{"id":40,"date":"2015-10-31T18:44:53","date_gmt":"2015-10-31T18:44:53","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.tenby-aces.co.uk\/site\/?page_id=40"},"modified":"2022-04-07T23:13:52","modified_gmt":"2022-04-07T22:13:52","slug":"club-rules-and-etiquette","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"http:\/\/www.tenby-aces.co.uk\/site\/?page_id=40","title":{"rendered":"Club Rules And Etiquette"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>We updated the \u00a0Club Rules And Etiquette document in 2018, and had an etiquette evening to discuss it. This will be passed on to all new members on joining and available with the online membership form to download. \u00a0It is good to remind ourselves about the document on an occasional basis, especially at the start\u00a0of the season.<\/p>\n<p>It is attached below<\/p>\n<p><strong><u>TENBY ACES CLUB RIDES<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em><u>The Aim<\/u><\/em><\/p>\n<p>The aim of Tenby Aces is to cater for riders of all abilities; whether young or old, male or female.\u00a0 Our one goal is that you enjoy your cycling. Tenby Aces Cycling Club wants riders to gain maximum enjoyment from their group rides whether highly energetic or social.<\/p>\n<p>Club rides are for members to ride in a group and for several reasons; social, safety, sporting, fitness and of course if new to the area you won\u2019t get lost.<\/p>\n<p>By riding in a group you learn road skills and are able to chat to more experienced riders.\u00a0Generally speaking it is the best place to learn about cycling.<\/p>\n<p><em><u>Be Prepared<\/u><\/em><\/p>\n<p>Wear plenty of warm clothes; you can always take layers off if too warm.\u00a0 Carry the following with you:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A rain jacket<\/li>\n<li>A pump<\/li>\n<li>Essential tools<\/li>\n<li>Spare tubes<\/li>\n<li>Food<\/li>\n<li>Plenty of drink<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Also carry a mobile phone and worth having a little money for a tea stop or emergency supplies.<\/p>\n<p>Keep your bike in good condition, and replace any worn out parts.\u00a0 It is good practise to carry out a visual check of your bike before each ride \u2013 brakes, tyres, cables, general tightness of components. The group will help if something goes wrong but will not be best pleased if the problem was caused by poor maintenance.\u00a0 Mudguards (winter riding) are preferable; they prevent you getting wet and dirty and also reduce the amount that you deposit on the rider behind.<\/p>\n<p>Cycling helmets <strong><u>must <\/u><\/strong>be worn on Tenby Aces rides \u2013 they provide additional protection against head injuries.<\/p>\n<p>As members of Tenby Aces Cycling Club you are ambassadors of the club every time you get on your bike. It is our reasonability to set a good example to other cyclists, particularly young riders, by always complying with the Highway Code. Do not jump red lights, even if clear, and do not use your mobile phone whilst cycling.<\/p>\n<p>All riders take part in the group runs at their own risk. Those risks can never be totally eliminated but can be minimised by following the laws of the road and the rules and etiquette of the Club. Senior Club members will be happy to offer general guidance, they will politely point out any deviations to the rider (s) concerned and seek compliance.<\/p>\n<p>Consider your own insurance needs. In particular it is highly recommended that you ensure that you have Third Party (Public Liability) insurance that covers you whilst cycling. The Club has such a policy to cover claims against the Club and it\u2019s Officers but does not cover individual riders. You should consider joining either British Cycling of the Cycling Touring Club \u2013 membership includes both Third Party insurance and free legal assistance.<\/p>\n<p><em><u>Group Rides<\/u><\/em><\/p>\n<p>On Club rides on Tuesdays and Thursdays from March through September we have moved to a group leader led system. \u00a0The group leader (assisted by all) should ensure that the group is kept together, and that all that start should finish together, unless a rider elects to drop back to the next slower group behind. \u00a0A senior experienced rider will give a ride briefing which \u00a0 covers the route, and note any particular hazards, dangerous corners, junctions and refer to road conditions as well. \u00a0Typically we will ride in 3 speed groups, the fastest going off first, followed by a medium paced group, and finally a social group.<\/p>\n<p>Rides on Sunday will be ridden as a group, regrouping as required at intervals.\u00a0There will often be a coffee stop on these longer rides.\u00a0 A leader will announce the route before the ride.<\/p>\n<p>Each group should stick together (see Club Run Etiquette) with a more experienced rider at the front and rear.\u00a0 A decent gap should be allowed between groups to minimise the nuisance to other road users.<\/p>\n<p>The benefits of riding in a group are more than just social; you will cover more ground with less effort in a group, saving around 20% of your energy when sitting in the bunch.