Ride etiquette
The Club recommend that riders wear an approved helmet when taking part in any EDCC activity.
The riders should keep the group as compact as possible, riding two abreast around 18” (450mm) apart (handlebar to handlebar) & with 18 – 36” (450 – 900mm) between the pairs. Any single riders should be at the rear of the group, & should avoid riding up between the pair in front. Viewed from behind by motorists this can look like we are riding three abreast.
The pace of the ride should be to that of the slower riders, with the advent of the Saturday ride it is now accepted that the Sunday ride is to be the quicker ride. But it shouldn’t be turned into a training ride.
The riders on the front of the group should endeavour to keep to the same pace, if one rider starts to creep ahead of the other it is known as “1/2 wheeling” & is frowned upon. Because it can lead to the other rider struggling to keep with the stronger rider.
When changing the lead of the group, the outside rider of the front pair lets the inside rider know that they are going to move up & will then increase the pace slightly to move in front. Taking care that they are clear of the inside rider. The outside line follows the lead rider through & the second in line takes their place on the front of the group. This should all happen with the minimal of change of pace.
The pair of riders on the front of the group should warn the group of hazards in the road as follows:
Pot holes or debris in the road should be pointed out with a hand signal (pointed finger) & a shouted warning (pot hole).
Moving out away from the kerb or edge of the road to avoid either parked cars or people walking/running should be indicated by swinging the left hand behind their back & shouting “inside” before & while they move out around the obstruction.
Horses should be approached with extreme caution, giving plenty of warning to the riders on the horses. The overtake should be carried out giving the horses as much room as possible. Do not overtake if you cannot see that the road ahead is clear, wait a safe distance behind the horses & then proceed when there is a clear view of the road ahead.
When riding on narrow roads, the following should be used to warn of other vehicles on the road – “Car up” for vehicles approaching from behind; “Car Down” for vehicles coming towards the group. In both cases the group should “Single out” i.e. ride in single file until the vehicle is clear.
Tri-Bars should not, under any circumstances, be used when riding in a group. Their use isn’t permitted in any form of massed start racing, keep them for training on your own & Time Trials.
In the event of a mechanical problem or puncture, raise your right hand (if safe to do so) &/or let the remainder of the group know that you have a problem, slow down gradually, do not come to a sudden stop in the middle of the group. The same applies to a “call of nature.”
There will be times during a club ride when some people get a bit “playful” & start sprinting for 30mph signs. When doing this please take into account the road conditions, other road users & the other riders in the group. Always sprint around the outside of the group, never up through the group.
If for any reason a rider wants to leave the group during the ride, please let the other members of the group know, & then leave from the rear of the group. This should prevent other riders joining you on your detour.
It is often the case when in hilly terrain that the group will get separated, due to wide variety of climbing abilities, as with the 30 sign sprints, please be careful when passing other riders & do so on the right. Those that are slower up the climbs please keep to the left to allow the faster climbers to pass. Once over the climb, please regroup as soon as possible & if necessary wait at the next junction to avoid loosing anyone.
All riders should have mudguards fitted to their bikes during the winter months (October – March). They do help to cut down the amount of water & mud that is thrown up from the wheels.
Please ensure that bikes are in good working order before you come out on a club ride. Stopping for problems that could have been attended to beforehand doesn’t go down too well with the other people in the group. Especially in the winter.
All riders should be self sufficient to cope with at least one puncture, .ie. – spare innertube, tyre levers & a pump. It isn’t a good idea to try & stick patches on a tube by the roadside.