FCP Ride Rules

The objective of our FCP Ride Rules is to provide exceptional safety, cooperative group atmosphere, solid predictability, and poised leadership for the best cycling experience. 

• Every FCP Ride Participant must wear a "bicycle helmet" that meets or exceeds the impact standards for bicycle helmets set by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) or the Snell Memorial Foundation.

   

• Every FCP Ride Participant must operate his/her bicycle upon a roadway as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable, except when turning left or avoiding hazards to safe cycling, when the lane is too narrow to share safely with a motor vehicle, when traveling at the same speed as traffic, or while exercising due care when passing a standing vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction (Georgia Code 40-6-294).

   

• While riding in the group, FCP Ride Participants must not overlap wheels. 

   

•  FCP riders should pass slower vehicles on the left side of the lane.  FCP riders must avoid passing other cyclists on the right side. 

   

• Track stands are not allowed when a group is stopped by a traffic light.

   

• Cyclists are not to use their aero clip-on or aerobars while riding within the group, except when leading a pace-line and/or during practices for team time trials.

   

• Pace-line Drafting is encouraged. 

  Single pace-line: When pulling at the front of the group, the lead cyclist should maintain pedaling action.  The lead cyclist should signal: turns, stops, traffic lights, and any obstacles in, or along, the roadway.  When the lead cyclist is finished pulling, he/she should signal with his/her right elbow and then move to the left to allow the next (second positioned) cyclist to fill the lead position.  Once the cyclist has relinquished the lead position, he/she should drift back to the end of the pace-line.  When the new leader moves to the front, this cyclist must maintain the same speed/pace; thereby avoiding an "accordion effect" on the group.  Uses of speedometers and/or cadence monitors are very helpful in maintaining a constant group pace. 

  Double pace-line: The rules apply the same to the lead cyclists on the left side of a double pace-line.  Additionally, the same rules apply to the lead cyclist on the right side, except when the lead cyclist on the right side is finished pulling, he/she should signal with his/her left elbow and then move to the right to allow the next second positioned cyclist to fill the lead position.  Once the cyclist has relinquished the lead position, he/she should drift back to the end of the pace-line.  Although, it is legal by Georgia Code to ride two abreast (double pace-line), many, if not most, Georgia law enforcement officials are unaware of this fact in the traffic law code: "Persons riding bicycles upon a roadway shall not ride more than two abreast except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles."  This language in the Georgia Code was adopted from the Uniform Vehicle Code (used by most states).  The reason behind the law is for cyclists' and motor vehicle safety and improved traffic flow.  If you encounter an officer who commands the group to ride single file, do so, even though it is lawful and safer.  Cyclists should be aware that local jurisdictions, i.e. cities, towns, or counties, may have traffic codes that conflict with the Georgia state traffic code.

   

• FCP Ride Participants are expected to be considerate, cautious, and serious for the safety and enjoyment of others.  FCP cyclists should not crowd or force other vehicles into any obstacles.  Dangerous riding and hostile riding are not permitted - violators are subject to fines, penalties, or even termination from the group.

   

• Every FCP Ride Participant must adhere to the "NO DROP RULE" during such designated rides. The "NO DROP RULE" means that the group will slow (or wait when necessary) for "struggling" cyclists as many times as necessary to drag 'em home!  Coach Frazier or the FCP Ride Leader can order faster participants to shift to their small chain-rings and/or lower gears to maintain group consistently.  "No Drop" rides have this primary objective: Allow the stronger riders to support the less powerful riders to improve the spirit of teamwork and cooperation, thereby enabling the group to attain the highest average speed in a safe manner.  It is important for experienced riders to demonstrate teamwork and cooperation.  These attributes are shared, and as a consequence, learned by all participants. 

  By mixing "the experienced" with "the inexperienced", "the expert" with "the novice", and "the top performer" with "the typical", there is a natural transfer of discipline, work ethic, knowledge, example, and so forth.  Frazier Cycling enforces the "no drop rule", to ensure that those who are fitter or more gifted will assist those who are striving for higher levels.  This method establishes teamwork and discipline, and it produces exceptional results. 

   

• FCP Ride Participants must obey orders by Coach Frazier and/or the FCP Ride Leader to keep the ride safe and efficient. 

   

• Confusion regarding authority must be avoided for the safety and integrity of the group.  Consequently, only Coach Frazier or the FCP Ride Leader can issue orders or penalties. Other participants must refrain from issuing orders or penalties, or otherwise assuming and/or usurping authority without permission from Coach Frazier or the FCP Ride Leader.  Violation of this rule can lead to suspension.

   

• Ride Participants should avoid unnecessary "chit-chat" during FCP rides. Safety is of the utmost importance during group rides.  Ride Participants must realize that traffic can be dangerous.  Communications about important aspects such as road conditions, traffic, directions, awareness, and situations involving the group have priority over all other conversation.  All participants are responsible for ensuring that all important information is conveyed throughout the group.  Intentional misinformation involving ride or participants is prohibited.   Violation of this rule will lead to a suspension and a fine.  There are too many potential dangers for either "jokes" or pranks. 

