NEWT Club Rides Policy

These will be fortnightly, advertised in advance through club media and email. Initially, these will be based on two pace groups with a nominated leader for each. Once these have been established we will look at introducing a thirdimprover-friendly group should there be sufficient demand. All rides are organised based on weather conditions, competitions and event dates and leader availability.

Group / Typical duration / Typical cruising speed of group / Competencies
Group 1 / 2-3hrs (35-50m) / 18-22mph / Highly competent in group riding
Group signalling skills
The advanced group will ride a pre-agreed route and will arrange suitable catch-up/meet-up points, but will not otherwise wait for any rider dropped from main bunch. The focus will be on development of group riding skills and maintenance of threshold pacing.
Minimum rider abilities:
  • Can ride continuously for 2.5-3 hours and comfortably average over 16-17mph whilst riding alone
  • Must be able to ride competently in a group
  • Not sure if this is you? 10km time trial = sub 19mins (ask a coach for details)

Group 2 / 1.5-2hrs (25-35m) / 15-18mph / Be able to hold av. 15mph in group
Can safely ‘hold a wheel’ (cycle within 1m of bike in front)
The intermediate group will ride as a tight bunch, and should stay together throughout the ride. The route will be pre-agreed and have a nominated leader. The group will make all reasonable effort to keep riders together, however those unable to maintain distance or speed to the last wheel will be asked to consider their suitability to ride with the group.
Minimum rider abilities:
  • Can ride continuously for 2 hours and comfortably average over 13-14mph whilst riding alone
  • Must be able comfortably and confidently hold a wheel and ride side by side.
  • Not sure if this is you? 10km time trial = sub 23mins (ask a coach for details)

Improvers / N/A / <15mph
If you do not feel confident or capable of meeting the above standards we recommend that you attend the summer cycling skills sessions. These will be based around building core competencies for safe group road riding (such as group signals, riding a wheel, cornering, descending, gear selection, chain-gang riding). From here we will encourage you to find riders of similar abilities to take part in semi-formal social rides, with a view to joinging the two main groups in time.

Club ride rules:

  1. All riders must be a current registered and paid member of NEWT club
  2. All Cyclists must wear a helmet at all times. No helmet no ride.
  3. All Cyclist MUST be self-sufficient (we suggest you carry 2 spare tubes ,tyre levers, pump/gas and know how to use them)
  4. ID: When you ride with the group you must carry a suitable ID that must include an emergency contact name & number. We recommend an ID bracelet like RoadID or IceID or as a minimum – your NEWT club membership card
  5. The group will leave the nominated start venue on time. Start time is wheels rolling, if you’re late, you miss it!
  6. The group leader may ask a rider not to ride with a group at any time if they feel that the safety of the group is compromised or the rider is unsuitable in terms of ability
  7. The group leader may cancel or modify the ride at any time
  8. The group leader has final say on all safety issues
  9. Headphones and music devices must not be used
  10. All riders take part at their own riskand are responsible for ensuring their equipment is safe & roadworthy
  11. Money and cash cards are advised for all rides, as well as suitable drinks and food.
  12. Appropriate clothing should be worn, for the expected weather conditions.
  13. Athletes are advised to carry a mobile phone and to swap numbers with fellow riders.
  14. Aero bars will not be used during group rides (They don’t need to be removed from the bike)
  15. Non-members are not allowed to participate in Club rides. Friends of club members are not allowed. All riders must be registered NEWT members
  16. Riders are expected to follow the Highway Code, at all times
  17. Depending on road conditions, the group may ride in single or double file, but never three abreast. Be aware of the agreed signals to change formation.
  18. Group riding is a skill and each athlete must decide how close they wish to ride to others. Be aware of the hand signals that are used during group rides. (American but a good starting guide)
  19. Riders are expected to inform others, if they decide to turn back from the official route.
  20. Club members are expected to be courteous, at all times, to other road users, and not bring the Club into disrepute.
  21. The preceding policy refers to formal rides organised by the club only. However, other social rides organised by members while maybe encouraged are not official club rides. Members organising and attending social rides do so at their own risk and may not hold the club responsible for any aspect of these activities.

Version March 2013