SAFETY COMES FIRST!

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Safety is paramount to our riders and we want you to enjoy and share your experiences safely. If you plan to join our club rides its important that you:

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• Have the right equipment – no aero bars

• Are experienced in bunch riding

• Have the relevant fitness level associated with the ride listed.

• Be familiar with our ride etiquette listed below

 

 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR JUNIORS

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• Juniors must be on restricted gears for all rides and races. This includes competition in adult races.   It is the responsibility of the Junior to check their roll out prior to an event.    The Commissaire has the discretion to check a roll out before and/or after an event. See CA Gearing Information

• Juniors are required to be in the care of a responsible adult during training and rides unless a CA accredited coach is present.

• If the Club cannot provide a Child Protection Officer during training or races, a parent or guardian must be present at all times.

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RIDE ETIQUETTE

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• Ensure that you look back so nobody is left behind and advise the bunch accordingly. The ride leader will make the decision to stop & wait.

• Be aware that there are riders who are not as strong or fit as others and the bunch may have to regroup.

• The ride leader will designate the regrouping points and they should be observed.

• On long hill climbs, ensure that you regroup at the highest visible point until the last rider comes up.

• If you are a strong rider, buddy up with somebody you can assist to help them get better.

• Make a toilet stop at the coffee break.

• The group will stop for mechanical repairs including flat tyres.

• Take the time to review the route on the Club Facebook page or web calender prior to the ride.

• Please let someone know within the group if you plan on leaving the ride

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SAFETY QUIDELINES AND TIPS FOR GROUP RIDES
 

1. Be predictable with all your actions.

2. Maintain a steady straight line and avoid braking or changing direction suddenly.

3. To slow down, gradually move out into the wind and slot back into your position in the bunch.

4. Point and call out any road hazards ahead. These include potholes, drain grates, stray animals, opening car doors, sticks or stones, parked cars, etc.

5. Do not overlap wheels.

6. Pedal down hill when you are at the front of the bunch. Cyclists dislike having to ride under brakes.

7. Stay to the left when in front to allow room for others to pass safely on your right.

8. Pass other riders on the right hand side.

9. Be smooth with your turns at the front of the group. Avoid surges unless trying to break from the bunch.

10. Avoid leaving gaps when following wheels. Cyclists save about 30% of their energy at high speed by following a wheel. Each time you leave a gap you are forcing yourself to ride alone to bridge it. Also, riders behind you will become annoyed and ride around you.

11. When climbing hills, avoid following a wheel too closely. Many riders often lose their momentum when rising out of the saddle on a hill which can cause a sudden deceleration.

12. Do not be rude to motorists that do the wrong thing.   We live here and aggravating an irate or irresponsible motorist does not help other road bike riders.

13. If the ride leader sees fit to call a pace line even on a social ride, we only use rolling turns.   See the video below for instructions on how this is conducted.

 

 

Below are short videos that covers some main rules involved in cycling training signals and rolling turns when cycling in a group.