North Cotswold Cycling Club

Club Run FAQs

We welcome new members who want to experience the delights of cycling in one of the most beautiful parts of the country. Here are a some of the common FAQs if you are new to the club. If you have other questions please drop us a line.

1. Can I just turn up?
You can so long as you have read the information and come adequately prepared for the ride. Also, please introduce yourself at the start to the ride leader or one of the regular riders.

2. I haven’t ridden in a group before, is that a problem?
No. The advice would be to avoid sudden changes of direction and hard braking and watch for other riders pointing out hazards. Experienced riders sometimes seem to ride very close to the wheel of the rider in front, but this is normal to get the benefit of the draft and is quite safe. However, don’t overlap wheels with the rider in front. To start with just ride at a distance that you feel comfortable with. Also, take care when descending, give other riders space, pick your lines carefully and don’t take undue risks as you could bring another rider down.

3. What if I can’t keep up?
You do have to be realistic about how fast and far you can ride, even riding at 1 or 2 mph above your comfortable pace is very difficult to sustain. If you are unsure of what you can manage it is better to start out with a slower group and move up once you have a better understanding of your speed and ability. That said, riders can get strung out and we do wait and regroup or slow the pace, especially on hilly rides, so let us know if you are struggling. We’ve all been there at some point and even experienced cyclists have bad days.

4. What if I have a mechanical problem?
We would stop and help you fix it if we can. This is one of the advantages of riding in a group, along with the safety of the bunch and the banter. We would expect you to come equipped as if you are going out for a ride on your own. We would advise a minimum of: a tube, pump, tyre levers, multi tool, food, and a drink. Other things to consider carrying are: chain tool, glueless patches/puncture repair kit, cable ties. However, when something happens that can’t be repaired, it is always wise to have an alternative means of getting home. So, carrying a mobile and some cash is strongly advised.

5. Can I come if I’m not a member of the club?
Yes, in fact we would encourage that. Quite a few people have joined the club after doing the club runs and we’ve enjoyed the company of a few people who are members of other clubs and people on holiday who are staying in the area. The more the merrier!

Hopefully after a few initial rides you will want to do more in which case we do require you join the club.

6. Is there a charge for a ride?
No. Although if you wish to have a coffee or cake at the end of the ride you will need some money.

7. Will I need to take my turn at the front?
Ideally you will be in a group where you can take a turn on the front but if you can’t don’t worry as stronger riders will take up the slack.

8. Do you do hilly rides?
We live in some of the best cycling terrain in the country, but there are no flat rides. We tend to do more hilly routes in the spring and summer. Hills are a great way to improve your cycling too but you do need to take the terrain into account when deciding on which group to ride with.

9. Do you stop at cafes?
Not usually during the ride. At the end of the ride we normally finish at Cotswold Cycles where coffee and good post ride banter is available.

10. Do I need to sign in?
Yes, a ride sheet should be circulated before the ride. If you aren’t yet a member please add your name at the bottom.