\u00a0 So stay close to the rider in front to maximise the slipstream and allow riders around you to also use it to best effect.<\/p>\n<p>When you first ride in a group you may be slightly unsure as to what is going on, where you should be riding in the formation or who is in charge.\u00a0 There are a few rules to riding in a group safely and effectively.\u00a0 There is also some basic etiquette you need to know.<\/p>\n<p><em><u>Club Run Etiquette<\/u><\/em><\/p>\n<p><strong><em>First and foremost \u2013 You must comply with the Highway Code at all Times \u2013 <u>Do not jump red lights<\/u><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Find out the route (See Facebook and listen to leader or sweepers description), understand the route, <strong><em>stick\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>to the route.<\/li>\n<li>Ride steadily; keep a steady line and constant speed while in a group. Any sudden change is magnified as it reaches riders at the back.<\/li>\n<li>Ride two abreast where it is safe to do so but always be prepared to single out when necessary.Ride immediately behind the rider in front \u2013 do not overlap either forwards or sideways.\u00a0 Never ride more than two abreast.\u00a0 Remember that cars often get impatient with a long line of bikes \u2013 be prepared to break a line into two to give cars a place to return to the left if an oncoming car comes while they are overtaking.<\/li>\n<li>Keep together \u2013 after any interruption in the ride such as road junctions, roundabouts, stopping for any reason, after a climb or descent, the lead riders should make sure that all riders are back in the group before moving off at normal pace. It is okay to keep moving; it is preferable to keep moving but slowly until everyone is back together.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If riders are a long way behind, having been delayed at a junction or traffic lights, then stopping is an option to consider.<\/p>\n<p>When the route involves negotiating roundabouts, road junctions, etc. then waiting at a corner may be necessary to ensure all riders follow the correct route.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>If gaps appear in the group, warn the riders in front and request them to ease down. Avoid letting large gaps open.<\/li>\n<li>Front riders are the eyes of the group and should warn of hazards ahead, change of speed, change of direction and approaching vehicles (see Warning Calls) \u2013 warnings should be both verbal and by pointing and try to give them in plenty of time.<\/li>\n<li>Treat members of the group and other road users with courtesy. Acknowledge with a wave courteous behaviour by other road users.<\/li>\n<li>Do not react to bad driving incidents with gestures or provoke retaliation. Remember a road rage motorist has a one tonne weapon!<\/li>\n<li>Do not \u2018wave through\u2019 a following vehicle that is waiting to overtake \u2013 let the driver make this decision. This will avoid the risk of being held responsible if the overtaking results in any form of accident.<\/li>\n<li>Ride with the group that best suits your ability. It is usually better to start slow and build up.<\/li>\n<li>It is important that no-one be left alone at the back or even be dropped. The lead riders may send everyone ahead whilst they assist the rider at the back and regroup at a pre-arranged destination.<\/li>\n<li>If you find yourself having an \u2018off day\u2019 (we all have them) make sure to let the group know if you are intending to sit up and wait for another group.<\/li>\n<li>If for some reason you do find yourself on your own then please stick to the route \u2013 you\u2019ll find the group waiting for you somewhere safe down the road.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em><u>Additional Safety &#8211; Visibility<\/u><\/em><\/p>\n<p>Our roads are increasingly busy and we believe that improving your own visibility is an important part of staying safe on the road.\u00a0 Two ways we can do this are:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Wear clothing that has good visibility \u2013 in the summer where the light is generally good, and the weather warmer we typically wear our club kit which is light coloured and visible.\u00a0 In the winter it is often darker with poor light conditions, and so it is important to wear clothing or items of clothing that have visible parts or components \u2013 such as reflective strips, high visibility jackets, or gloves or boots or a combination.<\/li>\n<li>\u00a0Use high intensity lights \u2013 both front and rear and have them in flashing mode.\u00a0The front one makes you much more visible to cars that might pull out in front of you, the purpose of the rear light is obvious.\u00a0\u00a0 Modern high intensity LED lights are rechargeable, and last 3-4 hours, so will be sufficient for most club rides.\u00a0 They have reduced both in price and in performance in recent years.<\/li>\n<li>Consider buying an ID wrist band \u2013 containing your name, DOB, and emergency contact and any important medical information.\u00a0This could save precious time in the event of you having an accident.