   

• If a cyclist needs a "personal" stop, he/she should inform the FCP Ride Leader (or Coach Frazier) of the need.  The cyclist will be allowed to breakaway and the group will permit a reasonable gap for his/her stop, thus not disturbing the group's pace.  Another member may be allowed to break with this cyclist for insurance when rejoining the group.

   

• During FCP rides, if a cyclist experiences a mechanical failure, such as a flat tire, all members of the group must stop unless otherwise directed by Coach Frazier and/or the FCP Ride Leader.  Normally, the group will remain together for safety and efficiency. 

   

• FCP Ride Participants must not ride more than two abreast (Georgia 40-6-294).  Although, it is legal by Georgia Code to ride two abreast (double pace-line), many, if not most, Georgia law enforcement officials are unaware of this fact in the traffic law code: "Persons riding bicycles upon a roadway shall not ride more than two abreast except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles."  This language in the Georgia Code was adopted from the Uniform Vehicle Code (used by most states).  The reason behind the law is for cyclists' and motor vehicle safety and improved traffic flow.  If you encounter an officer who commands the group to ride single file, do so, even though it is lawful and safer.  Cyclists should be aware that local jurisdictions, i.e. cities, towns, or counties, may have traffic codes that conflict with the Georgia state traffic code.

• Every FCP Participant must ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practical, except when turning left or avoiding hazards to safe cycling, when the lane is too narrow to share safely with a motor vehicle, when traveling at the same speed as traffic or whole exercising due care when passing a standing vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction (Georgia Code 40-6-294).  This implies that the participant stays as near to the cyclist on the right when in the left side of a double pace-line.  Also, this rule has the same implication for a cyclist who is drifting back to the rear of a single pace-line or the left side of a double pace-line.

   

• FCP Ride Participants must abstain from using obscene gestures or obscene language during our rides and/or events.  The penalty is assigned by Coach Frazier or the FCP Ride Leader.  First offense penalty is a two week suspension from rides and club activities.  The second offense penalty is $50 fine plus a two-week suspension.  The third offense penalty is banishment from the club and related activities.

• Every FCP Ride Participant while riding at nighttime must be equipped with a front light that emits a white light visible from a distance of 300 feet and with a red taillight that is visible from a distance of 300 feet to the rear.

• FCP Ride Participants are prohibited from wearing audio playback devices (Walkmans, MP3 players, etc.) during Frazier Cycling rides.

( also refer to Georgia Motor Vehicle Code 40-6-296 )

Frazier Cycling Partnership Qualification Rule

Each Frazier Cycling Member is eligible to become a Frazier Cycling Partner (FCP) in accordance with this rule.  To earn Partnership, the cyclist must comply with the following:

• The cyclist must ride at least 12 times for at least 1 mile with Coach Frazier, a FCP Ride Leader during the year, or a designated FCP Ride.
• The cyclist must be a Frazier Cycling Member.
• Abide by the FCP Ride Rules.

As a Partner, the member can earn FCP Points throughout the season for various cycling categories as defined within the FCP Points Rules section.  The points are tallied and FCP Point Standings are posted monthly from March until November.  After December 31 of each year, the points accumulated during the year for all categories are finalized.  These numbers are not published until after the annual Frazier Cycling Partners' Awards Party.  During the annual Frazier Cycling Partners' Awards Party, awards are presented for the point leaders of the individual cycling categories.

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FCP Ride Leader Rule

• To qualify as a FCP Ride Leader, the member must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Full Frazier Cycling membership for a minimum of seven (7) years with 8,400 FCP miles (100 FCP miles/month).
• Full Frazier Cycling membership for at least two (2) years with over 12,000 FCP career miles.
• Full Frazier Cycling membership for at least one (1) year and a USA Cycling Certified Coach or USA Triathlon Certified Coach.

• A FCP Ride Leader is assigned by Ralph Frazier.
• A FCP Ride Leader agrees to his/her assignment. 
• A FCP Ride Leader acts as a representative of Frazier Cycling during rides and events.
• Only those rides/workouts that appear on this website's Ride Schedules or Special Events Schedules qualify for FCP credit.
• A ride and/or workout led by a FCP Ride Leader qualifies as an official FCP ride when two or more FCP members attend (including the FCP Ride Leader).  The FCP Ride Leader must record and report all appropriate ride data including attendance, distance, time, and course details.
• The FCP Ride Leader must adhere to and enforce all FCP Ride Rules.
• Cyclists joining rides and/or workouts led by a FCP Ride Leader will receive credit for FCP mileage, FCP speed, etc.
• FCP Ride Leaders are eligible for special awards presented at the Frazier Cycling Partners' Awards Party.  Also, FCP Ride Leaders are eligible for FCP Event discounts.

FCP Ride Leader Points are based on a formula that includes the number of riders and the total miles for each group ride. 

Ride Points = (total miles ÷ 100) x number of riders

FCP Ride Leader Points = (sum of all Ride Points) + (10 x number of rides)

Note: 1) The ride must be at least 1 mile long to receive any points.  2) All FCP Ride Leaders receive 3 points toward Partner of the Year.  3) For Partner of the Week, each FCP Ride Leader receives 1 point per ride led during the week.

