CHOOSE the beginners supervised ride, the fast group or one of the other groups in between.

 

Would you prefer a hills ride?  There are 2 goups to choose from at our Blackwood store

 

This is your ride, ENJOY IT, control it!

 

When? 7.30am

Where? Mega Bike - 102 King William Road
contact us for further details.

3, 4 or 5 groups (if numbers allow):

• Fast group - no speed restriction
• 40 kph max group  (STAY WITHIN THE SPEED LIMIT)
• 35 kph max group  (STAY WITHIN THE SPEED LIMIT)
• 30 kph max group  (STAY WITHIN THE SPEED LIMIT)

 

Indicated speeds are absolute limits and are not to be exceeded - it is the responsibility of every member of the group to ensure the safety of ALL participants and that speed limits are maintained.

 

There is no better way to become a motivated experienced cyclist than to join a regular group ride. The following are techniques used around the world to create a safe and enjoyable group ride.

 

Pacelines - where riders travel in parallel lines. The right line holds the agreed speed and the left line travels about 3 kph slower. The left line is constantly drifting backwards creating a space for the next rider.

 

Acceleration - from lights, stop signs, roundabouts etc. should be slow and steady with an eye out to keep the group together. Attacks, jumps, short hard pulls, erratic moves and other race-like riding have no place in a group ride.

 

Cadence - all the rides are done in the small chain ring. This is called a cadence ride.  A consistent pace is the key. Establish a pedalling rhythm as you move towards the front and maintain it until just after pulling off to the left. Then back off slowly making room for the next rider.

 

Wheelsitting - or not rolling through is fine for resting or chatting but must be done at the back. Always let those immediately in front know that you plan not to roll through. There is nothing more disruptive than someone rolling to the front, then for whatever reason slowing down. If you are feeling extended, tired or don't wish to continue through signal that you wish to enter the left lane - enter safely - and when on the back, rest. Let rotating riders know they have reached the back by calling "Last rider" as you move into the right line.

 

Gaps - Imagine a fine thread connects each rider and the goal is not to break it. Don?t open gaps and if you wish to close a gap do it slowly taking the rider behind with you.  A skilled group will remain in a tight paceline through stops, corners, short climbs, descents and traffic by being considerate of riders behind and closing gaps before they become problems. This conduct will also stop the problem of riders from the left line wanting to jump into gaps so that they can have more turns.

 

Say No - If an over enthusiastic rider in the left lane indicates they wish to move into the right lane, effectively cutting you off- say NO.

Wanting to take more turns than others is not on - say NO!

 

Front riders - are the eyes and ears of the group. They should point out potholes, parked cars and other obstacles. However all riders should take care of each other. This means all riders should be keeping their eyes open.  Lead riders have to make the choice for the group's behaviour at round-abouts, stop signs and traffic lights. The rule is that no action is taken unless it is safe and the whole group can participate eg. Do not cross an intersection unless all can cross safely.  No right lane changes unless it is safe for the whole group to change lanes.  If the group gets split, ride slowly until the rear group gets back on.  If you are on the back, please do not run the intersection unless it is obvious that the traffic is waiting for the whole group.

 

Note      During group rides sprints are not allowed and accelerating towards the end of the ride is not allowed. Responding to perceived challenge is childish.

 

Don't accommodate elitist or selfish attitudes.  The best thing about a group ride apart from the training is the social interaction. Issues concerning the quality of bicycle and accessories, previous experience and character, conflicts with other road users or each other have no place here.

 

The experienced rider should help out the ride co-ordinator and the inexperienced by pointing out mistakes.  This must be done diplomatically, of course, but it is important to make people aware of unsafe riding, overly hard braking, cutting blind corners, or unnecessarily obstructing traffic.  When riding in a large group and stopping at lights, pull up en masse at the white line or behind the last car.  Do not drift in among the cars and obstruct them.

 

Remember always that apart from the pleasure the group ride gives us it is also the perfect PUBLIC RELATIONS exercise.  You are on show - be a good example of cycling.

 

Please note that for safety reasons this ride will not take place when it is raining.

 Download Saturday Ride Info