You are part of a larger entity when riding in a group and you need to adjust your riding and thinking to suit. Your actions are no longer independent and each action must be considered, as it will impact on the bunch. Moving as a group is not as simple as an individual. The approach to intersections, lights, hazards, traffic congestion etc. needs to adapt.
 

See our Rides Calendar for more information on the Sikh Cycling Club website. Rider levels are graded from 1-4 and you will be assigned a level following your induction. See our Rides level chart for more information on the Sikh Cycling Club website. When you arrive at depart point you should already know or quickly determine which ride to join. You should at least know which route, so that you are properly prepared for the distance.
 

Rides are advertised based on annual average speeds. However, Sikh Cycling Club run alternating hilly and flat road routes. The actual speeds are typically faster than advertised on a flat route and slower on a hilly one. The advertised speed is the average across the whole ride – NOT the rolling speed, which will be higher.

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If you’re coming along for the first time, we recommend joining an ‘easy’ group or one not too challenging to stay with. For MTB, we would recommend one of the monthly Intro rides. You can then concentrate on learning how we roll rather than worrying about hanging on. You can always join a more challenging ride next time.
 

If you’ve not ridden for a while, or if you aren’t getting out often, we’d recommend dropping down a level or two. There’s nothing to be gained from chewing the handlebars for a couple of hours trying to keep up with mates. Dropping down a group will give you a good workout and keep you ticking over until you can get back up again.
 

Equally, if you’re thinking of stepping up a road group, make sure you’re ready. One mile an hour might not sound like much. The difference can be significant, with greater intensity and less time for recovery. You won’t win many friends if you step up a group and then spend time bouncing off the back trying to keep up.
 

Humans are social animals, and for reasons none of us fully understand, some of the groups get very large. A maximum of 10 is our recommended group size when riding two abreast (roughly a lorry length). The group operates as a single unit, without unduly affecting traffic.
 

If there are 11 or more cyclists, we will split the group. A late split is sometimes necessary when people join after the start. If your RL asks for a split, please help split the group into even halves. Even if that means riding with people you know less well. None of them will bite!
 

Group ride versus a training ride – The advertised pace of the ride should be adhered to, unless agreed by the group to alter it. If you’re not wearing a number on your back then you’re not racing! Don’t set out to ‘smash’ a ride, just because you feel strong on the day. There are no prizes for bringing yourself or someone else down. It’s not cool.