Our Rides

We ride throughout the year on Saturdays and Sundays, meeting at Whetstone and usually heading out into Herts. On Saturday the ride is usually between 50-60k at a speed of about 27kph. On Sunday the rides are usually longer at between 80 -100k, at a similar speed or faster. All our rides are non-drop unless specified. In our experience if you can ride solo at 25kph for 2 hrs, you will be comfortable on our rides. 

In the summer we also do some longer rides, including our iconic Coppa di Gelato 110 mile run to Southend and back for ice creams!

We also have regular gravel rides, and some of our retired/not working everyday members do these regularly on a Monday morning and occasionally on other weekdays.

It is important that our rides are safe and enjoyable, so please read our club riding guidelines below before you join one of our rides.

Ride Guidelines

We want to ensure that our club rides remain safe and fun for everybody and it is important that people who ride with us understand how our rides work.

People joining our rides must obey the rules of the road as laid out in the highway code. This means not jumping red lights, giving way to pedestrians at junctions and pedestrian crossings and generally riding with respect and due care for other road users. Please note that this is not negotiable and those that are not prepared to ride within the law and with consideration for others should not join our rides.

We run a variety of rides at varying speeds, ranging from 26kph to 30kph or higher. Please respect the pace that has been advertised and show consideration for others if you decide to join a ride.

Most of our rides also have ride leaders, who are experienced club members. If necessary, a ride leader will ask riders to modify their speed, riding style or point out if rider behaviour is putting themselves and/or other riders at risk. 

You and your bike

  • Please wear a helmet on club rides. Many of us feel uncomfortable riding in fast in groups with people who don't.

  • You should have a well-maintained bike that’s appropriate for the conditions and terrain (i.e., a road bike with standard dropped bars for road rides, and ideally mudguards if it’s wet). It’s fine to ride a road e-bike but it must be legally compliant (i.e., pedal assist and restricted)

  • You should carry a spare inner tube, a pump, a multitool and a quick chain link – there will most likely be people who can help you with any mechanicals if necessary.

  • It is recommended that you use clipless pedals, and that you’re familiar with clipping in and out (without these you might struggle to maintain pace, unless you're a very strong rider)

  • When it’s dark please ride with a white front light and a red rear light

  • Bring enough to eat and drink to ensure that you do not blow up 

Riding in a group

  • Take note of any briefing from the Ride Leader at the start of the ride or any instructions they issue during the ride.

  • It is important to remember that riding in a group is very different to riding solo. You must be mindful that people behind you will follow you across a junction or onto a roundabout; so please make certain that it is safe for the whole group to proceed – if in doubt it is better to be cautious and wait until you are certain the way ahead is clear.

  • We ride in close proximity to each other, so it is important that everyone rides in a predictable manner, warning people of approaching hazards and maintaining their line. 

  • Leave no one behind on rides (unless it’s been agreed that they are happy to be left) or the ride has been advertised as a drop ride. Regroup at the tops of hills or at the next junction if the group splits for any reason.

  • You should have the means to navigate home if you are separated from the group.

  • Soft-pedal or stop and wait if traffic lights split a group. If you are the front rider or a ride leader, it’s your responsibility to check everyone made it across.

  • Shout out or point towards potholes and other hazards.

  • On narrow and twisting country roads, warn of approaching cars with “car up!”, and if you are at the back of cars approaching from behind with a shout of “car back!”

  • Try not to have groups bigger than 8-10 people. A group larger than this needs more than one chaperone, preferably someone riding at the back too in case someone gets caught out by changing lights etc.

  • If you’re coming up to a junction or traffic lights are changing as you approach, shout slowing or stopping and signal using the “pat the dog” sign.

  • If there is traffic behind the group, consider singling out if that would make it safe for the cars to overtake. 

  • More useful advice for riding in groups can be found here: https://www.bikeradar.com/advice/fitness-and-training/how-to-ride-in-a-group/

Other

  • Rides normally depart 5 minutes after the scheduled meet time i.e., an 8:30 start means an 8:35 departure. If you're planning to join a ride then aim to be there by/before 8:30, and this will give you 5 minutes' grace. If you aim to arrive at 8:35 then don't be surprised if you get left behind.

  • Club Rides have public liability cover under our British Cycling Affiliation, but you should make sure you have any personal insurance you require, as you see fit. It is not a requirement for you to have personal insurance, but it is your responsibility.

  • You must set up your Medical ID on your phone and allow this to be accessed from your lock screen. If you are involved in an accident this will allow other club members or the emergency services to access your emergency contact and any other critical health information that could be needed. For help doing this follow one of these links:

  • Apple users: https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT207021

  • Android users: https://support.google.com/android/answer/9319337?hl=en-GB