GRANGE AND DISTRICT U3A SOCIAL CYCLING GROUP
Guidelines
General
The Cycling Group meets every 1st and 3rd Monday of the month, weather permitting. Rides are of approximately 16 miles mainly on public roads with moderate gradients, so road, touring, hybrid and electric assisted bikes are suitable. Bikes are usually taken by car to an assembly point.
This is a friendly mixed group with varying levels of experience and fitness. We set a relaxed pace and stress the social aspect with much emphasis on the mid-ride refreshment stop - hence the 3-4 hour time for rides.
A six month programme is agreed by group members. Rides in the last 12 months have been in South Lakes and North Lancs (Lune Valley and Silverdale) with one excursion to Keswick, plus a 4 day tour undertaken by some of the group.
We strongly advise that riders wear cycle helmets and a high visibility item of clothing. We advise that lights are carried, particularly if rides take place in afternoon winter months.
On joining the group, members agree to abide by all reasonable decisions made by the co-ordinator/ride leader.
Co-ordinator’s responsibilities
To agree and circulate the ride programme.
To circulate details in advance of each ride, identifying the ride leader and including information about:
- the length of ride, terrain and gradients and hazards
- assembly arrangements and refreshment points
- weather forecast
- cancellation and contact arrangements
To record ‘takers’ for each ride
To ensure that the ride leader carries a basic first aid kit
To submit accident/incident report forms to U3A Committee Secretary
Ride leader’s responsibilities
To familiarise him/herself with the route, hazards and escape points
On the day:
- to decide whether to proceed (taking into account weather and road conditions)
- to record names of participants
- give a final briefing to members about the nature of the ride and to consider members’ fitness to proceed
- to ensure the availability of basic repair tools (cycle pump, puncture repair kit) and first aid kit
- to ensure the availability of a means of emergency/accident contact (e.g. mobile phone)
- to ensure that the group stays together except for an agreed response to emergencies
- to confirm the identity of the ride leader and to identify a ‘back marker’
- to complete accident/incident forms as necessary and report to the group co-ordinator
Members’ responsibilities
To take responsibility for personal medical needs and inform the group co-ordinator of medical issues relevant to the group’s activities.
To take note of the details of each ride before ‘signing up’.
To inform the co-ordinator/ride leader of an intention to ride and any later decision to withdraw.
To ensure that equipment is suited to the ride:
- cycle in good repair and suited to the terrain
- bicycle pump and puncture repair outfit/spare inner tube available
- batteries (if any) fully charged
- suitable clothing
To stay with the ride group except for agreed decisions to separate.
To abide by all reasonable decisions made by the ride leader.
Andrew and Jean Platt
August 2013