[size=200]Club run code of conduct[/size]
- All newcomers should introduce themselves to the Captain or, in his absence a Vice-Captain, at Coulsdon South Station.
- Newcomers, depending on experience, should ride in the slower groups to begin with - 17mph or below, especially if new to riding in a group.
- When riding in a group, please be responsible, not only for yourself but others in the group and the group as a whole.
- Groups ride in two lines with riders taking turns on the front in rotation.
- Remember that when on the front you have as much responsibility as any other rider to keep the group together and within the specified speed average.
- Ensure signals and communications are relayed throughout the group: point out potholes and other hazards to riders behind, let people know if you are slowing down ("Easy") or "Stopping", advise if vehicles are coming up or down the group when necessary and instructions such as whether the riders on the front need to speed up, slow down or rotate.
[size=150]Signals and communications:[/size]
Signals:
- Hand up in air indicates slowing down/stopping (otherwise use "easy" and "stopping")
- Hand (right or left) swung across back indicates obstacle - whether pedestrian, obstruction etc - ahead on which ever side indicated
- Point out potholes by pointing in general direction of them
- Glass, gravel or other loose material indicated by waving open hand parallel to road on relevant side
Shouts:
- "Easy" - slowing down
- "Stopping" - does what it says on the tin
- "Car up" - vehicle coming from behind
- "Car down" - vehicle coming towards group from the front
- "Clear" for no traffic coming when turning a corner/crossing a junction (but this is not a substitute for checking for yourself)
- "Car left/right" for traffic coming when turning a corner/crossing a junction
- "Single out" - go to single file (if vehicle coming from the front, the outside rider should move in and behind the inside rider; if vehicle coming from behind, outside rider should move to the front of the inside rider and in both cases inside rider should ensure they move forward or drop back as required)
Do not ride more than two abreast and keep the group as compact as possible by following the wheel in front and do not allow gaps to form. No half wheeling (when two people ride side by side with one continually edging half a wheel in front of the other resulting in an increase in speed as the half-wheelee keeps trying to catch up and the half-wheeler keeps edging half a wheel in front...)
Horses should be passed with care, especially when coming up behind them. Keep pedalling, do not freewheel especially if you have a clicky freewheel - the noise spooks them - and KEEP TALKING!
And don't forget, obey the Highway Code!
If you need further clarification on these and other queries or concerns, ask the Captain or Vice-Captains.
The Vice Captains are:
Alex Protasiuk
Amy Robinson
Andrew Francis
Brian Thompson
Del Cobb
Ian Bray
Jim Burdett
John Czernobay
Julian Gibson
Lee Holland
Marco Faimali
Mark McLaughlin
Martin Wiles
Mick Ward
Nick Wilson
Paul Hone
Peter Roberts
Phil Hawkes
Phil Lambert
Phil Nash
Ron Salter
Simon Suter
Tim Coales