RIDING IN A GROUP

Joining a group ride is a great way to make some new friends and find the best cycle routes, bike shops and cafes in your area. 

With like-minded souls you can enhance your cycling and maybe lead to further adventures in the great outdoors!
 
The club rides are posted on our website, and members sign up for those they wish to join. Non-members can contact us for a free ride before deciding if you wish to join our club. 

Each ride has an experienced Ride Leader, with a planned route and coffee stop.

“We never leave anyone behind”

• Stay together as a group and be alert to what others around you are doing
• Try not to wander off the pace – in front or behind
• Stay in front of the back marker
• If ahead of the ride leader, check for direction of travel at the next junction
• The ride should wait for the group to reform at the top of hills or at major junctions – wait off the road and away from junctions
• When changing direction, make sure the rider behind has seen where to go – signal or wait for them
• Pass messages up and down the line to warn of potholes, gravel, pedestrians, animals, traffic, etc.
• Ride two abreast where safe to do so
• On narrow lanes pull over for other road users in front or behind
• Keep a steady pace and warn others if slowing or stopping
• Carry your own spare tube, pump and tyre levers
• Show courtesy to other road users
•  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 
• Carry  a mobile phone with I.C.E. Emergency contact details
• Good lights if any chance of riding in the dark or poor visibility. Lights needed if arriving back less than 2 hours before sunset

Follow the highway code and countryside code

Riders are recommended to have I.C.E (Emergency contacts) on mobile phones. 

USEFUL CYCLE SKILLS INFO:    Level 1   Level 2   Level 3  ,