NMITF invites cyclists on Sunday ride

The Northern Mariana Islands Triathlon Federation is inviting male and female cyclists’ of all levels to bring out their mountain or road bikes and join them in tomorrow’s ride.

Dubbed “The Biggest, Baddest Sunday Fun Ride,” the meeting place will be at Micro Beach Pavilion at 6am. The cyclists will leave Micro Beach at 6:30am and head north to Suicide Cliff.

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 will be held every Sunday except on April 13 to give way for the Saipan leg of the Jazy Cup Race.

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.

“Any person riding a bicycle has all of the same rights and responsibilities as a driver of any other vehicle and sharing the road with cyclists requires only a little care and patience from motorists,” said NMITF secretary Lewie Tenorio, in an email.

“With the community’s help we can make Saipan and the [CNMI] a cycle-safe and bike-friendly [islands].”

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.