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>We want all our members to benefit from being part of this Cycling Club.\u00a0 The above guidelines are there to help and enhance the enjoyment for all.<\/p>\n<p><em>\u00a0<\/em><strong><em>Remember\u00a0\u00a0\u2013\u00a0\u00a0 No-one should get left behind!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em><u>Warning Calls when Riding in a Group<\/u><\/em><\/p>\n<p>These calls and signals are universal to all experienced cyclists \u2013 please use them at the appropriate times: &#8211;<\/p>\n<p>\u201cCar back\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 There is a vehicle coming up behind the group.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cCar front\u201d or \u201cCar Ahead\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 There is a vehicle approaching towards the front of the group.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSingle Out\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 A call from riders at the back of the group when a vehicle is unable to pass the 2 abreast column safely.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cClear\u201d and \u201cCar\u201d on \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 This call lets following riders know at junctions, when the<\/p>\n<p>the \u201cLeft\/Right\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 group is joining or crossing another road.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cPothole\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Any pothole that can cause a rider to fall.\u00a0If possible indicate where it is so that following riders can steer away from it and not into it.\u00a0 Do this by either pointing or adding to the call \u201con the left (or right)\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOn the Left\/Right\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 A general warning of some kind of hazard \u2013 usually parked cars or pedestrians.\u00a0 For hazards on the left an alternative warning is to put your left hand bend your back, pointing to the right, away from the hazard.\u00a0 Give way to pedestrians \u2013 they can feel intimidated by cyclists just as we sometimes feel intimidated by motorists.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cStopping\u201d \u201cSlowing\u201d \u201cEasy\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Right hand moving in an up and down action.\u00a0 If you brake without letting those behind you know your intention they can easily run into you.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cPuncture\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Let the others know and they will wait while you repair it.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHorse(s)\u201d\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The group is about to pass horses and special care is needed.\u00a0 Pass as widely as possible, make sure that both the horse and rider are aware of your presence and if you are approaching from behind \u2013 call out.\u00a0 Keep pedalling slowly as you pass to keep noise from your freewheel and gears to a minimum.\u00a0 Pay attention to any request by the horse rider \u2013 they know the temperament of the horse and its likely reaction to a group of brightly clad cyclists.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Finally<\/strong>\u2013 Let others know if you are unable to keep up, have a problem or have decided to leave the group.\u00a0 Always pass the instructions along, if a rider cannot keep up the leader needs to know.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We updated the \u00a0Club Rules And Etiquette document in 2018, and had an etiquette evening to discuss it. This will be passed on to all new members on joining and available with the online membership form to download. \u00a0It is good to remind ourselves about the document on an occasional basis, especially at the start\u00a0of the season. It is attached&#8230; <a href=\"http:\/\/www.tenby-aces.co.uk\/site\/?page_id=40\">Read more &raquo;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-templates\/full-width.php","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.tenby-aces.co.uk\/site\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/40"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.tenby-aces.co.uk\/site\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.tenby-aces.co.uk\/site\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.tenby-aces.co.uk\/site\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.tenby-aces.co.uk\/site\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=40"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"http:\/\/www.tenby-aces.co.uk\/site\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/40\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":775,"href":"http:\/\/www.tenby-aces.co.uk\/site\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/40\/revisions\/775"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.tenby-aces.co.uk\/site\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=40"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}