Cycling Group

Each month the Cycling Group meets and rides a circular route of around 20 miles on quiet roads, either local to our area or from a starting point up to 50 miles away. There may be a morning coffee stop and we usually end the ride at a suitable pub or restaurant for lunch. Members use conventional or electric bikes.

At present, maintaining the safety of a large group means that we cannot accept any new members to join our rides. However, if you are interested in joining, please ask one of the Group Leaders to add your name to a waiting list.

Group Leaders

Marie Woodrow on 01844 292012 or 07982 014803 or woodrow333@btinternet.com

Malcolm White on 01844 291677 or mwhiterudds@gmail.com

Venue

The group meets on the morning of the fourth Tuesday of each month, typically at 10.00am. Rides are planned, risk assessed and led within the group. The starting point and location is announced in advance to group members, to facilitate any necessary car sharing.

Cycling Holidays are also arranged from time to time.

Costs

Cyclists pay for their own refreshments and share transport costs.

Risk assessments and safety

For insurance purposes we are now required to complete a risk assessment before each ride to make sure everyone is aware of the route, terrain, emergency procedures etc (Risk Assessment Form).

Your Group Leader might keep your ICE (In Case of Emergency) details, but you should not necessarily rely on this.You should carry your ICE card with you on all U3A rides so that someone can be contacted on your behalf if it becomes necessary.

Safety tips

We are a fairly informal, sociable group but abilities vary, so it is worth reminding ourselves of a few general safety points:

Keep together as much as possible to avoid losing touch with anyone.

People ride at different speeds, but please take note of the meeting points the leader asks you to stop at, and wait for the back marker to arrive. This is also important in case changes need to be made to the route because of timing, weather conditions, punctures or mishaps. Sometimes if numbers are large we may split into two sections with two leaders, but the same principle will apply for each section.

Be aware of the need to ride in twos or threes when on busy roads, leaving a reasonable gap so that traffic can get past.

DO make sure you always have your mobile phone switched on and charged up!