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Club Ride Briefing Notes

Below are a few notes intended to increase your enjoyment of the rides.

If you are new to cycling speak to any of the riders for advice on fitness, bikes, position, clothing etc. We will be pleased to help.

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Club rides are being conducted in line with current government guidelines/recommendations

• Pre-registration for clubs rides has now ended

• You must not turn up for a ride if you have any symptoms of illness or are not feeling well.  

• Bring a drink and some energy bars.

• Bring a mask and hand gel for the cafe stop

• Hygiene must be observed at all times:

           - Catch coughs and sneezes in a tissue and dispose of them appropriately as soon as possible
           - Washing hands with soap and water regularly for at least 20 seconds (or   using alcohol-based hand                     sanitiser if you're unable to wash your hands with soap and water) 

          - No spitting or clearing noses in the group. If you have to, drop back out of the group and ensure you                are clear of other road users and pedestrians.

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Make Sure Your Bike is in Good Working Order

When riding in a group slipping gears, chains coming off etc can cause accidents. If you have any known faults with your bike get them fixed before coming out on a club run. Club members will do their best to resolve any mechanical faults experienced during a ride, but we are not professional cycle mechanics, so cannot take responsibility for any repairs conducted on the road.

 

What to Bring with You

• Back pocket food (energy bars/bananas etc)

• Drink

• At least two inner tubes and puncture repair kit

• A pump 

• Tyre levers

• Money to buy tea/coffee and something to eat at the café stop

• Make sure you have identification on you (name, address and telephone number)

• Mobile phone

 

Dress Appropriately

• Remember that a number of thin layers are better than one thick layer

• Bring a waterproof/shower proof jacket

• A helmet is not compulsory but highly recommended

• If it is really cold then gloves, overshoes and hat (helmet liner) are a must

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Your Conduct and Behaviour

• You're responsible for you're safety so ensure your bike is road-worthy and you're confident riding on the open roads.

• Highway Code - when riding, first and foremost you must at all time comply with the Highway Code and more than that, you must ride with courtesy and respect for other road users. You are responsible, not only for your own safety but for other riders around you.

• There will be a leader but their role is limited to choosing the route and so far as possible, making sure the group stays together and respects other road users. They are NOT responsible for your safety, you are.

• You are also responsible for the cohesion of the Group and helping keep it together. Experienced Club members may ask you to adjust your speed, road position or style. Please respect them, as they are only concerned for everybody's safety.

• Don't race - The Club Run is a social ride, it is NOT a race. You can race to your heart's content in organised competitive events but please not on group rides. Do not overtake the rider(s) at the head of the group.

• Anyone accelerating ahead of the group will be assumed to be on another ride of their own devices. They will not be called after or chased after if they take a wrong turn. We normally wait for people who go off the back of the ride. We do NOT wait for people who go off the front.

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Group Size

The club will limit the group size to a maximum of 12. At the ride leaders, discretion the group size can be a lower number, or the group can be split depending on the experience and capability of the riders. If demand is high additional groups will need to be arranged and we will need more people to volunteer to lead these groups. You don’t need to have formal training to lead a club ride but you do need to be experienced in group riding.

 

Group Riding Etiquette

• Aim to ride with less than one metre between you and the rider in front.

• Ride in pairs, NEVER more than two abreast and directly behind a rider in front and not diagonally.

• Single-out if a car is behind and when singling out would enable the car to pass, or if the road conditions make it sensible to do so.

• Ride together and wait - Everyone takes time to set-off, clip-in and get settled back in the saddle. Keep the group together. Likewise, re-group at the top of hills and if necessary at the bottom. The lead riders should make sure that all riders are back in the group before resuming at a normal pace. 

• Warnings and help - Front riders should warn of hazards ahead and inform the rest of the group verbally and/or with hand signals. Rear riders should ensure that no-one is falling behind. If they are, then they should inform those in front.

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General

• If the weather is not looking good the ride leaders will issue a go/no go message on the Club Rides WhatsApp group on Sunday morning.

• Say Hello - If you're new, please identify yourself to those leading the club run. Please listen to them, as they will explain how the run works and where it's going.

• Wear club kit - Members should wear the club kit if they can. 

• Mechanicals - If someone punctures or has a mechanical, everyone is expected to stop. Make sure you start the ride with spares like an inner tube, tyre and pump.

• The Knowledge: The Hampshire/Berkshire Lanes might seem maze-like but with some map reading and riding you can get to know the local roads. To get more out of regular riding, be sure to learn some of the local roads.

• It's all about being sensible and aware whilst riding on the road. Our club runs attract lots of riders and so these rules set out what's required. Remember, you are responsible for your safety and take part in activities at your own risk.

• You participate in the club runs entirely at your own risk. 

• The Highway Code must be observed at all times, by all riders, regardless of advice/instructions given.

• Everyone’s safety depends on all riders acting responsibly.

Insurance

• Get your bike insured. The British Cycling/Cycling UK offer tailored packages.

• We recommend that you join British Cycling/Cycling UK, so you can enjoy the third party/public liability insurance provision.