I truly understand the frustration and anxiety about the uncertainty of the situation regarding COVID-19. All of Maryland where I live shut down today, and my own personal cycling events have been canceled from now until July, and all done so out of an abundance of caution. But I cannot, under good conscience, risk the health not just of 1700 of my closest cycling friends, but of our surrounding community.

We will be constantly monitoring and reassessing the situation, and will provide updates as they are available.

Be safe, ride healthily.
 

Anne