Club road ride on Sunday 14th July

As previously announced we have been hoping to start up Sunday club rides again for riders aged 12 or above. Availability of ride leaders has been difficult but we do now have a ride leader and a date for Sunday 14th July! We will meet at the track at 9.45 ready to leave at 10.00am promptly, finishing back at the track by 12.30 at the latest so riders can get home for lunch.

Registration

All riders will need to sign on with emergency contact details and medical conditions. Parental permission is required so attendance must be by prior arrangement only so that we have a record of names and contact numbers in advance. Please contact ride leader Rex Matthews of your intent to ride or if you have any questions: rexhmatthews@gmail.com

Where will we be going?

One of our PPYCC qualified coaches will be taking the role of ride leader (Rex on this occasion), and they will plan the route in advance. Our club rides have always headed north out of Brighton on the A23 cycle path towards Poynings, which offers a safe route out of town and through the Downs. There are lots of good cycling roads outside Brighton, it’s gently rolling terrain and we avoid major climbs. Depending on numbers we may split into different ability groups. We then head back to Preston Park on the A23 cycle lane again taking care on the roads back into town.

How will we ride?

We ride in a group, in pairs when it’s safe to do so; we’ve practiced this a lot at the track and swap over riders on the front. The nature of these rides is that a higher level of self-sufficiency is required, this means riders should be capable of safe return (or return with an accompanying parent) if they become separated from the group. Thus there should be no new participants without prior agreement.

Parents are very much encouraged to join the ride, there is no need at all to worry about speed or fitness as we will go the speed of the slowest rider so no-one gets left behind.
The rides are not coached sessions and there is not an organiser with legal responsibility for other riders. A club ride is simply a group of riders on a joint excursion on the open road which may include sections on busy roads and descents. Riders participate at their own risk and are expected to obey the Highway Code at all times.

What do I need to bring?

Firstly, your bike! Everyone is expected to make sure their bike is roadworthy, this includes brakes in good working order and tyres at the right pressure and that are not worn or suffering nicks and cuts.

Appropriate clothing is essential as cycling can be a cold sport on all but the very warmest days. Road cyclists do not usually wear a rucksack, but if you do not have purpose designed clothing and equipment this may be necessary. You should be carrying:

  • Rain protection
  • Tyre levers, puncture repair kit, spare inner tube, pump and simple tools e.g. hexagon key set or multi-tool.
  • Mobile phone or money to use a public phone
  • Drink and snack

PLEASE COME FULLY CLOTHED FOR ALL WEATHER or you will not be welcome to ride.

Is there a charge?

We are not currently charging for road ride sessions.

What if the weather is bad?

Bad weather cancellations will be posted on the website by 9am.

How do I register?

Please contact ride leader Rex Matthews of your intent to ride or if you have any questions – rexhmatthews@gmail.com