Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? Check here for answers to some of our most commonly asked questions!
Registration
Q: I'm not sure what my riding skill level is. Can you help?
A: Sure! Click here to view our handy skill level analysis. This will give you a good place to start. Remember, you are not committed to any one riding group – you can move up through the season as your riding and fitness progresses!
Q: The club is full. Can I still sign up or be placed on a wait list?
A: Sorry no. We would like nothing more than for every woman in the Calgary area to be able to go mountain biking with us, but we are a volunteer-run club, and 500 members is the maximum for whom we feel able to conduct a quality experience.
Q: I can no longer use my spot. Can I give it so someone else?
A: Membership is non-transferable to due pre-determined insurance reasons.
Q: I joined the club and I don't have a password!
A: Welcome to Spin Sisters! After registration closes, or sells out, we will send a welcome email to the address you provided in your registration. This will contain your Member Zone password as well as important club info. We recommend saving this email to refer back to throughout the season.
Ride and Safety Questions
Q: What is a Ride Ambassador?
A: A Ride Ambassador:
is someone who ensures the group rides the intended trail and stays together (even in the event of an injury or mechanical);
is familiar with the trail or has a trail map;
asks for membership cards at beginning of rides, and takes frequent head counts throughout the ride;
does NOT provide riding advice;
carries a first aid kit, whistle, and cell phone for emergency use;
is familiar with ABA Risk Management;
promotes fun!
A Ride Ambassador does NOT need to be:
an expert rider;
the fastest rider in the group;
an Emergency Medical Technician.
Q: What is a Ride Sweep?
A: A Ride Sweep:
is someone who rides at the end of the group to ensure everyone arrives at the destination;
should be able to handle basic repairs such as flat tires and broken chains;
stays with a rider who drops out and lets the rest of the group know;
is familiar with ABA Risk Management.
Q: What do I need to bring to a ride?
A: A person attending a Spin Sisters ride is considered a “rider”. All riders are responsible to:
Sign up for rides on Wild Apricot up until 3 pm on the day of the ride.
Cancel ride registration via Wild Apricot if you cannot attend.
Attend at least three rides (or events) during the season.
Arrive at the ride location 10-15 minutes early to prepare your bike and introduce yourself to the ride leader.
Be prepared for rides. Make sure to bring:
Bike
Helmet (No helmet, no ride)
Spin Sisters Membership Card (No card, no ride)
Water
Snacks
Repair kit (tools, extra tube, trail pump)
Gloves
Appropriate weather gear
First aid kit (optional)
Q: How do we stay safe on a ride?
A: Safety is our utmost concern. Here are some guidelines to stay safe on your rides:
Be bear aware! Talk loudly and often, and DO NOT approach wildlife. Do not leave garbage behind.
Rides will not run if lightning is present and will be cancelled if lightning is sighted.
No dogs are allowed on any Spin Sisters rides.
No Drops Policy! All riders are expected to keep tabs on the rider behind them. Be patient, wait for others, and be prepared to look for and help injured or lost riders. We are all responsible for each others' safety.
Keep a safe riding distance from other riders (no closer than two bike-length distances from the rider in front of you, unless both of you are having a conversation, etc.).
Make any concerns or issues known to the rider leader (with regards to injuries, abilities, time constraints, etc.).
Listen to the ride leader (which direction to go, splitting the group, keeping the group together, etc.).
All members should know how to fix common problems encountered with bikes on the trail (eg. flat tire or broken chain). If you don't know how, sign up for a Maintenance Clinic*.
Try and evaluate your skill level as best you can (and ask a more experienced rider for feedback if you're not sure).
Respect the trails! Please respect work being performed by Park workers by staying off of the trails being remediated and/or closed.
Review ABA Risk Management and Risk and Injuries Management section below.
Q: What is trail etiquette?
A: Trail etiquette is the rules all users of the trail should respect. There are 6 main rules to follow. Mountain Biking BC has a great page on it, but here are the 6 rules below:
Ride open trails.
Leave No Trace.
Control your bicycle.
Yield appropriately.
Never scare animals.
Plan ahead.
Q: E-Bike Guidelines. Are they allowed on rides?
A: Yes they are allowed, but there are some guidelines that must be followed:
The bike must be pedal assist only (no throttle bikes)
Not more than 500 watt output on the motor
Do not ride on prohibited trails .
Remember to have a full charged battery. Group rides are no-drop rides and having to ride a heavy bike without battery life may affect the group speed.
Be courteous when riding with non e-bike riders
Q: What if someone gets hurt?
A: In the event of an injury during a Spin Sisters Ride, please inform the ride ambassador as soon as possible and then complete the following Sport Injury Report Form and email to president@spinsisters.ca.
Refer to ABA website for more information.
Concussion
if you sustain a concussion during a Spin Sisters ride (or during any sporting activity), self-refer to the Acute Sport Concussion Clinic for follow-up after seeking medical attention. For any questions or concerns, please contact the Calgary Brain Injury Program at 403-944-8571. Please visit University of Calgary Sport Medicine Centre Concussion Clinic
Q: Where do we ride?
A: Spin Sisters ride in and around the Calgary area, including Bragg Creek, Kananaskis Country, Canmore and Banff. All rides will have a designated starting point that can be mapped to.
Q: How long is the riding season?
A: Spin Sisters ride in and around the Calgary area, including Bragg Creek, Kananaskis Country, Canmore and Banff. All rides will have a designated starting point that can be mapped to.
Website
Q: How do I get into the Rides schedule page?
A: Only active Spin Sisters members of the current season are allowed to access our scheduling site, called Wild Apricot. Check your Spin Sisters welcome email (check your junk mail). There’s a lot of information in this email, keep a copy, flag or save this email, so you can refer to it as needed.
Q: Where is the rides calendar?
A: All scheduling will be done in Wild Apricot. From maintenance clinics, get togethers and trail building, to our ride calendar, all will be on Wild Apricot. There is an app as well, you can find it here.
Q: How do I join the Spin Sisters Facebook group?
A: You must be a member to join our Facebook Group. Information about how to join is in the Member Zone of Spin Sisters website.