1 Do
I have to be a member ? No, anyone is welcome to come along
and try riding with us.
We would suggest that you become a member
after you've been out about 4 times.
CTC membership offers many benefits and
helps to protect you and other cyclists on the road.
2 Am
I too young or too old ? If you are under 18
years of age your parents/guardians must
complete a consent form before your first outing with the club.
Please contact our secretary for
further details. You're never too old! We have a member aged
86 who still cycles with us.
3 What
sort of bike? The style of your cycle matters little, however
it is important
that it is in a roadworthy condition before
you start coming out with us. Please check
(or have checked) your tyres brakes etc,
not only for your own safety and enjoyment,
but also those riding with you.
4 Will
the pace be too fast ? If you come on a 'E' (Easy) ride
the pace will be set by the
leader to the speed of the slowest
rider.
5 How
far do we go ? 'E' (Easy) rides are about 14 to 16 miles
to coffee (11's). After coffee,
some riders go home and others
stay out all day. So if you are used to riding your
bike say 4 or 5 miles on a regular basis
you won't find it too hard. Honestly,
it really is easy to ride longer distances
with a group.
6 What
happens if I get a puncture or a problem with my bike? Should
you or any other
rider be unlucky enough to have a puncture
or mechanical breakdown everyone waits
until the problem is resolved. Remember
to carry some simple tools that
fit your bicycle plus spare
inner tube, a pump & puncture repair kit.
7 What
sort of clothing? Rides go ahead whatever the weather,
so remember that a
warm sunny morning can turn into a downpour
or cold winds can blow up.
Some form of wet weather or windproof
clothing should be carried, however remember
to keep to light weight styles; a lightweight
cap or head covering and even gloves would
be a good idea.
8 Do I
have to wear a helmet ? No, it is up to the rider's
choice.
9 What
do we expect from you? Always be aware of other road
users when you're cycling,
look
behind and signal before you change direction.
Please do not stop suddenly without warning
- other cyclists are close behind you.
Before coming to a halt call out slowing
or stopping and look behind before pulling
over to the inside.
The CTC does not accept any responsibility
for your safety on these rides.
Please ride with consideration for others.
HELPFUL HINTS FOR YOUR RIDE
1 Females of all ages are flocking to cycling,
and some of our rides are 50/50
males and females. Once more it's a good
idea to start with 'Easy' rides unless you
are an experienced lone rider.
2 A map of the route,
though not necessary, always makes a day's trip more interesting.
Ordnance Survey are best, but any clear
detailed map will do.
3 Make sure your saddle
is at the right height - ask a club member for advice about this
very important aspect. Make sure
your tyres are pumped up to the recommended
pressures - soft tyres make for very
hard work, and increase the chance of getting punctures!.
5 Although many
riders buy light meals at lunchtime, carrying sandwiches is just
as exceptable.
Remember that a cyclist's fuel is food
and drink, so always carry at least £1.00 and perhaps
a drink in a plastic botte and even a
Mars bar or other small snack bar.
6 Be careful how you carry
things. Use a bag strapped securely to a rear rack,
rather than carrying a rucksack on your
back, and definitely not a carrier bag hanging
from the handlebars!