If you are new to cycling and are thinking of arranging a sponsored ride or similar event for fun - or even taking part in your first group event - you may find this article handy.
Riding in a group is easiest if you set down a few rules - hand them out on a sheet so everyone knows them, or include them with sponsorship forms, etc.
Rules are even more important if only a few of you have group experience: you'll be amazed how what adventures you can have without them! Pick and choose what you need from the list below.
Route: Work out your route well in advance and make sure key riders know where you're all going in case you get separated.
Distance/time: If you're planning a leisure ride, tell first-timers they'll be out for a couple of hours (if you say you're doing 20-odd miles, you'll put them off)
Insurance: The CTC covers its members for running CTC club rides, and individually, although non-members taking part are expected to join once they decide they like group cycling. Contact the CTC for more details. If you are not in the CTC, a public liability insurance is advisable.
Helmets, flo jackets, lights and mudguards: Colchester Cycling believes the choice of wearing a helmet should belong to individual riders. If your ride takes you on to busier roads, consider asking each participant to wear a fluorescent jacket. If you are expecting the ride to last until it is going dark, insist that all bikes have working lights. Mudguards are advisable - a bike sans fenders on a long ride can completely spatter following riders.
Crisis! Have an emergency plan: know the shortcuts you can take, have at least a a basic tool kit and pumps with all three valve types - schrader, presta and woods. Every rider should have a spare tube and thier own puncture kit. If you can, make sure one of the group is a cycle mechanic!
Bikes: Each rider should check their bike before they ride, to include pumping up your tyres and testing brakes. If there are inexperienced cyclists, make sure their bike fits them and offer advice, if necessary.
Speed and staying together: Unless you know the abilities of all the riders, promise ride to the speed of the slowest, and stick to it. An alternative to this is to give everyone a map and set rendezvouz points, though bear in mind that the less fit and less able will have less time to rest! If anyone has to peel off early (for another commitment, for instance) decide where on the ride they will be leaving the group. Take people's mobile numbers, if you can. If you have a large ride (15 or more) the leader should appoint a "tail end charlie" to make sure stragglers aren't left behind and to alert the leader of any problems.
