Keep Moving Lazy Bones

Route planning and navigation  These are some really good skills to learn even if you mostly participate in group rides. 1. Who is the audience? A good first step is understanding who will come on your ride. Have they just learnt to ride? Are they nervous about traffic? Do they prefer open countryside? Do they love hill climbs? If you don't know the individuals then decide for yourself what riders you are planning a route for.  2. The coffee stop Part of a ride is the all essential coffee stop so make it a good one. The destination is often a good place to start the planning process. Can they cater for your group size? Is there enough seating inside on a cold day? Enough seating outdoors on a hot day? Cycle cafés are a sure win. Is there a point of interest such as volunteer run charity café or National Trust? The coffee stop can be picnic benches if there are loos nearby.  3. The start point  This is actually a good place to start your route planning. Yo...

Rider Awareness Group riding is great fun, though you need to maintain awareness for the safety of yourself and your fellow riders. 1. Listen to the briefing Depending on the route, group size and number of ride leaders, briefings will vary. They are there to help keep everyone safe, so listen carefully. 2. Follow instructions Sounds obvious, I know! If any instructions are unclear, ask for clarification. Your fellow riders may have the same question. 3. Stay alert Be aware of your surroundings, fellow riders, traffic and pedestrians. Any of these can present a hazard, sometimes with little warning. 4. Take care when stopping Extra care is needed when a group slows down or stops. Help pass on calls from the ride leader, such as “Slowing” and “Stopping”, so riders further back have time to react. 5. Choose where to stop With enough notice, you can choose a sensible place to stop rather than simply stopping behind the rider in front. Leave enough space for others a...

This is my understanding though please refer to British Cycling's document Guidelines for Leading Rides. The following graphic is an extract summarising risk management and including the pre-ride route requirement. In response to a query British Cycling gave the following response.  " A Ride Leader - Level 1 needs to pre-ride/recce the route prior to leading a ride. This does not need to be within 7 days of the ride. However, the leader would be expected to consider any factors that may have changed since their last pre-ride, such as roadworks, diversions, or the impact of recent weather on the route, and take these into account before the planned ride. You're also correct for the Ride Leader - Level 2 course. As this incorporates more navigational challenge and risk management scenarios, leaders are able to ride on routes that have not been pre-ridden. However, it is always recommended to ride the route where possible and to consider those factors that may hav...

Your Cycling Journey in Harrow Whether you are learning to ride for the first time or looking to build up to longer rides, Harrow Cycle Hub (HCH) offers activities and support to help you develop your cycling. This pathway suggests seven stages, from learning to ride through to completing a 20-mile ride. Each stage describes what you might aim to achieve and the activities that can help you get there. You don't have to follow the stages rigidly. If you can already ride, simply start at the stage that suits you. You can also return to earlier stages whenever you need extra support. If you are following British Cycling's Sofa to Saddle programme, you can use HCH activities alongside it to practise your skills and gain experience riding with others. Don't forget to subscribe to the Harrow Cycle Hub newsletter to be kept informed of future courses, rides and other activities. You can find a subscribe link on their website.  The pathway will make you a more self-su...

Tips for Winter Riding Here I provide links to resources as there is no simple answer. What works for a professional cyclist who can keep warm through power output won't work for a casual cyclist. Generally try and buy quality once rather than buying - for example- the shower-resistant cheaper version.  The advice below will be generic so think about your own situation.  - If on a budget many of your existing clothes will suffice such as your walkers waterproof or mid-layer.  - If you have good circulation keeping your core warm will let warming blood heat your hands and feet - If you have very poor circulation then extra warm gloves and socks will help. You might find it helps to wear long warm socks and even cycling boots to protect cold feet - As rides often include a coffee break think how you might use that. Takes spare socks and gloves so you can start the return feeling more comfortable  The Walk, Wheel, Cycle Trust is the new name for Sustrans....

Getting started with accessories Ah! I didn't think of that.... Let us take the scenario of someone joining their first ten-mile bike ride. They gradually extend that to longer social rides and then to a three-day bike tour staying overnight in hotels or B&Bs. We can slowly build our list of accessories from this scenario.  In addition to the required items some specific suggestions are provided though do look at current product reviews and talk to your cycle buddies.  The advice below suggests a rear rack and panniers as that covers all bases but there are other approaches. The product and brand suggestions here do tend to be more expensive; if you plan shorter rides in dry conditions then less expensive options will suffice. Principle One Try and consider how your cycling might develop and buy accessories that will meet future needs such as longer day rides or multi-day trips. Principle Two If keeping your bike light is important then build in lightwe...