Group Rides

Sunday / Group rides

A selection of rides gather at 9:00 every Sunday morning at Oxsrad and leave at 9:15 sharp. There is usually a 2 hour ride at a sensible pace and a longer harder ride for more experienced riders. There is a maximum of 12 riders in any group, so on busy days more group-leaders have to step forward to lead a ride. These are not coached rides, more a meeting point for members to get together for a ride.

It should need no saying that the roads are dangerous places. Please therefore familiarise yourself with the information below.

Group Cycling Guidelines

  • YOU are responsible for your safety, that of your fellow riders and other road users.
  • It is obligatory to wear a cycle helmet on all club rides. Make sure it fits, is properly secured and inspect its condition regularly.
  • You must have a working rear light affixed to person or bike - even in summer a flash rain storm can reduce visibility considerably. In winter it can be dark at any time of the day. Keep yourself visible at all times.
  • Follow the Highway Code, any local byelaws and be considerate to other road users. Remember that on a club ride some will be wearing club kit and Oxford Tri as a whole will be judged by group behaviour and attitude.

Equipment (do not rely on others!)

  • Check your bike before each ride: tyres properly inflated, brakes and gears working.
  • Carry spares and be self-sufficient. As a minimum you need to have a spare tyre, pump and tyre levers
  • Bring enough food and drink for the ride – energy drink, water, snacks like cereal/energy bars, gels, bananas, small sandwiches…
  • Bring some money and a mobile phone - good for emergencies
  • Wear and bring appropriate clothing for anticipated weather conditions. In Britain that means packing a rain jacket almost always !

When riding

  • Your ride leader is in charge at ALL times and determines the pace. Listen to and respect his/her instructions.
  • The leader is responsible for keeping the group together
  • You must let the leader know if you decide to leave the group. If the pace is too fast or too slow for you, let people know you are leaving and that you know the way home
  • Cycle with no more than two abreast. It is generally safer for cars to slow down and overtake a group rather than a ragged and strung out line of cyclists. On narrow or busy and fast main roads the leader might call for single file
  • “Car up” tells the group a car is approaching from the front. The lead cyclists will call this if appropriate
  • “Car back” tells the group a car is coming from behind. The tail-end riders will alert the group if appropriate
  • “Stopping” or ldquo;Slowing” is called by the lead rider well before to inform the group. Watch also for arm/hand signals
  • Alert others verbally or visually to hazards when possible – potholes, poor surfaces, walkers, horses.
  • Stay OFF the aerobars when group riding – if you want to use them then breakaway a safe distance from the group.
  • When possible have an experienced tail-end rider who together with the leader are the eyes and ears of the group. The tail-end rider keeps the group together and makes sure no one is inadvertently ‘dropped’
  • Drink little and often and eat to keep up energy levels – it’s too late once you have ‘bonked’.

General

  • If you are struggling, let people know and move up within the group to c. 3rd row from front to benefit from group aerodynamics
  • Check before leaving if the ride planned is appropriate for you in terms of projected pace/distance
  • The closer you get to the cyclist in front, the more shelter you get from wind resistance. When ‘holding a wheel’, tucked in behind someone:
    • Stay behind and slightly to the right of their rear wheel – if they flick, you have somewhere to go. If you are on the left you will be forced in to verge, hedge or worse!
    • Have your hands positioned within a finger’s movement of the brakes
  • Hold a steady line and do not make any sudden moves unless forced to
  • If you need to slow down then ease back gradually. Do not stop pedalling and sit up and hit the brakes – the consequences can be devastating to yourself and others
  • Learn to corner properly by spreading your weight evenly across the bike – push your rear back into the saddle and keep hands forward on the bars. Keep momentum going by pedalling if possible. If cornering too steeply to pedal safely then point your knee into the corner and keep your outside leg straight. Try not to brake while cornering

Ride leaders – you are the BOSS and you control the ride and the riders!

  • Plan a safe route beforehand - there are links to some sample rides at the foot of this page.
  • do a quick health and safety check before starting the ride:
    • is everyone fit to ride – if not, they should not ride with the group
    • does everyone have food and drink
    • are bikes and equipment roadworthy?
  • Ask for another experienced 'rider to cover the back of the ride to make sure no one is dropped.
  • Make sure riders know what the prospective route, pace and distance are.
  • Welcome newcomers and run through cycling etiquette with them. Introduce them to others in the group and ask another rider to ‘buddy’ them up.
  • Be aware of the abilities of the riders in the group and ride appropriately.
  • Give clear instructions and directions.
  • Indicate hazards whenever possible.
  • Try to stop only in safe places.
  • Remember ‘comfort’ stops!

Those who do not comply with these guidelines will not be welcome on club rides. RIDE SAFE AND HAVE FUN!

Sample Routes

Below is a list of links to gmaps outlining sample cycle routes of varying length and duration. Have a look at them, try them out one day and perhaps keep one or two 'in the bag' should you wish to spontaneously lead a ride :)  You can mail webmaster ( see the Contact Us tab on the left ) with a gmaps (or similar) link if you want to add a favourite route of your own to this list, however, the route must start and end at Oxsrad.

 

1. 28 miles out round Otmoor - thanks to Allan Molynuex.

2. 35 miles up to Lower Heyford - again thanks to Allan Molynuex.