July Green Drinks Group Ride

The July Green Drinks event (a monthly event providing free beer and social networking for political progressives) will be held at Sebago Brewery's production facility off Route 25 between Westbrook and Gorham, and the Bicycle Commuter Meet-Up is planning a group ride there and back!

We are providing two basic route options:

1. A direct route on mostly arterials is offered for those who want an aerobic workout and/or don't mind traffic and just want to get there.

2. Meanwhile, those who prefer to relax and socialize instead of dealing with traffic can take the relaxed but longer route through a series of neighborhoods.

Both routes will leave at 5:15 PM from Monument Square. We are unsure at this point if we will also be organizing group rides back to Portland.

A copy of the map and the guidelines below will be given to all participants. Copies of Bicycling Street Smarts will also be available!

Please bring lights, as sunset is at 8:21 PM and you may not get home by then! A helmet is also highly recommended. And of course, drink responsibly.

1) BE SAFE AND LEGAL - Follow the rules of the road:

* Ride on the right side of the road, inside a single lane (or shoulder if you prefer).
* Stop for stop signs, functioning red lights, and pedestrians.
* Use rightmost appropriate lane at multi-lane intersections.
* Observe right of way rules.
* Think for yourself, don't just follow the pack. Signal your stops and turns for the benefit of riders and motorists behind you.

2) BE COURTEOUS to other road users.

* If safe passing by cars is possible, facilitate it by:
- Yelling "car back" to the riders in front of you.
- Riding single file (but always a safe distance from the edge).
- Splitting into smaller groups at least a car's length apart, so an overtaking car can pass in stages.
* Be friendly to everyone, even if they antagonize you.