THE ARCC GUIDE TO FRICTION FREE RIDING

SAFE AND ENJOYABLE CLUB RUNS

We aren’t an army camp, so please view these notes as requests, rather than instructions. And they certainly aren’t perfect, so please let us have any suggestions.

THINK FLINT
The vast majority of punctures in the Chiltern area is caused by flint washed on the road by heavy rain. Flint was helpful to the cavemen to light fires and murder their foes, but if we want to experience the thrill of a puncture free ride we have to make sure we don't carry this prehistoric friend in our tyres. The best way to avoid punctures is to inspect the tyres after every ride and remove with the tip of a knife or with a bradawl the flint which has cut the tyre and is making its way inside. The longer you carry it, the deeper it will cut through the tyre and eventually it will reach the tube and it will stab it. Kevlar or no kevlar makes little difference, as well as wasting money on fancy expensive puncture free tyres.
It only takes 5 minutes to do it and it costs no money at all, but can save you money and everybody's time! And when you see more cuts than your fingers can count, it's time to get a new tyre...

Get the bike in good nick before you ride. Check you are carrying two spare tubes, a chain tool and spare links. Give the bike a quick MOT, and look for flints and tyre cuts. Chain and tyre wear varies of course, but if you’re doing 100 miles a week buy yourself a new chain for your birthday, and tyres every six months. And if you’re not a brilliant bike mechanic, have your velo serviced annually.

1. Ride in groups of similar speed. It’s easier! Change front riders frequently, stronger riders doing longer turns.

2. Ride smoothly. Don’t brake or swerve sharply.

3. Communicate within your group. Let people know your intentions.

4. Avoid overtaking on the inside. If you want to fill a gap on someone’s left, give a warning.

5. Don’t ride more than two abreast except when overtaking. Don’t look like a flock of sheep.

6. Ride in line with the rider in front. Don’t overlap wheels – you’ll be the one to fall off!

7. In heavy traffic, split into smaller groups with gaps of about 50m to allow cars to pass.

8. Front riders are the eyes of the group, and should point out hazards such as potholes and indicate when pulling out e.g. for parked cars. These signals should be repeated down the group.

9. Shout warnings for gravel, ice etc.

10. Horses. Front riders should give a clear call of ‘cyclists!’ from 50m back.

11. Unless the road is wide, change to single file when cars are passing.

12. When changing from pairs to single file, the inside rider should move forward. The outside rider should look left and indicate before moving in.

13. Rear riders should warn of overtaking vehicles - ‘Car up!’ Thank the car driver for their patience.

14. The tail end should keep an eye open for dropped riders, and get a message up to the front.

15. … and generally try to be pleasant to other cyclists. Well, most of them anyway.

Leaders’ responsibilities. (Everyone read please.)

Every sizeable ride needs a leader with the patience of Buddha, the wisdom of Solomon, the leadership of Churchill and the fitness of Eddie Merckx. Unfortunately these are in short supply.

These notes cannot cover all situation - leaders will need to improvise frequently. And please note it is not an opportunity to show how fit you are. Pick a pace that your ride can live with.

1. Take a map if you don’t know the area like the back of your hand.

2. Switch your mobile on.

3. Before the start, briefly describe the route, the type of ride (fast, steady, hilly, pottering etc.) and the café stop.

4. Count your riders as you leave, again when dropped riders are back on, and particularly after the café stop. You don’t want to leave someone in the toilet!

5. If at all possible, lead from the front. If you are passed, e.g. on a hill, ask them to wait at the first safe place after the top.

6. Give people directions clearly and well before turning, stopping etc.

7. If unsure of the route, stop before the junction to check.

8. If stopping, shout ‘stopping’ and choose a place away from bends and junctions. Don’t let the group stop on the inside of a bend. If possible get the bikes off the road.

9. If dropped riders aren’t too far back, go slowly until they are back on.

10. Call for single file when the road is narrow or traffic heavy.

Remember, people want someone to be in charge.

Many Thanks

SAM EAKIN ( Rides committee ) Oct 08