HBC Suspension of Group Rides & Activities
-- Now thru April 5
March 17, 2020
Fellow Harpeth Bike Club Members …
I’m reaching out to you today, on behalf of your HBC Board. We have decided to suspend HBC group rides and all other club activities until at least April 5, based on the recommendations from the CDC, USA Cycling, and our government, in light of the developing COVID-19 outbreak.
On Sunday (3/15), the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) posted the following update on its website (https://www.cdc.gov):
“CDC, in accordance with its guidance for gatherings, recommends that for the next 8 weeks, organizers (whether groups or individuals) cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more throughout the United States.
Events of any size should only be continued if they can be carried out with adherence to guidelines for protecting vulnerable populations, hand hygiene, and social distancing.”
Additionally, in the span of just three days, USA Cycling went from not recommending cancelling events to cancelling everything and also recommending that all clubs cancel group rides through April 5.
State and local governments are adopting equally drastic preventive measures; in Nashville, the Mayor has recommended eating and drinking establishments be closed until further notice. There's no word yet on similar recommendations from Brentwood, Franklin, and other cities, but we imagine these are inevitable.
As a result, the HBC Board has voted to enact the following:
1. Postponement of our annual season Kickoff Ride and Picnic, originally set for Saturday, April 4th at Edwin Warner Park.
2. Suspension of all organized HBC group rides and social activities, at least through April 5th.
Again, preventive measures and the safety of our club members are our primary objectives. Additionally, we want to pass along some information we hope you’ll find helpful during these unprecedented times. Much of it has already been shared, but it never hurts to revisit best practices.
To the earlier point about CDC guidelines for hygiene and social distancing, here they are:
· The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Cover coughs and sneezes
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
Throw used tissues in the trash.
Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Exercise, done in reasonable moderation, remains a great way to build the immune system, and we encourage you to find alternative, safe ways to stay fit and get some fresh air during our club’s temporary hiatus. We will continue to monitor official guidance and update you about resumption of our regularly-scheduled group rides and other activities. And while it is difficult to anticipate the duration of these restrictions, the Board is targeting Saturday, June 6th as a potential club Kickoff event, featuring route options of varied lengths and a social gathering at the conclusion.
Thank you very much – here’s wishing you all good health.
RJ LoCurto
Harpeth Bike Club President