- A typical club run may consist of 1½ to 2 hours riding to a designated coffee stop. The ride back after refreshments is often a bit shorter, but it depends on the destination; some club runs are longer than others.
- Club run numbers can vary. If you’re not used to riding in a group, please speak to the person leading the run that day. Group riding soon becomes second nature if you follow these common-sense guidelines.
- Usually ride in pairs, two abreast. This makes it easy to “single out” when required.
- Ride close, but not too close, to the rider in front of you. Approx 1-1.5 metres is a good guide. This gives you a slight “draft” from them, making it easier for you, and still gives you time to react to their movements.
- Maintain a steady, confident line and do not “half-wheel” (overlap wheels) with the rider in front.
- As riders’ forward view is limited, it’s essential that obstacles and potholes are pointed out and quietly communicated down the line. The front riders will point out appropriate hazards, such as holes, parked cars, joggers, horses, sharp bends, gravel, etc.
- Slow down for horses and give them plenty of room. If approaching from behind, call out in good time to warn them – it’s safer for them AND us.
- We often ride on narrow roads and need to “single out” to allow cars to pass where safe and appropriate. The riders at the back of the group are responsible for noting cars approaching from behind by calling “CAR BACK”. Conversely, those at the front are responsible for cars approaching from the front by calling “CAR UP”. This helps ensure everyone knows what’s happening.
- To “single out” – usually the rider on the left moves forward and the rider on the right drops in behind.
- If you need to stop, call out “stopping” or “slowing” and, if safe to do so, raise your right hand so the riders behind do not crash into you.
- If you puncture or suffer another mechanical failure, call out accordingly, and the group will wait and assist.
- At junctions and roundabouts, give clear warnings and indications of other traffic, so the group can move smoothly. Calls such as “Clear”, “Clear left/right”, “Car left/right”, etc., are helpful and appropriate. Don’t blindly rely on a call of “Clear”. Always check for yourself before pulling into potential traffic.
- Do not overtake on the left without warning the rider first with a call of “On your left”
- Everyone climbs hills at different rates. Please wait and regroup at the top. This ensures no one is dropped.
- Always show respect to other riders in the group and anybody we might see out on the road. Rudeness, aggression, and sexist, racist or other discriminatory behaviour will never be tolerated and will lead to your expulsion from the club.
- Please wear the club kit if you have it.
