Prepare for Your First Ride

The best way to get your speed up is to ride with us so don’t put it off. You’ll find you’re a lot faster in a group. One thing you could do for your confidence and strength is to ride up some big hills. We don’t often climb the biggest ones but it’s good preparation. If you’re still wearing trainers, consider clip-in pedals, it’s much more efficient. If you haven’t worn them before, practise clipping in and out.

We’re not the strictest club but please read our rules and etiquette to get an idea about club riding.

What to Bring

The main thing to bring is enthusiasm but to make your first ride the best possible for you and everyone else please make sure to bring:

• A road bike that’s in good working order – that includes your tyres – you would need to be a very good rider to keep up on a hybrid or mountain bike
• 1 or 2 spare inner tubes, pump/CO2 cylinder and tyre levers
• 1 or 2 water bottles with water, electrolyte or energy drinks
• Suitable cycling clothes – bib shorts or bib tights are much better than cycling shorts. You can buy club kit if you enjoy yourself
• A cycling helmet and glasses
• Your phone
• Extra food or gels if you think you’ll need them
• Gloves and waterproofs as necessary.

If you cycle to meet us please make sure you are easily visible to road users. Rear lights are particular good. Sports cameras are welcome.