JOINING A RIDE           COFFEE STOP Somerset (2017)              Coffee stop Devon

 

 Joining a group ride is more than just a chance to make some new friends – there is no better way to find the best cycle routes, bike shops and cafes in your area. Following an experienced Ride Leader with like-minded souls can enhance your cycling and may lead to further adventures in the great outdoors!

 

The club rides are posted on our website and you are requested to sign up for the rides that you wish to attend. This is to allow the ride leader to plan coffee or lunch stops and is a common courtesy. Please contact the ride leader directly if you have any questions or special requests. If you are not attending, please cancel as soon as you know.

 

 

 

What is it like on a group ride?

 

• You will have an experienced Ride Leader who will have a great route planned so relax and enjoy it.

• Complete the ride registration form so that the leader knows your emergency contacts etc.

• If you are new to Cycle Somerset, let the Ride Leader know – they will keep an eye on you, or assign someone to do so. You will be asked to complete a Guest Registration form

 

• Keep in mind the Ride Leader is a volunteeer and listen carefully to any instructions. Let them lead!

• He or she should explain any jargon and hand signals they may use to keep control of the group.

• If you fall behind, don’t worry – the group should wait for you at the next junction or at the top of a climb.

 

• Abide by the Highway and Countryside Codes – never ride more than two abreast except when passing. Shout ‘Passing!’ if you do so.

• Drop into single file on narrow or busy roads, unless it would be unsafe to do so.

• Show courtesy to other road and trail users and be a good ambassador for cycling.

 

• Be alert to what other riders around you are doing and do not get too close to them.

• Shout ‘Slowing!’ or ‘Stopping!’ if necessary – smooth, gentle manoeuvres work best.

• Point out any road defects or other hazards to others by shouting “pothole” or “gravel” or by pointing the obstacle by hand.

 

• Pass messages between members of the group for stopping or if there is traffic approaching – “car up” is traffic approaching from behind move into single file; “car down” is traffic in front and move into single file if necessary.

 

• At intersections, if you cannot see the rider in front the ride will have continued on the road; if the ride is turning at a junction and you cannot see a rider behind then wait to signpost where the ride has gone. The group will reform at a suitable stopping point.

• When stopping pull off the road or at least leave the road clear for other traffic.

• If you wish to leave the ride, let the Ride Leader know first.

 

What should I bring on a group ride?

 

• Any appropriate bike in good working order. If in doubt, have it checked over by a local bike shop or qualified mechanic.

• Carry at least a spare inner tube, pump and tyre levers.

• Dress for the weather and bring a spare layer.

 

• Bring a drink and energy bar plus a picnic or cash for lunch if out all day.

• Good lights are essential if there is any chance of riding in the dark or poor visibility.

 

 

IF YOU ARE LEADING THE GROUP

• Ensure maximum enjoyment for participants

• You have a duty of care for the group

 

Before the ride:

• Read Ride leader Checklist
• Plan a route your group is likely to enjoy, considering: distance; terrain; traffic; refreshments; toilets; points of interest; weather; ability of the riders; and any other factors
• cycle (where possible) the route
• Contact any coffee/lunch stops
• Assess any additional risks

 

 

Website: start and finish time, meeting place, numbers allowed, distance, pace, difficulties, stuff riders should bring

Navigation: GPS, maps, local knowledge, or a combination of all of these

On the ride day:

maps, tools, mobile phone, first aid kit, etc.

forms and ride leader guide

Just before the start:

• Welcome new riders –fill out Guest Registration Forms (up to 5 guests/ ride)
• Check riders have registered
• Brief everyone about the ride and specific risks
• Consider numbers for group control and disruption to traffic
• Identify back marker and any “buddies” for newcomers

Ride Leaders Briefing before every ride the ride leader:

 1.    The leader is. . . . . .   and the back marker is . . . . .

2.    (for larger rides nominate middle marker or split group?)

3.    There is a first aid kit with . . . . ;  emergency contact details are with the leader and back marker

4.    Outline the route – include distances, timings, hills, stops for coffee, etc.

5.    Describe any particular hazards and actions to be taken by the group

6.    Inform the leader or back marker if leaving the ride

7.    At turns ensure the rider behind has seen your turn, if not wait and direct them

8.    Make way for other road users;  do not hold up other traffic unnecessarily

9.    Pass messages up and down the line;  point out any hazards

 

During the ride:

• Set the standard
• Leaders do not have to be at the front but in control
• Note those leaving the ride

• Vary the ride if any of these changes.

After the ride:

• Feedback- what went well, what could be done differently?
• Share your route on website

RIDE LEADERS INFO

Our rides conform to the policies of Cycle Somerset not only for insurance purposes but also for the safe and enjoyable participation of our cycling. All leaders are to use this guide for all rides and interpret sensibly and practically where there is only guidance.

The generic risk assessment has been done but you must assess any further specific risks and brief them to the group before the ride.

For ad hoc rides, the ride leader should consider the route/participants and consider the potential risks involved; making changes where necessary for the safety of the group.

The club defines a ride leader as a member of at least one year’s standing and having completed a variety of club rides in that year. Hence, they will be familiar with the “ride process” and capable of leading a ride.

 

Club secretary notifies  CyclingUK of our ride leaders for insurance purposes as a CyclingUK Affiliated Club (also notify ride leaders that they have been nominated). The club is then covered for the rides and events that it organises for its members.

