New to cycling?
The sections below highlight some of the key areas and help you start the next step in your cycling journey.
Are you ready?
It is recommended that you have a reasonable level of fitness before joining a group run.
For our Group 1 section, if you can ride 30 miles averaging 12 -14mph then you should be good enough to give it a try. If you are completely new to road cycling, don't give up, try and build your fitness and gradually build up your distance and speed.
Try going out with friends for encouragement and this will help build fitness and confidence.
Once you are comfortable with 30 miles or so, you will be ready to join the fun. Riding in a proper group can be easier than solo, so don't be scared.
Food & Drink
Keeping energy levels up during any club ride is important. Here are some points you should consider;
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Make sure you have eaten and are hydrated properly before a ride. On Sunday morning club runs, have a good breakfast beforehand.
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Bring plenty of water, appropriate for the conditions and length of ride. you may take one or two bottles. Make sure your drink has electrolytes as well as carbohydrates for energy.
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You may want to have some solid food, energy bars, biscuits as well as energy gels, again depending on the ride distance, terrain and conditions
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Sunday club rides have a Cafe stop roughly mid-way, so bring some cash.
Safety First
Riding on open roads can be dangerous as we can't control other road users, however we can control ourselves.
Riders taking part in club rides do so at their own risk and we strongly recommend that riders have their own personal insurance.
Paying attention, focus and keeping concentration is key to safe riding.
Always think of others around you as well as yourself.
Further details on group riding etiquette, signalling, manoeuvres are included in the Club Rides section. Click on the link below for further details
What to bring
Based on our experience, we recommend riders bring;
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Yourself and a smile
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Spare inner tube(s), bicycle pump and / or Co2 cylinders, puncture repair kit
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Mobile phone
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Identification
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Road worthy bike (make sure it is setup correctly and maintained)
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Appropriate cycling clothing
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Helmet
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Money (Cafe stops and emergencies)
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Food, gels (if required)
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Lighting (when required)
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Mud Guards in the Winter
What to wear
We have all heard the jokes and comments about cycle clothing, however wearing the appropriate gear is important for your comfort and also safety. Please consider;
Warm Weather Kit
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Bib Shorts –
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Jersey/Cycling Top
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Base Layer – used by some riders to stop stop sweat sticking to jerseys. (Do not wear cotton T-shirt)
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Gloves / Mitts - padded for comfort and protection
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Cycling shoes - various types depending on the pedals used.. Clip pedals are recommended as they are more efficient for road cycling and longer runs.
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Helmet – mandatory
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Glasses – optional but recommended for eye protection
Colder Weather & Wet Weather Kit
Proper clothing is essential in winter to protect yourself and also be visible to other road users
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Gilet
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Waterproof Jacket
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Base Layers
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Bib Tights
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Winter Cycling Jacket
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Overshoes
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Gloves
Just ask
Cycling clothing ranges from budget wear to very expensive. To new riders this can be daunting and often confusing what to buy.
Never be afraid to ask your fellow members for advise. Thats one of the benefits of being in a club, learning as well as passing on experience to others.
Insurance
Personal insurance is not provided by the club however a discount on British Cycling insurance is available to members for their first year of cover. Please contact the club secretray via the Contact Page for full details.