Club Run Guidelines

Group rides help you to improve in different ways by learning from other riders and maintaining a decent pace over a reasonable distance without getting lost. A group ride is social and generally safer than riding solo. These guidelines aim to keep it that way.

We respect all other road users and the rules of the road including traffic lights and pedestrian crossings.

Who Can Ride?

Club Runs are open to guest riders. Riders are expected to join Brighton Excelsior CC [BECC] after 3 rides.

New riders under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Any riders under the age of 18 need to complete the online consent form before riding.

The leader may send riders back early on if a ride looks set to be dangerous or unsuccessful. Alternatively, they may guide you round.

Ride leaders are experienced but are not necessarily coaches or committee members. BECC is insured through British Cycling but this insurance does not extend down to riders. Riders take part at their own risk. 

How is the Ride Run?

Speed is determined by the ride leader based on the ability of the group. Our rides are not training rides.

A BECC Club Run is not about scoring Strava PRs, it is a group ride. However, there have always been certain sections where attacks are accepted. These include obvious sections like Broadwater Lane and Coombes Lane as well as any significant climbs where people’s speeds vary. Please always respect the lead rider’s instructions on the day and don’t go sprinting off the front of the group.

Do not break the line. Overtake only on hills or sections nominated by the leader, do so in safe places where the road ahead is clear, do not cut in too close in front of a rider you have passed.

Never ride 3 abreast or on the wrong side of the road. When a car wants to pass, close in to the left or drop to single file.

The Club Run waits for everyone
with the exception of riders who disappear off the front.

Don’t overlap your wheel with that of the rider in front of you. This is a big cause of crashes in group rides.

Stay close to the rider in front in order to save group energy.

Share the pace by doing your time on the front without trying to push the pace. Everyone should be able to keep up. Stronger riders should just spend more time on the front and only ride ahead on hills and nominated sections.

Don’t switch suddenly. Hold your line and keep a steady cadence. 

Signal or shout if you need to stop suddenly.

Communicate clearly and tell someone if you have a problem. You won’t be abandoned.

Signal or shout from the front backwards for cars “Car”, obstacles, pot-holes, gravel, slowing “Easy” or stopping “Stopping”. Shout “Clear” or “Wait” to indicate traffic at a junction. Always check the road for yourself after a “clear” call. Your safety is your own responsibility.

Shout from the back for cars “Car Back”, punctures, mechanicals and dropped riders.

At a shout of “Car” or “Car Back” you must take visible action unless already tight to the left.

Riders who cannot or will not comply with the rules and general etiquette will be asked to leave the ride.

Equipment

A road bike is generally required. It is too difficult for most people to keep up on hybrids or mountain bikes although some manage on CX or gravel bikes.

Ensure your bike is in full working order. The gears should change smoothly without the chain coming off, both front and rear brakes must work well, tyres should be in good order and inflated to the correct pressure. If your bike is clearly not in good order you may be asked not to ride.

Please wear a helmet and carry a rain jacket, a pump, essential tools and 2 spare inner tubes.

Please bring sufficient food for the ride and plenty to drink, typically 2 x 500ml bottles would be the minimum. Energy gels are also a good idea.

Mudguards are advised but not obligatory during wet weather.

It is also advised to have a rear light and a mobile phone plus cards or money.