By participating in club outings, participants confirm that they have read the rules and safety instructions below. For your own safety, it is also imperative to respect the conditions related to insurances. We will refuse the departure or the homologation of the Brevet in the event of non-respect of the directives of the club.
We also remind you that it is your responsibility to ensure that you are in adequate health and physical condition before embarking on long distance cycling. If in doubt, we encourage you to consult a medical professional who will be able to prescribe the appropriate examinations, for example a cardiac stress test.
Autonomy
Each participant must provide himself with everything required for the fulfillment of his outing. No organized service of trainers, or follower car, is authorized on the course outside the checkpoints.
Equipment
Each participant is considered to be on a personal tour and must follow the rules of the road. Cyclists must provide their own equipment and supplies.
Participants should be aware that for brevets over 300 km, some of the route is travelled at night and that many convenience stores and restaurants are closed between 9:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. in small towns. They should also plan to ride in adverse weather conditions and have the necessary equipment.
Cyclists should have tools and equipment to repair their bikes in case of a flat tire or other mechanical problems.
Safety and lighting
At all times, participants must have a bicycle that complies with the Quebec Highway Safety Code.
For night riding, bicycles must be equipped with front and rear lights that are securely attached and in constant working order (spare bulbs/batteries/USB rechargeable battery pack; dual lighting is recommended). The use of fully flashing rear lights is prohibited.
Each participant is required to turn on his or her lighting as soon as it gets dark, as well as at any time when visibility is not sufficient (rain, fog, etc.); even in groups where everyone must be lit.
At night, light-colored clothing are recommended and the wearing of a reflective vest or harness is mandatory.
The organizers reserve the right to refuse to start a participant whose bike is not in good condition or whose lighting does not comply with the above-mentioned regulations.
Riding in peloton
Long-distance cycling is done more often than not alone, especially when the distance of outings increases and when everyone rides at their own pace. Despite everything, it often happens that pelotons form during our outings.
Basic behaviors:
- Be predictable and consistent in your conduct. Avoid left-right handlebar strikes. Warn when you slow down. Warn that you are going to swerve and move to the side to slow down.
- Take responsibility for the safety of the people around us. Be attentive, particularly in the case of the person in front of the peloton, who must guide and signal.
- Be respectful of other users of the road or bike path.
- Relay the signals to the rear of the peloton, by gestures or otherwise verbally.
- If possible: eat and rummage in your pockets/bags when you are behind the peloton.
- Avoid riding the wheel of the person in front, and leave a safe space of about half a wheel in length.