Cycling Group: Conduct Overview

CYCLING GROUP OVERVIEW

At Front Runner Sports, our goal is to ensure all team members enjoy a safe training environment to reach their personal goals.

It is important that those attending our training rides are aware of the goals of the group and the conduct on our rides is aligned with a best practice model to ensure that we achieve our objectives of safety and enjoyment for all.

Overview

  • SAFETY is our highest priority
  • Our rides are training. They are not racing
  • Enjoy your riding and help other team members to enjoy their experience
  • Engage and connect with fellow riders, in particular new faces to make them welcome
  • Encourage less experienced riders and remember that everyone was once a beginner
  • Less experienced riders should seek input from more experienced riders and listen for feedback on areas to improve riding etiquette
  • The actions of each rider contribute to the reputation and enjoyment of the team

Personal Preparation

When coming to our rides:

  • Review training route prior to ride
  • Maintain bike in safe working order
  • Carry spares, pump, mobile and cash
  • Carry all food and drink required
  • Wear appropriate clothing for the weather

Road Rules

  • Respect and obey all road rules
  • Respect other road users, training groups and your training team
  • Be predictable and always indicate your intentions
  • Never ride more than two abreast
  • When riding single file stay left unless overtaking
  • Use lights when appropriate

Team Rules and Recommendations

Paired Group Riding (ie from shop to Oceanic Thurs or shop to/from Jutland Pde Tues)

  • Stay alert and aware
  • Riders should be paired and riding with handlebars level with rider next to them
  • Only lead riders are allowed on tri bars during paired easy or steady riding
  • Maintain 30-50cm between the rear wheel of rider in front and your front wheel
  • Close up any gaps smoothly and promptly to maintain orderly group structure
  • When possible leave 60-100cm between left hand rider and the kerb to stay clear of debris
  • Lead riders must call all hazards and indicate route directions. Following riders are to pass this down the group so all riders in group are aware of any obstacles or hazards
  • When braking is necessary do so gently and indicate you are slowing. Avoid braking through corners; slow up gradually before you get there if the corner is sharp or the traction uncertain.

DO NOT:

  • Cross wheels with the rider in front of you
  • Half-wheel with the rider beside you
  • Allow large gaps to form
  • Surge or change pace indiscriminately
  • Accelerate excessively from lights or stops.
  • Brake or change direction suddenly

Rolling Through (ie Thursday Pace Sections in small groups)

  • Tri bars can be used by riders within pace group when safe to do so
  • The front rider on the outside (right) increases the pace sufficiently to pull forward and in front of the rider to his/her immediate left. The following riders on the outside move up behind him and one by one move over to the left as they reach the front
  • Once you have rolled across to the left, begin to ease up slightly. The rider coming around you is doing the pace-work of the peloton and does not want to sprint just to be able to roll over.
  • The last rider to move off the back into the outside/fast line calls “last wheel”.
  • Increase your effort to maintain the higher momentum of the peloton when in the faster “rolling through” line.
  • Avoid excessive surging and seek smoothness and flow within the working unit or riders
  • If you are not comfortable keeping up with the roll through let other riders know and ride at the back of the group.

Individual Time Trial Practice (ie Tues Intervals)

  • This is Race Preparation.
  • Drafting is not allowed. Maintain 10m gap between riders and work to your threshold. Everyone gets a better workout and will improve their AT and VO2 when riding at 10m.
  • Only enter the 10m gap when overtaking. When passing another rider always check behind to see it is safe. Pull out smoothly and call “on your right” to the rider you are passing. Move smoothly back to the left when you have completed the pass.

General Notes:

Punctures

If someone has a flat tyre, assistance must be given by at least one other rider before continuing. Riders are reminded to carry all equipment required to fix a flat tyre themselves.

Accidents

In the rare event that there is an accident, all riders must stop and give assistance as needed. If required, please ensure that ambulance is called promptly and if immediate first aid is required those with suitable experience and qualifications assist as a priority

Mobile Phones, iPods and music players

Mobile phones are not to be used while riding within the group and the use of headphones to listen to music is forbidden for personal and group safety. If you must take a phone call you should follow the same steps as when driving a car – pull off the road and then use your phone.

Swearing and bad language

Swearing and bad language will not be tolerated within the group. Swearing directed at other riders, other groups or other road users is not allowed.

As we strive to help you all meet your goals and objectives, we ask that you revisit this page from time to time to re-iterate the conduct that will allow us all to enjoy and safe and challenging training environment.

Best Regards

Raf Baugh

Managing Director