FAQS
I want to participate more in the club. What do I need to do? First step is come to the club meetings. Then talk to the club officers about what needs to be done or what you’d like to do.
When do the Yellow Jackets Ride? The Yellowjackets have scheduled rides every Saturday all year long. We also have “Decide-and-Ride” rides on most major holidays. The schedule and ride details can be found on the Ride Calendar page.
Do the Yellowjackets follow traffic laws?
Yes. For more information check out our Cycling Safety Guide Lines page.
How do I know what group to ride with? Review the different groups on the About Us page. Based on the information there, you can determine roughly what group you should start with. If you have any doubts, choose a lower group. You can always change later.
How will I know when to advance to another group? Historically, riders will join the next group up on a ride to see if they are ready. When you make the decision to give it a try you should inform both the leaders of your regular group and the group you wish to join. The leader of the group you are aspiring to should be sure to look out for you on that ride.
Where do OYJ rides start? Many of our rides start from Lake Merritt, but we have rides that start all over the Bay Area. Be sure to check the RIDE CALENDAR page for the start location before you head out for ride with us.
What should I bring with me on a ride? YOU MUST HAVE AND WEAR A HELMET. You will also want to consider bringing the following:
- Proper cycling gear.
- Two full water bottles.
- Enough food to get you through the ride: bars, gus, bananas, etc.
- Gear to change a flat: small frame pump or CO2 kit, tire levers or irons, and a patch kit and/or innertube.
- Identification.
- Cash to buy food/water.
- Credit card for emergencies.
- Route Sheet for that day’s ride.
Do I need to know how to change or fix a flat? Absolutely. Chances are if you ride long enough, you’re going to get a flat. You shouldn’t rely on other members to fix it for you. If you don’t know how, ask someone in the club to show you. Watch when someone else in the group gets a flat and see how it’s done. There are free clinics at The Missing Link, REI, The Sports Basement and other local bike shops. There are also videos online, where you can learn the basics, but nothing compares to actually changing one yourself.
What happens if I get a flat or can’t keep up with the pace? Will I get left behind? We are not a racing team. Our “no-drop” policy ensures that even the slowest cyclists will always ride accompanied.