Monday, June 25, 2012

What does "SAG" mean?

"SAG" actually stands for "support and gear". In the cycling world, a SAG stop is a rest stop complete with snacks, water bottle refills, and if you are lucky..."facilities" which can range from a clean toilet at a rest area to a porta-potty to a hole in the ground with a seat over it.
There is a sag stop on this ride typically every 25-30 miles depending on the terrain.  They also have a van that leap frogs the route between sag stops to top off water bottles,provide sunscreen, etc. The van is always a welcomed sight.
We are required to stop at each SAGstop and sign in so that they know everyone has made it that far. When you arrive at the sag stop, you must follow a certain procedure. First, you take off your cycling gloves. Next, you wash your hands with a handy wipe and then sanitize them with hand sanitizer gel. Then you sign in. Then you are free to load up on the snacks and goodies. If you touch your bike, use the bathroom, or apply sunscreen, you must wash again and sanitize before touching the food or water jugs. This procedure is to minimize the risk of germs spreading through the group since we are living, sweating and riding so much together.
You are not required to stop when you see the van however, if you pass the van you give a hand signal to indicate that you saw it, you are ok, and choosing to ride on.  The weather now is quite warm and dry so it's not a good idea to pass by the van without topping off your water.
To get "sagged in" means that for whatever reason, you were unable to complete the ride and a support vehicle took you and your bike to the finish of the day's ride. Usually a person would get sagged because of an injury or a mechanical issue. You could just say you are too tired or not physically fit enough to finish but the peer pressure in a group of 50 health nut over-achievers makes that unlikely.

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