It is with regret that the Board of Directors of Memphis Hightailers Bicycle Club has made the decision to suspend all club supported rides and activities until the end of March. This includes club meetings, classes, and regularly scheduled rides. We will continue to monitor the situation and make updates as needed. This was a very difficult decision as we all want to ride our bicycles with our friends as much as you do.
The safety and continued good health of MHBC participants and volunteers, and the cycling community as a whole, is your club's primary concern. We have been monitoring the situation closely and feel it would be irresponsible to continue to hold these group gatherings during this health emergency. We do ride in relatively close proximity to one another and it is difficult, if not impossible, to maintain the distance recommended by public health officials.
States of Emergency & Disaster have been declared at the national level. Many, if not most, major sports organizations have suspended seasons and cancelled events in order to help prevent the spread of this disease.
For many of us, our jobs have gone remote to reduce the risk of contact with possibly infected individuals. “Social Distancing” has not only become a new term for us, but is now a way of life, to stop or slow down the spread of this highly contagious disease.
If you do continue to ride, please restrict your groups to small numbers, practice Social Distancing along with adherence to the guidelines already posted and those published by public health officials. As an alternative, we will be working with ZWIFT to create a club account and host some virtual rides through our Zwift accounts. Watch our Home Page and Facebook page for those announcements. These virtual rides will be limited to members only.
We will be re-evaluating the situation on a weekly basis and will keep you informed. In the meantime, if you have specific concerns or questions, please email us at president@memphishightailers.com.
REFERENCE
What is Social Distancing? The CDC defines social distancing as "remaining out of congregate settings, avoiding mass gatherings and maintaining distance (approximately 6 feet) from others when possible."
PRECAUTIONS
In the meantime, here are just a few things you can do as a precaution to the spread of disease (any disease). Where indicated, some items are recommended by the CDC and others are specific to us in the cycling world.
- Stay at home if you begin to feel unwell, even with mild symptoms such as headache and slight runny nose, until you recover. (WHO)
- Bring a handkerchief or rag to carry on the ride. Kleenex, tissues and such don't do so well when mixed with sweat.
- Practice a no touch policy. Avoid shaking hands, unnecessary hugs and the like. We all love each other for sure, a little restraint.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth (WHO)
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue (CDC)
- On the ride, no snot rockets or spitting, or... drop off the very back of the group to perform this act.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. (CDC)
- Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects (handlebars, water bottles, gloves,etc) using a regular household detergent and water prior to disinfection. (CDC)
ZWIFT WITH MHBC
As an alternative, we are working with ZWIFT to set up a club account to offer group rides through our club ZWIFT. Follow our Home Page and Facebook page for those announcements. These meetups are limited to members only.