I hesitated for a long time before joining the infamous HQM ride as I was afraid of getting dropped in the middle of nowhere, alone and 30 – 50km out of town is not fun. But an old friend of mine, TS who is a regular brought me along and showed me around. It was a good experience.
Soon as I got familiar, I started to chase, and with the chase I witness a couple of near misses and a few crashes. Majority of the accidents could have been avoided if we had more respect for the road and even more for fellow cycling mates. There are rules to what is a good riding etiquette on SCO. Perhaps it’s never been read despite hard work from Jens, Justin and the rest who put this together. Please take some time to read the following.
The Fast Group has always existed in HQM, and the numbers are swelling with more and more newcomers joining. Kudos to John who has volunteered to lead the Intermediate Group. But with a mixed group it has never been Fast, Mid Speed or Slow. It’s all out, get bonked and crawl you way home. It’s not fun and it’s bloody dangerous.
Today is no different, it’s bloody hot, 0600hrs was supposed to be for the Intermediate Group, but Ultra fast, fast, hanging on for dear life group joined in and the pack rolled out pushing 40km/h, everyone sped by as I joined them on the first climb, and I was taking some pictures before I realise I had to be safe and kept the camera.
Everything went dangerously well as we sped pass Outlets, and pass Sheshan and the pack started to break up a little. There was a mixture of the regulars and some fresh faces in the pack. Then at some point a huge wooden block the size of a skateboard was left in the middle of the bike path, we shouted out, rode by and shortly after that there were shouts to stop, and there was a 4 bike pile up at the back. Glen was seriously injured, the rest escaped with light bruises and continued riding.
The Ride Leaders were around and made arrangements for Glen to be sent back for treatment.
HQM rides can be for everyone if you know your limits, and join the right group. Putting yourself in the wrong group wouldn’t be an enjoyable experience. And at times you could eve endanger the lives of fellow cyclist around you.
Communication is key to safe riding, what happened today could have been avoided if we observed the following:
Come early and introduce yourself
There are several volunteer Ride Leaders at each ride, Justin, Luca, Michael, John and myself. We can advise you on the group you should join or the rules of riding in the peloton if you are unsure.
Announce hazards
There may well be occasions where situations demand that you call out a hazard to avoid incidents. Bear in mind that there could be riders several metres behind you who cannot see the hazard. This could be anything ranging from a dog or some e-bikes running out at the junction, to accidentally dropping a bottle in the middle of the bunch. Call “Dog”, “Bike”, “Bottle” and if you have dropped a bottle don’t stop.
Signal
Where there are situations that need pointing out such as turning, stopping, potholes, glass, train tracks, you can do by signalling. The signal is passed from rider to rider going back. Please pass it on!
HQM or any group ride isn’t a race, we’re not here to prove anything. Cycling is something we all enjoy and our goal is to keep riding and encourage more people to join in. SAFETY IS NO.1 PRIORITY!
Lastly without debate. Wear a helmet! Like Glen he will live to ride another day!
Get well soon Glen!
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