Question 1

How do I join?

Accepted Answer

If you're interested in joining, message us via the ‘contact us’ section if you have any questions.

You can join by using our 'Joining CDRC ' page - Joining CDRC | Clevedon & District Road Club.

Question 2

How much is it to join?

Accepted Answer

It’s £30 to join as an adult in the first year and then just £15 a year after that.

For under 18’s is just £5 a year.

Question 3

Can I come on a ride before joining?

Accepted Answer

Yes absolutely.  If you would like to come out for a ‘taster’ ride before deciding, just let us know in advance through the contact form and we will make sure the relevant group leader is aware of who you are and they will look after you on the ride.

Question 4

Will I be able to keep up with the other riders?

Accepted Answer

There are 6 groups on the Sunday club run, covering all ranges of experience and speed.  There will be a group that is right for you.

On the Sunday rides, depending on the number of riders present, up to six groups will be formed , each usually heading to the same  coffee stop, albeit by slightly different routes and at different speeds. Indicative average speeds (may vary by terrain, route, weather) for each group are:
Group 1 : 19+ mph average  ~ 70 miles
Group 2 : 17 – 19mph average  ~ 70 miles
Group 3 : 16 – 18 mph average   ~ 60 miles
Group 4 : 15 – 17 mph average   ~ 60 miles
Group 5 :  14 – 16 mph average   ~ 50 miles
Group 6 :  12 – 14 mph average    ~ 50 miles

If you’d like to ride the CDRC Sunday club ride and are worried that your average speed might be lower than our Group 6 pace, please still get in touch. We may be able to accommodate you, and we’d love to help you find a ride that suits your level.

Question 5

How do I hear about what is going on at the club?

Accepted Answer

We use WhatsApp for a lot of our communication and have established a CDRC WhatsApp ‘community’. This allows us to link all sub-groups under one headline community. You decide which groups you join.

If you ride with us, you should join the ‘Rides and Events’ group as a minimum.

E-mail will always be sent ‘bcc’ so e-mail addresses are not visible to others. If you don’t appear to be receiving e-mails check your ‘junk’ folder. Keep the membership secretary updated with any changes to your e-mail address.

CDRC expect any communication, including Social Media posts, to be respectful and considerate to all.

Question 6

What do I need to do Pre-ride?

Accepted Answer

It sounds obvious, but when joining a club ride it’s important to ensure you know where you’re going, your bike is capable of getting you there and you can fix a puncture (and preferably other minor mechanical problems). 
If you struggle with the basics like sorting out a puncture let a ride leader know so they can give you some pointers. Some other useful info:
Always take a pump, tyre levers and spare tube and know how to use them (even if running tubeless)
Using C02 cannisters to inflate a tyre? Make extra sure you know what you’re doing – you get one shot!
Deep section wheels? Are the valves long enough in your spare tubes?

Take a charged phone for when none of the above works – it happens to all of us!

Never use tri bars during any group ride
A multi-tool is a good idea as is a second tube on longer rides.
Take enough food and drink and means of paying for cake!
Charge up all the things with batteries on your bike!

If a digital route is published on the ‘Rides and Events’ WhatsApp group, always download it to your GPS.

Question 7

Will I fit in?

Accepted Answer

Will I fit in?
CDRC prides itself on being a friendly, inclusive and welcoming club. In recent years we have seen a big increase in women joining the club and holding key roles on our committee.

We offer a variety of riding opportunities across a wide range of speeds so there really is something for everyone. For a lot of our members the social aspect of riding with friends is very important as is the stop for a coffee, cake and chat!

Question 8

Where does the club ride?

Accepted Answer

Where does the club ride?
We know all the best lanes and routes in our area! We regularly ride on the Mendips, Somerset levels as well as going North of Bristol. 
We also organise some ‘car assist’ rides so we can explore areas such as the Cotswolds and South Wales. 
We also arrange trips abroad which are very well attended and an annual highlight for many.

Question 9

What are the ride start locations?

Accepted Answer

Sunday Ride meet up points:-

Rides normally start from Clevedon Triangle (https://what3words.com/popped.reef.only) at 0830
With further meet ups then either at ...

Congresbury Arms car park at 0855. This is the most commonly used one
https://what3words.com/imparting.comb.dude
​
Lulsgate Bottom, at the very top of West Lane, just off the A38 at 0910
https://what3words.com/epic.motor.waddled
​
Avonmouth end of the M5 bridge cycle track at 0910
https://what3words.com/tens.scans.maps

Saturday Ride - Coffee & Croissant:-

We meet at 9am at the junction of Davis Lane and Kennmoor Road (also known as Kenn Pier) - https://what3words.com/terribly.starlight.noun

Wednesday Ride - Chain Gang:-

The starting point is on Davis Lane, by the Hand Stadium.
https://what3words.com/wakes.venue.stale

Wednesday Ride - Hills of Clevedon

Fallen Tree Pub, Hill Road
https://w3w.co/anyway.dared.fuels

Thursday Ride - Social Ride:-

The starting point is at Congresbury Arms, Congresbury
​​https://what3words.com/​gurgled.drain.emulated

Tuesday TT:-

The time trial starts in Kenn Village on Kenn Road at the layby (https://what3words.com/directive.rear.dinner)

Question 10

Are there any partner discounts as a result of CDRC membership

Accepted Answer

Yes, and we are always looking to add new benefits and offers.
Please have a look at the Our Partners page for more details.

Question 11

Can I wear headphones whilst riding?

Accepted Answer

A key part of staying safe on group rides is effective communication between riders. Clear and timely communication helps the group respond to hazards, changes in pace, and instructions from ride leaders. Anything that limits a rider’s ability to hear or respond to others can compromise the safety of the entire group.

With this in mind, the use of headphones while riding in a group is strongly discouraged, except where they are required to address a hearing impairment. Wearing headphones can reduce awareness of surroundings and make it more difficult to hear important calls within the group.

Question 12

How do I report a pothole ?

Accepted Answer

We encourage members to report any potholes that are particularly hazardous or pose a danger to cyclists.

Potholes can be reported directly to North Somerset Council using the link below:
https://forms.n-somerset.gov.uk/report-request/form/potholes#/1

If hitting a pothole has resulted in injury to yourself or damage to your bicycle, you can submit a compensation claim to North Somerset Council using the following link:
https://n-somerset.gov.uk/council-democracy/accounts-spending-insurance/insurance-service/claims-process

If you require legal assistance when making a claim and are a member of British Cycling, you may be able to access legal support through your membership, which is typically provided at no additional cost.

The more reports that are submitted, the greater the likelihood that repairs will be prioritised and completed.

Clevedon & District Road Club

Frequently Asked Questions