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Happy Easter FriYAY Team!
It’s not the most uplifting topic—but it’s an important one, and one we can’t afford to ignore. As we roll out of race season and into those longer, slower off-season rides, many of us will naturally gravitate toward group rides. There’s the social side, of course, but there’s also comfort in numbers. Riding together adds a layer of visibility and safety that solo riding simply doesn’t provide. That said, we all know there are times when schedules don’t align, and we find ourselves heading out alone—often on quiet roads, and we can be far from home.
A recent tragedy at the 2024 UCI Road World Championships brought this reality into sharp focus. An 18-year-old rider was involved in a crash and, heartbreakingly, remained undiscovered for 82 minutes. While this is an extreme and rare circumstance, it serves as a powerful reminder that when things go wrong on the bike, they can go very wrong—and quickly.
The good news is that technology is on our side more than ever before. Many riders are now using devices like Garmin computers with incident detection, as well as helmets equipped with crash or sudden-impact alerts that notify a nominated contact if something happens. These tools are simple to set up but can make a critical difference when it matters most.
Beyond technology, it’s worth taking a moment to think through your basic safety setup. Front and rear lights—even during daylight hours—significantly improve visibility. Rear-facing cameras are becoming more common and can provide both peace of mind and accountability on the road. And just as importantly, letting someone know your route and expected return time is a habit that costs nothing but can mean everything.
Whilst we still have some races on the calendar this season, in no time we will be heading into the off-season, so lets be prepared! Let’s make bike and equipment safety part of the routine—not an afterthought. Whether you’re rolling with the group or heading out solo, a few small steps can go a long way in ensuring we all get home safely.
Have a happy & safe Easter to all of our athletes and families x
Live Boldly,
Alli |