FCP Course Records Rules

To qualify a course as a FCP record eligible course:

1. The course must be at least 15 km long.

2. If the course is between 15 km and 100 miles, Coach Frazier or a FCP Ride Leader must ride the course at least 10 times before it is record eligible.

3. If the course is 100 miles or more, Coach Frazier or a FCP Ride Leader must ride the course at least first times before it is record eligible.

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FCP Fast Rides/Clubs

To qualify for a FCP Fast ride/club:

1. The average speed for the ride must be at least 24 mph - no rounding up.

2. The ride must be at least 15 km long.

3. The ride must appear on the FCP schedule.

4. If the cyclist finishes the ride alone, he/she must provide proof of distance and time.

5. Qualification for each mph club requires the rider to exactly meet or exceed the specified mph - no rounding up!

6. Exceeding a specified mph qualifies for all lower mph's.  For example, a 25 mph ride qualifies as both a 24 mph and 25 mph ride.

Frazier Cycling Partner (FCP) Points Rules

• The "Frazier Cycling Partner Points System" awards points for the leaders of specific FCP Categories - refer to the chart below.
• The male, female, boy, and girl members accumulating the most points by year's end are entitled to receive the distinguished "Cycling Partner of the Year" Award.  These awards are presented at the annual Frazier Cycling Partners' Awards Party.
• Coach Frazier is the sole authority on point assignment and tracking.
• If there is a tie among Partners within a particular category, then the points are split. For example, if there is a two-way tie for most Rides 24 mph and over, each Partner receives 4.5 points. If it is a three-way tie, then each Partner receives 3.333 points. The same division applies for ties for second and third place.

Frazier Cycling Partners' Awards Party

The Frazier Cycling Partners' Awards Party is scheduled during the second Saturday of January of every new year.  The awards party was created to recognize Partners for their special accomplishments, record performances, and ride participation during the previous year.  Also, the party is a social gathering for members and Partners to enjoy friendships, to share cycling experiences, and to discuss future cycling endeavors.

The party includes a buffet dinner, a prize drawing for Partners, and a game with prizes for guests.  After these proceedings, awards and honors are presented by Coach Frazier.  The awards and honors are based on FCP Points accumulated during the previous year. 

Top FCP Honors

Male Partner of the Year - The award is presented to the male Partner with the most accumulated FCP Points at the end of the year.

Female Partner of the Year - The award is presented to the female Partner with the most accumulated FCP Points at the end of the year.

Comeback Partner of the Year - The award is presented to the Partner who has made the largest relative improvements within the FCP Categories following a year of reduced participation or absence. 

Newcomer of the Year - The award is presented to the first-year Partner who has the best standings within the FCP Categories compared to other first-year Partners.  (A FCP Newcomer is an experienced cyclist - more than one year, but a first-year Frazier Cycling Partner.)

Rookie of the Year - The award is presented to the FCP Rookie who has the best standings within the FCP Categories compared to other FCP Rookies.  (A FCP Rookie is a beginner cyclist, i.e. new to the sport of cycling.)

Teamwork Award (2006) - The award is presented to the Partner who has repeated assisted and encouraged other participants to excel while safeguarding the recipient's dignity.

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2001 Partner of the Year Rule: At the conclusion of the year, all Partners within 1 point of the leading total are recognized as Co-Partners of the Year.  In 2001, Joe Saliceti (37.33 points) and Bill Murphy (36.67 points) established this precedence.  Bill led Joe by 0.33 points until nine days remained in the year when Joe was struck by a car.  The crash afforded Joe an additional point.

Both Partners were equally outstanding.  Considering that a certain few awards are subjective (and we do not want "crashing" to become incentive to attain our distinguished award); hence, a one-point spread is the designated "tie" allowance.

Crash Points - Frazier Cycling Partners practice safe riding habits and attempt to avoid unsafe situations.  Even so, according to USA Cycling, careful cyclist crash every 4,500 miles, on the average.  Hence, crashes are inevitable.

For the "Most Crash Points" award, each FCP Member accumulates the following "crash points" as defined here:

3-mile/3.2-mile Individual Time Trial Point Scoring

Points are awarded for only the top time trial performance (average speed) by a Partner; therefore, a Partner can score only once for this category.  The scoring for the time trials differs from the "fast rides" scores where the Partner who has any or all of the top three performances can score for each performance.

The FCP Recruiter Points

Beginning on August 1, 2005, FCP Members will receive FCP Recruiter Points for every new recruit who joins Frazier Cycling.  Recruiter Points are based on the Recruit Membership Level (refer to the FCP Recruiter Points Table).  The FCP Recruiter Points Standings Page will show the list of Recruiters and their recruiter points for the year.  The top three Recruiters for a given year will receive awards at the Frazier Cycling Partners' Awards Party. 

FCP RECRUITER POINTS AND REWARDS TABLE

New recruits and new members are those who have never registered as Frazier Cycling Partners or Frazier Cycling Kids in the past.  Family members are eligible as new recruits.  Renewal of annual sponsorships meet eligibility for membership extensions and recruiter points.