The club runs a schedule of weekly rides throughout the academic year that cater for a various range of abilities, sadly as we are all students also we cannot always provide ride leaders to  lead the rides and so please check the website/twitter feed before you set-off. In addition if you are part of the mailing list then you will receive a weekly e-mail to update you on the upcoming weeks rides so make sure you sign up.

The club runs are primarily focussed on either Road or Cross Country riders as Downhill riding in the area is extremely limited. To this end DH rides generally take place as trips to nearby areas that provide sufficient elevation to fly down and generally take place weekly and will be posted on this site and also communicated via the club e-mail.

Otherwise the Road and XC rides are reguarly held every week during the academic year and cater for a range of abilities, to help you differentiate between the rides and their abilities the following format has been adopted:

Cross Country:

A – A long distance or fast ride mainly geared for training, stops will only be for mechanicals and the pace will be constant.

B – These rides are aimed at those who ride relatively regularly and for those who are looking to improve fitness by riding a bit harder than is offered in the C rides.

C – These rides are geared mainly for fun, and will be at a comfortable pace for the group. These rides will also include skills sessions in various places to help improve basic Cross Country skills.

Road:

A – The pace of these rides will vary depending on the time of year with the winter months concentrated on base training and maintaining a constant but not difficult pace, although distance may be longer than other rides. In the spring and summer the pace is increased with a regular chain gang nearer the end of the ride to help improve fitness.

B – A medium paced group for those who have been riding relatively regularly in the past and want to improve their fitness ready to move up to the A rides.

C – These rides are for those new to road riding and looking to get involved in group rides for what may be the first time so get involved and the ride leaders will also be happy to help you learn.

D – It is recommended that during the winter months mudguards are used.  This not only keeps you clean and a little drier but stips eveyrone else getting plastered as well.  There are many types that can be fitted to al bike types including ones without mudguard eyelets so there are no excuses!

All rides will usually be lead by a dedicated ride leader who will announce themselves at the start of the ride, also they will also be named in the event in the club e-mail and on this site so you can contact them with any questions beforehand. It is also hoped that if anyone feels confident enough to begin leading rides that they put their hand up and offer their services.

Club Run Etiquette

General Rules

The given time for a ride is taken to be the departing time and therefore it is expected that everyone should aim to arrive at the designated meeting point before this time.

Each individual is responsible for ensuring their equipment is in a safe and suitable working condition although the ride leaders may not allow people to take part if they deem it to be unsafe for a rider to do so.

Ensure you know who the ride leaders are for the ride you are taking part in and if you have a phone take their mobile numbers down before you set off on the ride.

Each individual is responsible for bringing suitable equipment for minor repairs on rides; this would generally include a pump, inner tube, puncture repair kit and spare chain link.

Riders should bring enough food and drink to sustain them for the expected duration of the ride.

A small amount of cash and a mobile phone are suggested for safety reasons if a rider gets into difficulty and needs to get home in an emergency.

Helmets are compulsory on all club rides and anyone not wearing one will be told to leave immediately.

Clothing should be suitable for the conditions on the day, this is down to the individual making a decision on what they believe is suitable.

Be aware of other people on the ride, it is not just the responsibility of the ride leader to check up on everyone it is everyone’s responsibility.

XC Specific Rules

At times you may become separated from the group, under such circumstance please stop immediately as a member will always retrace the path taken to find you.

If you have a puncture or a mechanical problem that requires you to stop during a ride make sure others in the group know you have a problem immediately and that they stop with you.

If there is a dispute with another trail user at any time refer the individual to a ride leader so they can deal with the issue.

Ensure sufficient distance between yourself and other riders during the ride, if you think someone is too close then please let them know that you would like them to give you more space.

Do not be intimidated into riding something you don’t feel comfortable doing, if you have a problem with a particular section of trail then let the ride leader know and they may be able to help. We all started somewhere and we are here to help your development in any way possible.

Road Specific Rules

During road rides please ensure that you communicate any problems you may have to the group, be it the pace of the group to a mechanical problem that requires you to stop.

For those who are new to riding within a group you can gain a great deal of information from other members who are riding with you, so please ask if your unsure of anything during the rides.