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Skippie

Mar 11, 08 - 10:38 AM

Saturday Rides

I have spoken to a few people regarding the Saturday rides.

Firstly it's great to see so many people coming out to train, we had I think 24 last Saturday, and the bad driving as pointed out by others is not our fault it's simply bad driving. Maybe the increase of roadwork’s the last few weeks has added to drivers frustrations, and unfortunately coming across a Peloton of 20+ riders has given them something to vent their anger at.

However my concern is and always will be for the safety of the club. With this in mind from this Saturday if there's more than say 14 riders we will split into 2 groups, at least this will present any angry cars less of an obstacle to get past and hopefully make it safer for everyone. But please note they will not be a fast and slow group, both Groups will try and maintain the pace as has been set.

In addition below are some pointers for everyone to bear in mind when group riding:

• Point out and call out any road hazards ahead. "Pothole, drain, car-right", and pass the message all the way back. Watch your Left - There's a hazard on the Left e.g. a walker or slower cyclist.
• Do not let gaps occur. If you are in a lead pack slow your pedalling to let the rest of the pack catch-up.
• Learn and use appropriate hand signals for turning
• Communicate to fellow riders, using proper cycling terms such as:
• Car Back - There's a car approaching from the rear.
• Car Up - There's a car approaching from the front.
• Stopping - The group is stopping.
• Make eye contact with drivers and pedestrians whose path you will cross.
• Avoid riding closely when climbing hills, as people tend to drop back when climbing.
• Maintain a safe distance between riders, and much more distance on very fast stretches or down hills.
• On downhill, pedal if you are at the front of the bunch. You don't want everyone behind you to catch up and fall into you.
• Sharp braking should only be for emergencies. Ease or feather yourself to a stop.

Regarding the two groups we can try a few suggestions one being rather that set off 5 or 10 mins apart, one can take the normal route, the second could go left out of Mammoth up through Brocton, that way there should naturally be a 5 or 10 minute gap, that way no one has to wait around.

Hopefully this will make it safer and more enjoyable for everyone.

Nick.

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