The ride leader and club officials are covered “against claims made against them for injury or damage caused to a third party”.

“Tours”, lasting more than one day and including group organised transport and accommodation constitute a “package” and will not be covered unless organised by a bonded travel agent.

However, individuals, who are members of CyclingUK, remain covered as an individual (worldwide) via their membership. Organisers of “tours” should make it clear to participants that claims against the organiser are not covered.

Generic Risks for Club Rides: Risks or circumstances, outside those mentioned above, need to be briefed to the riders before the ride or at a natural stop before the hazard.

Cycling is a statistically safe activity but rarely, situations arise that demand quick thinking and a clear mind.

 

Emergencies preparing for worst case scenarios helps you know what to do.

 

1. Think of yourself first and make sure you are safe.

2. Get other people off the road or away from danger.

3. Make the area safe. Ask two (or more) people to stop the traffic if necessary.

 

4. Assess the casualty (or get a first aider to do this) but only move them if necessary.

5. Call for emergency services if required by dialling 999 or 112.

6. Send people to guide the emergency services if necessary.

7. Reassure the casualty and, if they are conscious, ask who they would like contacted or check the emergency contact details on a signing on sheet or guest registration form.

8. Reassure the rest of the group. Keep an eye out for anybody suffering from shock, which can be very dangerous.

9. When the ambulance arrives, ask where it is going so you can inform the casualty’s emergency contact. Do not go with the casualty.

 

10. Make a note of any witnesses and write down their details on an Incident Report form. Record briefly what happened. Photos can be helpful too.

11. Decide what to do with the casualty’s bike –perhaps ask a neighbour to look after it or lock it up somewhere.

12. Decide whether to continue. People may appreciate a chance to sit down quietly and discuss what happened over a coffee or feel able to carry on with the ride as planned.

 

13. Send a copy of the Incident Report form to CyclingUK + claims department + Contact for legal advice if appropriate.

 

Hazards Control Measures

• Equipment Failure of cycles -puncture, breakages, lighting Look after your own bike, carry appropriate spares/tools
• Stamina Over exertion, exposure, saddle soreness, over tired,
• Ride within own and group capabilities

 

• Weather Extreme conditions, winds, rain, sun, fog
• Check weather forecast, dress/equip appropriately
• Highway Junctions, level crossings, cattle grids, potholes

 

• caution – difficult terrain, hills, steep ascents/descents
• Ride classification:  level, undulating, hilly, very hilly
• Other road users- vehicles, horses, loose animals, pedestrians
• follow highway code

 

Controls

• Group leader, briefing, participants warning, group rules
• Leaders duty of care to brief the group & update
• Ability Range, speed, stamina
• Monitor the group performance and change route if necessary
• Mass start, novice riders, etc.
• Avoid circumstances outside our normal ride structure

 

Ride Leader Checklist

This guide to ride leading is based on the best practice that Cycling UK, its clubs, groups and instructors have accumulated over the years.

These are sociable rides, enabling people of all ages and abilities to come together for a friendly ride.

 

Before the ride

• Work out a route your group is likely to enjoy, taking into account:distance; terrain; traffic; refreshments; toilets; points of interest; weather; ability of the riders; and any other factors.

Post the information on the club website at least a week before the ride, stating clearly any limitations such as numbers, etc. and warn of distance and difficulties.

• Be prepared to vary the ride if any of these changes.

• Decide how you will navigate: GPS, maps, local knowledge, or a combination of all of these?

• Advertise your ride –don’t forget to include: the meeting time and place; the approximate distance and pace; likely return time; and other essentials such as what the riders should bring.

 

Leading the ride

Introduce yourself

Find out the names of everyone on your ride using the Registration Form –not just for insurance purposes but it’s also friendlier.

Ask new riders to complete a Guest Registration form.

 

Enlist the help of any experienced riders to: keep an eye on newer ones; act as backmarkers; lead a second group; or even act as ‘human signposts; at junctions or gates.

Explain how you will lead the ride: any jargon and hand signals you might use; when and where you will wait for stragglers; how you will deal with traffic and so on. Point out any likely hazards in advance.

 

In the unlikely event of an incident, please complete an Incident Report form as soon as possible.

Avoid blocking roads or trails –choose stopping points carefully.

Keep the ride flowing smoothly but do stop occasionally and give stragglers a rest before restarting.

 

You have a duty of care to the riders and the public, so if you think someone may endanger themselves or others, have a quiet word; if their behaviour persists, you are entitled to ask them to leave the ride.

Ensure anyone who wishes to leave the ride is happy to make their own way home.

At the end of the ride, thank people for coming and let them know details of the next ride. Then go home and plan your next route!

 

Items to carry

• Maps or GPS unit
• Selection of small tools, inner tubes, tyre levers and a puncture repair kit
• A mobile phone•
• Cards or coins for phone box –in some areas there may be no signal
• A Registration Form, Guest Registration Forms;
• Incident Report Forms and a Group Rider Checklist for new riders to read.
• A pen or pencil

 

 

RIDE CHECK LIST before you go for a ride

 

COFFEE STOPS     Somerset is full of roads, hills, valleys and plains that lend themselves beautifully to a cyclist's favourite day out and we are lucky enough to have an equally wonderful range of coffee shops that (if you'll forgive the awful pun) are the icing on the cake for a perfect day out (visits from the puncture fairy aside).

 

RIDE LEADERS' GUIDE has  lots of helpful advice when organising a ride with friends