edinburgh rc cycling club

Sunday road run:

From Sunday 21 March onwards, the run will instead leave from the Gilmerton crossroads (the junction of the B701 (Newtoft Street, Ferniehill Drive) and A772 (Gilmerton Road, Drum Street).  There is a sign saying "Gilmerton" at the East side of the junction with bench seats behind it - that is where we will meet.

You can find the location here:
http://tinyurl.com/yzv7z4u
and you can see what it looks like here:
http://tinyurl.com/yfh9ga9

Throughout the summer months, the Sunday run will depart at 9.20 am.  This earlier start is in response to widespread feedback from club members whose priority is to get back to Edinburgh by lunchtime.  As at present, the start time is the time the run will leave - so please aim to arrive at least 5 minutes ahead of that time.  

During the winter months (beginning shortly after the clocks change in October), the run will revert to a later start (probably 9.40 am).  Full details will be announced nearer the time.

The Sunday club run will normally average around 17 mph and is aimed at riders training to race or reasonably fit recreational cyclists.  Riders are assumed to be self supporting and, while the group might have a café stop, this is not guaranteed, and riders should carry adequate food and drink.  The group will always stop for punctures etc, and will aim to accommodate a reasonable range of abilities; but those significantly slower than the general pace of the group should be prepared to navigate their own way home.

Routes vary from week to week.  Distance varies according to season and weather, but is usually 60 – 80 miles, although shorter options are usually available.

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  

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.