NMITF’s Sunday fun ride returns

The Northern Mariana Islands Triathlon Federation-organized Sunday Fun Ride returns on Sunday with the group to assemble again at Micro Beach pavilion at 6am.

Cyclists of all ages are invited where they can pick a group to ride with according to their level starting at 6:30am. The group is divided into fast, medium, and leisure riders.

Each group will leave Micro Beach pavilion at 6:30am and will head north to Banzai Cliff Park in Marpi.

Male and female cyclists of all ages and levels can use their mountain or road bikes and join them in the ride.

The event is divided into three groups varying in speeds. Group 1 will travel at speeds of 10 miles per hour from Micro Beach to Banzai Cliff where they will rest and wait for the other group before going back to Micro Beach.

Group 2 will travel at 15mph from Micro Beach to Bird Island and will proceed to the Grotto and Banzai Cliff, wait for the other groups and head back to Micro Beach.

The last Group will have speeds of 20mph from Micro Beach to Suicide Cliff, go down to Bird Island and proceed to Banzai Cliff where they will rest and wait for the other group before returning to Micro Beach.

The Sunday Fun Ride is one of NMITF’s programs for 2008 and it is held every Sunday. This is also NMITF’s way of promoting the sport of cycling and basic safety tips for riders and motorists in the CNMI.

The NMITF is organizing the race since they want to increase public motorist awareness on sharing the road with cyclists.

Cyclists are also advised to observe the basic rules while riding: Safety first where at all times ride on the side of the road as you would when driving a car and as much as possible form a single line especially when on single lane traffic and always follow the road rules.

Helmets are required for all riders and bring your own hydration such as water, sports drinks, or power gels. Adults must accompany riders 16-and-under in the entire route.

All riders must start and complete the ride with the group they selected at the start of the ride. Each group must have at least one leader. Pack leaders will also be assigned before the start of the ride.

Some riders can also use the Sunday Fun Ride as training and preparation for the Tinian Triathlon on June 14.

The NMITF also scheduled a Sunday Fun Ride on Tinian on May 3 for a bicycle tour of the island and a swim at Taga Beach. Tinian will be celebrating the San Jose Fiesta from May 2 to 4.

NMITF secretary Lewie Tenorio said the scheduled Tinian Fun Ride offers those who will join the Tinian Triathlon the opportunity to familiarize themselves of the bike and swim courses.

For more information, email the NMITF at NMITF@yahoogroups.com.