CycleDate 202003.1

COVID-19

One of the Tours was affected the last few days ...
https://cyclingtips.com/2020/02/uae-tour-cancelled-amid-coronavirus-concerns/

As we look forward to kicking off our 2020 cycling season on 4 April, we'll likely be in the middle of learning about the widespread effect of the disease, even here in NC.

My research indicates ...
a) coughing/sneezing releases the virus, but due to its "heavy" nature, its airborne spread is very minimal (i.e. it settles with available liquid on things).
b) touching those "things" and then touching your face provides a path to your mouth/nose.
c) it is a disease of the lungs
d) detrimental effects (e.g. death) are largely being recognized with those over 60 and/or having some other immune system liability.

Things to do:
1) fist-bump instead of handshake (keep that in mind when we meet at Flowers!)
2) wash your hands often
3) minimize what you touch outside your home
4) wear face masks if you are very concerned; they are intended to keep YOU from touching YOUR mouth/nose; since the transmission of this one is not airborne, the mask doesn't have an effect on "that" transmission pathway.

If you're coughing/sneezing on one of our rides this Spring, please move to the back of the group you're riding in.  This really applies at any time as no one behind you needs to be exposed to whatever you have ... particularly during the flu season.