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VBC recommendation for riding with fenders
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Hello Buddies,


The timing of the email may be a bit late as we head towards spring (leaving winter behind, thankfully) but I think this message still matters as inevitably we'll be riding on wet surfaces in the weeks/months ahead. I'd like to re-emphasize the club recommendation in regards of fenders on wet road surfaces during group rides. That recommendation is that riders should come with full fenders and with a flap at the bottom on the rear which will protect themselves, as well the riders behind them from spraying. 
So, what will happen if you show up with no fenders at all or not adequate ones at start of the group ride because:
- You don't have or care for fenders
- You have fenders but they don't give protection to riders behind you
- The weather has changed since you left your house and now you wish you had come with fenders
- You have a new bike and desperate to test it out on the road (every cyclist can relate to that feeling)
- Any other situation/reason where you find yourself that you don't have fenders at the start of the group ride

First and most importantly, you are still welcome to come and ride with the group! However, the ride leader, based on current condition, intimate knowledge of the route and sections where it might not be as dry as other areas and/or feedback from other riders, might ask you ride in the back or way out in the front (in case you like to sprint up or down hills or on flats) to protect other riders for the entire ride or sections where the road surface is wet. I hope nobody will be discouraged from riding with fenders in certain situations and will continue enjoy riding with your fellow buddies. 

Hopefully, as we are heading into Spring, there is going to be less need for deciding whether fenders or fender bike ride is in order. Happy and safe riding everyone!


David Barna
Co-President 
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