Post by blacktopdisciple on Sept 6, 2013 3:32:39 GMT
Riding in a group is good fun. Here are some tips and tricks to get the most out of riding in a group. We usually ride two abreast. If the road is busy we may have to go single file. We never ride three abreast. When you are cycling behind two riders and have another rider beside you you will have more shelter from the wind then when riding solo. You will also be expending less energy due to the slip streaming effect. In order to share the shelter and slip streaming we swap turns on the front. The rider's on the front will move over to the inside of the lane and slow down. The two riders behind and all the riders behind them will pass on the outside. The two riders who have come off the front will then join the back. Before this move happens, the riders swinging off will shout "Spell". When on the road always be polite to other road users even if they are not polite to us. Remember most car drivers are polite and a thank you is nice.
We follow the rules of the highway code and this means no jumping red lights. Please be careful when passing parked car's. Doors can open and knock you off. Never go up the inside of an articulated lorry at a junction as you might get trapped if it turns. Be careful on roundabouts even in the dry as spilt diesel from lorries can be present and is slippery. It is advisable to wear bright clothing in dark or dusky conditions. Clothing with reflective patches are a good idea. At night lights are a must. We advise you to wear a helmet. When out on your bike carry a multi/mini tool, tyre levers, puncture repair kit and one or two inner tubes. Tyre boots and universal chain links are also a good idea. A waterproof jacket is essential in inclement weather and can also serve as an extra layer if you have to stop. Remember to bring money and a mobile phone. If cycling more than 20 miles it is advisable to have a drink and food with you. In the winter your bike needs to be fitted with mudguards.
When cycling in a group there are some signals that are handy to know; A shout of "Nose" means a car is coming towards you, "Tail" means it is behind you, " Inside" means there is an obstacle on the inside and you need to move out, "Middle" means there is an obstacle in the middle of the road, "Outside" means that the obstacle is on the outside and "All over" means its all over. "Steady" means slow down, "Stop" means exactly what it says, A shout of "Clear" means that the junction is clear. Hand signals are also used; Pointing to the left or right means there is an obstacle on the left or right, a wave of the hand behind the back means move (in the direction of the wave), a hand behind the back, palm towards you means stop or slow down. Of course hand signals for turning left or right are used. A wave to fellow cyclists is nice. It reinforces the wheeled fellowship of the road.
A couple of other points to note. When cycling, particularly in cold weather, you get a runny nose. In addition exercise can loosen those bronchial tubes. What these two things mean is that you will have a lot of snot and spit to get rid of. Please dont expectorate when on the front as the poor rider behind will get covered. If you must do this with riders behind you please move slightly off line and aim at the ground. Covering one nostril before blowing your nose improves velocity and aim. Second point. When out on the road you see a fellow cyclist with a mechannical problem dont just ride past thinking 'thank god that's not me". Slow down and offer assistance. Even if you have no mechannical knowledge you might be able to help. Please keep in mind your own safety here. If the stranded person looks suspicious, you are alone or female it might be better to just ride on by.
Most importantly remember all the above tips are given in the hope that they will help you get the most out of the bike and the club. We don't expect you to be an expert on cycling to come out on a club run. We are certainly not experts but we love to share our passion for cycling and welcome newcomers and veterans alike. Remember we do not drop people on club runs. If you see a group of folk wearing blue jerseys, with red and yellow horizontal strips on the road, give us a wave and shout hello.
Thanks for reading.
We follow the rules of the highway code and this means no jumping red lights. Please be careful when passing parked car's. Doors can open and knock you off. Never go up the inside of an articulated lorry at a junction as you might get trapped if it turns. Be careful on roundabouts even in the dry as spilt diesel from lorries can be present and is slippery. It is advisable to wear bright clothing in dark or dusky conditions. Clothing with reflective patches are a good idea. At night lights are a must. We advise you to wear a helmet. When out on your bike carry a multi/mini tool, tyre levers, puncture repair kit and one or two inner tubes. Tyre boots and universal chain links are also a good idea. A waterproof jacket is essential in inclement weather and can also serve as an extra layer if you have to stop. Remember to bring money and a mobile phone. If cycling more than 20 miles it is advisable to have a drink and food with you. In the winter your bike needs to be fitted with mudguards.
When cycling in a group there are some signals that are handy to know; A shout of "Nose" means a car is coming towards you, "Tail" means it is behind you, " Inside" means there is an obstacle on the inside and you need to move out, "Middle" means there is an obstacle in the middle of the road, "Outside" means that the obstacle is on the outside and "All over" means its all over. "Steady" means slow down, "Stop" means exactly what it says, A shout of "Clear" means that the junction is clear. Hand signals are also used; Pointing to the left or right means there is an obstacle on the left or right, a wave of the hand behind the back means move (in the direction of the wave), a hand behind the back, palm towards you means stop or slow down. Of course hand signals for turning left or right are used. A wave to fellow cyclists is nice. It reinforces the wheeled fellowship of the road.
A couple of other points to note. When cycling, particularly in cold weather, you get a runny nose. In addition exercise can loosen those bronchial tubes. What these two things mean is that you will have a lot of snot and spit to get rid of. Please dont expectorate when on the front as the poor rider behind will get covered. If you must do this with riders behind you please move slightly off line and aim at the ground. Covering one nostril before blowing your nose improves velocity and aim. Second point. When out on the road you see a fellow cyclist with a mechannical problem dont just ride past thinking 'thank god that's not me". Slow down and offer assistance. Even if you have no mechannical knowledge you might be able to help. Please keep in mind your own safety here. If the stranded person looks suspicious, you are alone or female it might be better to just ride on by.
Most importantly remember all the above tips are given in the hope that they will help you get the most out of the bike and the club. We don't expect you to be an expert on cycling to come out on a club run. We are certainly not experts but we love to share our passion for cycling and welcome newcomers and veterans alike. Remember we do not drop people on club runs. If you see a group of folk wearing blue jerseys, with red and yellow horizontal strips on the road, give us a wave and shout hello.
Thanks for reading.