Frequently asked questions
What are the Saturday road rides like?
Information about group rides
Saturday road runs:
These are all comers rides also open to non club members and members of other clubs. (The 09:50 ride is the only group with a designated run leader.) Edinburgh RC recommends that riders limit themselves to a maximum group size of 14. Larger groups should split - this allows for a more consistent training effort and safer riding.
(From 14/7/12) runs start from Royal Commonwealth Pool, Dalkeith Road, EH16 5BB. There are ~ four groups, starting with the 09:30 and getting progressively slower up to the 09:50 Development Ride. (If you get dropped don't worry - there should be a slower run coming along behind.) If the ride you choose is too slow, move up a group, don't make a road race out of it. Always ride safely and obey the Highway Code http://www.edinburghrc.co.uk/Safety
09:30 - all comers run very popular with riders who favour the colour black & members of VC Edinburgh, Bicycleworks RT, Rapha, Velo Ecosse etc. This ride is run on Darwinian principles i.e. survival of the fittest. It will probably average in excess of 22mph. (It may follow the coast route or take in a hillier loop through East Saltoun, Gifford and the Big Yak depending on who is on the front coming out of Dalkeith.)
09:40 - the most popular run, aimed at riders with experience of group riding. Riders should leave at three minute intervals in self organised groups of 12-14. (If necessary further splits may be required at Dalkeith.) This run will probably average 20-22mph.
09:45 - the run for riders looking to make the step up from the introductory run.
09:50 Development Ride - this is the run for riders new to ERC/thinking about joining ERC. The run is not aimed at complete novice riders, run leaders are encouraged to keep the runs at around the 2-2.5 hours maximum mark. Depending on who's leading the run the 09:50 will not necessarily follow all, or any, of the route of the faster training runs however. All attendees are expected to be able to ride for at least 35 - 40 miles, be able to cycle for 3 hours, at an average speed of ~14 mph.
If riders do not have this ability or experience they should join one of the following rides:
Spokes Rides - http://www.spokes.org.uk/index.php?name=PostCalendar
CTC Lothians rides - http://www.ctclothians.org.uk/rl.html#g1
Those attending should be prepared to learn the techniques of riding two abreast in close formation and chain ganging during the ride etc .They should adhere to all the following guidelines and if the run leader is not happy with your equipment or ability on the ride you may be asked to leave the ride.
RUN PREPARATION
Riding in a group has many advantages but it also places certain responsibilities on each rider. Punctures, mechanicals etc, whilst often bad luck, can be less of a trial if certain precautions are taken before the run
Make sure your bike is safe - check brakes, wheels, rims and steering.
Also ensure that nothing is loose (especially mudguards) or liable to fall off. A lubricated chain etc is also a good idea.
Check your tyres - worn tyres are the single biggest preventable cause of punctures. Multiple punctures, apart from being a pain, won't endear you to other riders waiting for you on a cold day !
Make sure you know how to fix a puncture - practice beforehand if you need to.
EQUIPMENT REQUIRED
You are likely to need the following equipment:
- An appropriately serviced bike
- At least one, but preferably two, spare inner tubes.
- A working pump
- Puncture repair kit - for those awful days when two tubes aren't enough.
- Tyre levers - 2/3
- A multi tool - to adjust gears etc
- Other optional tools eg chain breaker
- Even in winter hydration is important so each rider should carry a water bottle.
- Personal first aid - plasters, antiseptic wipes etc
- Money - for the cafe stop
- Waterproof
- Carbohydrate drink
- Solid carbohydrate source eg banana, raisins, jelly babies
RUN LEADER GUIDANCE
Riders are expected to pay attention to the run leader and any instructions that they give before or during the ride.Let them know if they are having any problems on the ride.
If you find the group you're with is not challenging enough for you then please take the step up to an earlier, faster group and do not persist in disrupting the group you're currently with. There's a safety net now,so there are no excuses;)
Please ride safely and predictably, with consideration for your fellow riders, and above all within the rules of the road. The club's reputation rests with all of us.
Individuals take part in any group rides at their own risk. Edinburgh RC and its club members accept no responsibility for the safety of anyone participating in group rides, and no liability in the event of an accident.
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