Planning and Posting of a Group Ride.
· Ensure that your group is likely to enjoy the route, taking into account: distance; terrain; traffic; cakes; weather direction of wind; ability of the riders.
· Be flexible & prepared to vary the ride if any of these change.
· Other essentials such as what the riders should bring: inner tube, tyre levers, puncture repair kit, Chain Power Links / Pins correct for bike, mobile phone and Membership Card with Emergency contact details. Drink, food, gels, Medicines, etc.
· Avoid leaving anybody behind, unless they insist.
Start of Ride.
• Find out the names of everyone on your ride, any health issues, (ie hearing), ensure that all riders exchange Leader mobile with their own mobile number including emergency contact.
Make the group aware that they should check their own bicycle is roadworthy and fit for the group ride.
Make aware that the leader or deputy are carrying a basic 1st Aid Kit, ask new riders to complete a Signing On Sheet, available at Tretherras Sports desk.
• Enlist the help of any experienced riders to: keep an eye on newer ones; act as backmarkers; lead a second group; or even act as ‘human signposts; at junctions or gates. • Explain how you will lead the ride: any jargon and hand signals you might use; Gravel, Potholes, Overtaking obstacles, waiting for backmarkers at junctions or hills.
Leading can be at the front, middle or behind, use deputies to direct and keep to the same directions, especially with group split up, no more than 8.
· Try to be courteous and wave "thank you" to motorists.
Remind each rider they are responsible for their own safety, complying with Highway Code.
• Point out any likely hazards in advance, Bends, Steep Decents, Wet ? Icy.
Avoid 1/2 wheeling at all times.
With experienced or new riders, brief before, practising of Through and Off, Speed Control / Drafting, within a cycling group.
Avoid blocking roads and trails, when stopping, try to keep the ride flowing smoothly, by encouraging observation of not only the person / road in front, but to stay aware of the rider behind.
Stronger riders can go ahead on uphills or decents but plan a re-group point and do stop occasionally and give stragglers a rest before restarting.
Communication is extremely important, including signals in plenty of time to turn, overtake or stop, the use of "Car up / Car back" is not to be used excessively.
Use verbal warnings as early as possible regarding potholes / glass, etc, riders are to make own decision on proceeding at junctions / overtaking, etc.
The Highway Code Rule 66 is Advisory on the 2 abreast issue, (ie not more than) although it is not against the law, but we have to use common sense where single file would be better.
We have a duty of care to the riders and the public, so if you think someone may endanger themselves or others, have a quiet word; if their behaviour persists, you are entitled to ask them to leave the ride. • Ensure anyone who wishes to leave the ride is happy to make their own way home and lets you know they got back Ok.
