Before coming on an off-road ride:
- Make sure your bike is in good working
order. If you are unsure take it to your local bike shop for a service before
coming out. A badly maintained bike is likely to cause hold-ups and will
quickly make you unpopular with the group!
- Bring at least one spare inner tube,
a puncture repair outfit, tyre levers and a working pump, plus a small multi-tool.
If you are unsure how to change a tube we will help you, but you must have
your own spares.
- You will also need to carry a waterproof
top, drink, emergency food (cereal bar/banana) and some money if there is
a café stop.
- Carry some identification.
- Dress appropriately for the weather
– the wind chill when cycling is much greater than running etc, so shorts
are generally not suitable in winter.
On the ride:
- The ride leader’s job is to show the
route. If for any reason you are unable to complete the route you must take
care of getting yourself back to Stourbridge. The off-road rides rarely
get more than 8 miles away from Stourbridge centre.
- It is courteous to stay behind the leader.
- If the group is large encourage weaker/less
technically adept riders to stay close to the leader. This allows the leader
to better judge the pace for the group and reduces the need to stop for
re-groups. If you wish to ride a section faster than the group don’t push past, drop back and then use the fast
section to catch up again.
- If you wish to leave the ride before
it is complete always make sure the leader knows you are going, otherwise
they may waste time looking for you.
- Always be courteous to other users of
the countryside – your actions reflect on the group and the Stourbridge
Cycling Club.
- If you are dirty make sure you cover
the seats in the café.
- You are welcome to try 2 or 3 rides
before joining Stourbridge CC, but if you wish to continue coming out you
will be expected to join.