Club Rides

Getting the best out of club runs.

All participants

  • First and foremost, we should always act in a manner that supports our fellow members and represents RCC in good light – inappropriate behaviour  towards others and abuse of the highway code could result in you being asked to leave the group
  • Join a ride you are comfortable with; distance and average speeds are posted in advance via the Strava group where you can register for the ride. If you join a ride and are unable to keep up, you may end up getting dropped (please note we do have some ad hoc non-drop rides for new members and those looking to move up groups/ride at a social pace)
  • Ride safe. At times the group may need to single out to allow cars to pass, likewise we may need to slow down or stop when near vulnerable road users such as horses, cyclists, or pedestrians, do not ride more than 2 abreast. Please call out your presence when passing horses.
  • Download the “what3words” app prior to riding and always carry emergency contact information/ identification.
  • Always support the ride leader and call out any unsafe behaviour or which presents RCC in a bad light.
  • At times you may be asked to support as a “back marker” and help the ride leader with larger groups
  • Carry out a bike safety check before you leave the house and always come self-sufficient. Ride leaders are not responsible for fixing punctures, if you have never changed a tube have a go yourself before joining a ride. (Tubes with correct length valve, plastic tyre levers, pump, tyre boots/patch, split link, and multi tool recommended as a minimum)
  • Never stop in the middle of the road or on a bend, if waiting for other riders stop in a safe place and off the road. When stopping always let the group know and do not slam the brakes on or swerve off the road for no reason
  • If anyone drops off the back or passes on a message, let the ride leader know.
  • If you are planning to drop off simply let the ride leader know before you disappear. This saves an SOS search!
  • Off the front – If you decide to ride off the front away from the group, please be aware this could be seen as you leaving the ride.
  • Call it out – Please point out/call out debris/potholes etc.
  • Aero bars? While they may be permanent. Please do not use these during club runs
  • Wet? Muddy? Mud guards strongly advised.
  • Dark? Poor visibility? Lights are mandatory in these conditions – If joining an evening ride please bring lights as it will get dark towards the end of the ride.
  • Daytime Lights? Point them down and use a group friendly mode, your club mates will appreciate it.
  • Lid, Helmets are strongly advised and mandatory for all junior riders
  • Insurance– Please note your club membership does not include this and our Ride Leader insurance only covers the Ride Leader.
  • All our ride leaders are volunteers, a “thanks for leading” or “that was a great route” goes a long way!

Ride leaders

  •  If you wish to lead rides, please register your interest with the club runs secretary who will add you to our Ride Leader insurance, there are no formal qualifications required to lead rides and as ride leader you choose the route/café stop/average speed etc
  • Where there are new participants, you have not ridden with before, please hold a 60 second ride briefingbefore the start of each ride, know everyone’s names, cover off route, average speed, stop, group riding expectations and safety messages. Please check in with any guest riders before departing.
  • Only take out a group you are comfortable with. Limit numbers, if necessary (max 12 strongly recommended)
  • For larger groups ask a fellow rider to act as back marker, this is particularly important on social rides and where we have guest riders
  • If you need to stop the ride, please ask all members to stop off the road when safe
  • Thursday, Saturday and Sunday rides qualify for points. Please send member names and whether wearing an RCC jersey to points@readingcyclingclub.org or ask one of the participants to do so!

In the event of an accident/incident

  • Stop in a safe space and delegate tasks, who will make the scene safe, who will call emergency services if required etc
  • For serious accidents, record any details, Witnesses, Location, what happened on your phone to be transferred to an accident form within 24 hours
  • Let the Club secretary, Club runs sectary and Welfare officer know asap via email – they will help if the incident needs reporting to our insurance company and Cycling UK
  • Please do not post any details on Strava/social media until the committee have been in contact with you
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