Here are some questions that often come up:
When are your rides?
We meet on the 2nd Saturday of every month, at 10.30am at the North end of Middle Meadow Walk (see map below).
Occasionally we have to cancel due to dangerous weather conditions (e.g. snow, ice) and if that is the case we will try to post on the blog as soon as we decide to cancel. Mike will also send an email to the mailing list at that time too. Otherwise, we'll be there come rain or shine.
View Middle Meadow Walk in a larger map
When does the ride finish?
No promises, but we are generally back in the city centre some time between 3 and 4pm, depending on the length of the ride and the number of punctures we have to fix.
What should I bring?
If you can bring an inner tube suitable for your wheels, that helps speed up the process if you have a puncture (ask a local bike shop what size you need if you're not sure) - if you are unlucky enough to have a puncture then there are always people on hand to help fix it if you've never done it before. If your bike doesn't have quick-release wheels then bring the appropriate tool that you need to remove them (again, ask a bike shop for advice if necessary).
We suggest you check the weather forecast and bring whatever waterproofs you think might be needed. For rides in the winter months, bring bike lights and warm clothes including gloves and scarf.
A bottle of water is a good idea especially in hot weather, and you may like to bring a small snack to boost your energy in case of emergency.
What sort of bike do I need?
One that works! We have people turn up on all sorts of bikes - road bikes, hybrids, mountain bikes, folding bikes and ancient things too. The important thing is that you're comfortable on it and it's safe to ride. We generally find ourselves on a mix of roads, cycle paths and rough tracks, so bikes with wider tyres are often a good idea (skinny road tyres can be a bit skittery on rocky farm tracks) but there is no "must have" bike type.
Am I fit enough?
We don't go very fast (average of about 8-9mph over the day) and mostly we go at a speed where people can chat to each other (barring hills or busy roads). If you haven't cycled in a while then it's probably a good idea to get out for some short rides as preparation and perhaps have a go at 10 miles at a gentle pace first. We are not the sort of bike group that aims for speed and distance and we are very good at waiting for people after junctions so you don't get lost.
Anything else I need to know?
We expect you to take care of your own safety. This means that you make the decision when it is safe to turn, pass a parked car etc. - just because the leader has turned it doesn't mean it is necessarily safe for you to follow. You should be aware of the rules of the road for cyclists and respect other road and path users. We don't ask you to wear a helmet, although most people choose to.
If you have any problems or questions on the day, ask the ride's leader, or Mike Lewis or Livia Dyckhoff and we'll be glad to help.
If you want to sign up to the mailing list for a monthly reminder of the ride and details of the proposed route, please see Mike on the day or email us.
