Social Road Ride - 2 hours, Portola Valley Loop
Details
## Road Ride overview
- Canada Road to Portola Valley Loop, returning via Whiskey Road. A highly traversed road bike circuit with ample room for riders and cars.
- 21.4 miles with about 1,100 ft of climbing;
moderately hilly social road ride.” - average speed range “13–15 mph social pace”, "no‑drop," with stated regroup points. A/B group if needed.
- Meet at crossing of Edgewood Road and Cañada Road.
Wheels up at 10:08 AM prompt! - GPS will be provided to attendees Friday prior to event
## Safety and legal basics
- Helmets required; bikes in safe working order (brakes, tires).
- Remind riders that California traffic laws apply: ride as close as practicable to the right when safe, obey traffic lights and stop signs, and yield appropriately in crosswalks and at driveways.
- No aggressive passing or weaving through traffic.
## Group riding etiquette
- Predictability: Hold a straight line, no sudden braking or swerving; call out “slowing” or “stopping” before changing speed.
- Communication: Use clear verbal calls and hand signals for turns, debris, potholes, cars behind/ahead, and pedestrians; pass hazards and calls down the line.
- Positioning: Pass on the left with a quick “on your left,” and ride one or two abreast depending on lane width and traffic, singling up when cars need to pass.
- Regroups: Robert's Market (both), corner of Santa Cruz and Sand Hill
## Cold‑weather clothing and gear
December in Redwood City is typically in the high‑50s for the daytime high and mid‑40s for lows, so a Saturday ride can feel chilly, especially in the shade and on descents.
- Suggested kit: Long‑finger gloves, arm warmers or a long‑sleeve jersey, vest or light jacket, and leg warmers or tights; add a thin headband or cap under the helmet and wool socks or shoe covers if riders run cold.
- Remind people to bring: 1 water bottle, some calories, a tube/CO2 or pump, and layers you can unzip on climbs and zip up for descents
## Optional (but encouraged) post-ride coffee
Little Store Restaurant (woodside road). Charming coffee spot with pastries and outdoor seating. 7 minute drive from meeting spot.
