DATE___________________________  LEADER______________________________

RIDE NAME AND LOCATION_____________________________________________

DISTANCE______________________________________________________________

RELEASE AND WAIVER  -  ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST SIGN

     As a member or participant in the McHenry County Bicycle Club, I hereby waive, release, and discharge any and all claims for damages, at law or equity, including, but not limited to, claims for death, personal injury or property damage which I may have, or which may have hereafter accrued to me, as a direct or indirect result of my participation in the McHenry County Bicycle Club and its events.  This Release is intended to discharge, in advance, McHenry County Bicycle Club, Inc., its successors and assigns, the promoters, the sponsors, the officials and any involved municipalities or other public entities (and their respective agents, officers, directors, employees, members, successors and assigns) from and against any liabilities arising out of or connected in any way with my participation in any and all McHenry County Bicycle Club activities and events, even though that liability may arise out of negligence or carelessness on the part of the persons or entities mentioned above.

          I further understand that serious accidents occasionally occur during bicycle events and that participants in bicycling events occasionally sustain mortal or serious personal injuries and /or property damage as a consequence thereof.  Knowing the risks of participating in bicycling events, I hereby agree to assume those risks and to release, indemnify and hold harmless all of the persons or entities mentioned above who might otherwise be liable to me for damages.  It is further understood and agreed that this waiver, release and assumption of risk is binding on my heirs and assigns.  I also understand that helmets are required, and following the Rules of the Road is expected.

RIDE LEADER INSTRUCTIONS

Make sure that every rider/participant signs this form and is wearing a helmet.  Discourage riders with unsound bikes from participating in the ride.

Ensure that each rider has a map and cue sheet.

Announce any special instructions regarding the route.

Introduce new riders.

Leave a copy of the map/cue sheet under windshield wiper for late arrivals.

The Leader should inform the riders of the following Rules of the Road for their own safety:

• Do not ride more than two abreast

• Avoid bunching up, especially on hills and intersections

• Signal your intentions to turn, change lanes, and slow or stop

• Advise those that you are about to pass by calling out “on your left” or “on your right”

• If you are slowing, give appropriate hand signals and say “slowing” or “stopping”

• Do not call “clear” when crossing intersection.

• Allow fellow riders to catch up if your group is split by change of traffic light, crossing traffic at a stop sign or personal needs

• Be alert for passing bicyclists and allow them room

• Move completely off the pavement when stopping for a rest or repairs

• Signal road hazards and advise others of “car back” or “car up”

• Immediately get into single file when traffic is overtaking the group.  Make room for others to move in

• If unfamiliar with the route or cannot follow maps and cue sheets, do not ride alone

• Ask riders if they do not intend to follow the prescribed route

• If a rider wishes to divert during the prescribed route, he/she should inform a fellow rider

• At the end of the ride, make sure each rider (those riding the prescribed route) is accounted for

• At the end of the ride, make sure each rider (those riding the prescribed route) is accounted for.  Take the appropriate action to locate a rider that has not returned

Last update 07/09/07 ml