Saturday Cycling  

You are very welcome to come along for a few rides before you join the club and you’ll be given a warm welcome.,membership of the club is an annual subscription of £12  together with membership of the Cyclist Touring Club or British Cycling.

Note that it is possible that we may change route to suit the situation.

For full details contact Mrs Anne Martin. 01934 862569 or  Geraldine Reeve 01275 817295

I would like to emphasis that this ride is for new comers to Cycling and for those who wish to cycle at a slower speed (9/10mph)   (not so important ) the distance will be around 30/40 miles.   We usually stop for coffee as indicated, plase bring a drink so that we can stop in the afternoon if required. The ride will most likely get back into YATTON at aprox 3.30pm.

If you wish for a faster ride why not try the Sunday ride this is now split into two groups the second being slower and probably very suitable – list of rides above some guidance below:-

Club Run Conduct

Due to numbers that are joining us it may be necessary to split into three groups, and even then the numbers are daunting to some other road users. Some find the groups intimidating and many do not have the confidence or the knowledge on how to pass us safely.                                                                                                                                          Motorist, in particular, do not understand how manoeuvrable or how fast we may be travelling.

Many motorists do not believe that we are allowed to ride two abreast when safe to do so. Obviously where roads are narrow and busy then single file is advisable. However, where visibility is limited, narrow twisting roads, it may be advisable to hold two abreast as it should deter motorists from overtaking. Single file doubles the length of the ‘string’.

The motorist should take responsibility for his own passing manoeuvre.

Below are recommendations on safe riding and etiquette.                                                    Everyone should be looking out for everyone else.

• NEVER OVERLAP WHEELS, if the rider in front switches you have nowhere to go.
• NEVER HALF WHEEL  (ride half a wheel in front of your companion) this is inconsiderate, gets people annoyed and pushes the pace unacceptably high. Can cause carnage behind as riders tire and riding becomes erratic.
• INDICATE POTHOLES AND OTHER OBSTRUCTIONS, shouting “HOLE” is not enough, rider behind needs to know where it is.
• WARNING OF VEHICLES APPROACHING, lead and tail-end Charlie to announce presence of vehicles. Exceptional traffic may require us to pull over and stop allowing tail-back to clear.
• HORSES, they are bigger than us, approach with caution.
• LOOKING BEHIND, if you really have to, steady yourself by resting hand on companion. This should ensure that you do not deviate. Or go to the rear of the group.
• REMOVING GILET/WATERPROOF, go to rear of group or stop.
• ROAD JUNCTIONS, approach with caution, advise “clear” or “stop” but take responsibility for yourself. Never be tempted to jump a junction in an attempt to catch the peloton. Group to be aware that riders may have been held up and allow regrouping.
• DESCENTS, descend carefully.
• CLIMBING, climb at your own pace, re-group over the top.
• TRAFFIC AND OTHER LIGHTS, observe them and obey
• HAND SIGNALS, should be clear and concise, a finger raised slightly away from thigh is not good enough.
• PELOTON, no one should be left behind unless they wish to be.
• ABUSE, we will always get verbally abused, never return it, control your temper. (Sometimes easier said than done)
• SWEARING is frowned upon.
• WEAR APPROPRIATE CLOTHING, bright  strong colours are recommended.

REMEMBER we are the vulnerable ones, with very little protection, and even if we have right of way it can hurt!

If we are polite and courteous then hopefully it will be returned and we can ride safely and enjoy this pastime of ours.

We hope that the newcomers will join us (CTC or BC membership is obligatory) in order to gain  benefits and the very important Insurance Cover.

 TAKE CARE OUT THERE