Club runs are a great way to meet other riders, enjoy the countryside, and get some miles in—together. They're social, supportive, and a big part of what makes club cycling so enjoyable. But just a heads-up: these are not races. We ride as a group and look out for each other, keeping things safe, steady, and enjoyable for everyone.
✅ Safety & Consideration First
We all share the responsibility for making club rides safe. Please follow a few simple rules—both for your own safety and to help protect others, including fellow riders and road users.
Not everyone has the same experience or confidence on the bike, and that’s okay! If you’re new to group riding, let the ride leader know—they'll be happy to help, and you'll get the hang of it quickly.
⏱️ Ride Length & Pace
A typical club run lasts 3 to 4 hours and covers 30 to 60+ miles, depending on the group and route. Up-to-date details can always be found on the Club website homepage.
👥 Group Riding Tips
- We usually ride in pairs (two abreast), which helps us stay compact and safe. Be ready to “single out” (ride in a single file) when traffic or road conditions call for it.
- Ride close (but not uncomfortably so) to the person in front—ideally about 1 metre behind. It helps with drafting and reduces our impact on traffic.
- If you're not confident riding close to others, ask a more experienced rider for some guidance—we're all happy to help!
- Keep a steady line, avoid weaving, and don’t “half-wheel” (i.e., overlapping your front wheel with the wheel ahead).
🗣️ Communication is Key
Because your view of the road may be limited, we rely on each other to call out and point out hazards. Here's how we stay safe together:
- Potholes – Point clearly at them until you pass.
- Parked cars or joggers – Hand behind your back, pointing to the centre of the road.
- Approaching horses – Slow down, give plenty of space, and call out calmly: “Cyclists coming!”
- Loose gravel or sand – Call “Gravel!”
⚠️ Always prioritise control—don’t try to signal hazards if it puts your own safety at risk (like on a fast downhill).
📢 Common Group Calls
- “Car up!” – Car approaching from behind
- “Car down!” – Car approaching from the front
- “Coming through!” – A car is passing the group
- “Slowing” or “Stopping” – So those behind can react
- “On your left!” – If you're overtaking someone
- “Clear left/right” or “Car left/right” – At junctions and roundabouts
- “Easy up!” – If someone is struggling to keep up, pass it forward to slow the group down
🛠️ Mechanical Issues & Regrouping
- Got a puncture or mechanical? Call out—we’ll stop and help.
- On climbs, everyone rides at their own pace. Wait at the top and regroup—no one gets left behind.
🚗 Sharing the Road
- If we have more than 10 riders, split into two smaller groups with about 150 metres between, to help traffic pass safely.
- Stay calm around bad drivers—no gestures or confrontations.
🛡️ Insurance
We strongly recommend all riders have third-party cycle insurance (like the kind offered by British Cycling or Cycling UK). Please note: club insurance does not cover individual riders.
