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Recce routes for Let's Ride

This is my understanding though please refer to British Cycling's document Guidelines for Leading Rides. The following is an extract summarising risk management and including the pre-ride route requirement. Under the official regulations for British Cycling, there is no rule requiring you to physically recce a route within 7 days of running a ride. The table above shows that Rider Leaders qualified to Level 1 MUST pre-,ride the route though no mention of within 7 days. The origins of the 7-day rule may come from a mix of best practice advice in clubs and advice for organised events. However, it can be a blocker to leading rides as it imposes a constraint. If you are leading an official British Cycling program (such as Breeze or Guided Rides), or managing a registered club run, the exact compliance expectations outline the following: 1. The Real Route Requirements Instead of a fixed 7-day timeline, British Cycling mandates that you ensure the route is safe and appropriat...
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Pathway for beginners

Here we will look at a confidence building pathway for riders and the specific activities that are available. The purpose of the pathway is to help you manage your cycling journey with support from Harrow Cycle Hub.  The activities will help with your Sofa to Saddle journey if you are using that.  The purpose of the pathway is to help you develop your cycling by providing opportunities to get support when you need it. Seven stages are suggested with r ider various activities to achieve the outcomes or goals of those stages. You shoukd not follow the pathway rigidly and if you can already ride just jump in where appropriate.  1.  Learn to Ride Outcome: Can balance, pedal, steer, start and stop independently in a safe traffic-free environment.  Activity:  Harrow Cycle Hub provides learn to ride courses. These are bookable through their website.  Activity:  Subscribe to the Harrow Cycle Hub newsletter to be kept informed of future courses, rides and ...
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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.  https://www.walkwhe...
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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 lightweight accessories such as titanium...
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Cycling opportunities from Harrow

Cycling is increasingly niche with destination, distance, speed, the social aspect, terrain and even time of day all playing a part. Here are some links to get you started. Don't forget that you don't need to join just one! Club Finder British Cycling has a Cycling Club Finder page which provides the full details in one listing.  https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/ Group Finder The Let's Ride platform supported by British Cycling has a group finder and allows you to join many groups so join Let's Ride and search for groups in your area. https://www.letsride.co.uk Sample Options   The Harrow Cycle Hub (group) is on the Let's Ride platform and the rides tend to be shorter and 11-18km/h. https://www.letsride.co.uk/ groups/harrow-cycle-hub The Harrow Cycle Club (group) is on the Let's Ride platform and the rides tend to be longer and 16-20km/h https://www.letsride.co.uk/ groups/lets-go-ride-a-road- bike West London Cycling will offer rides with different...
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Harrow to The Case Has Altered

   Ride type: Guided Ride Ride suitability: Challenging Ride title: Harrow to The Case Has Altered  Start Postcode: HA1 4QW Elevation: GPX reference: Komoot Route GPX File Introduce your route: This ride is suitable for experienced riders who can maintain an overall average speed of 10 mph over undulating terrain. We have a policy of leaving no rider behind so if anyone is struggling we will adjust the speed and take rest stops if necessary. If you have questions or concerns speak to the Ride Leader or contact them before the ride. We ask that you read the full details of the ride including the distance and terrain to ensure the ride will be enjoyable for you. The route does 15 miles to the pub then 5 miles to the finish. Kind of roads you'll be riding: We will use roads with hills and short sections of main road with fast moving traffic. Stops on the way: We stop for drinks and snacks at The Case Has Altered public house near Eastcote House Gardens.  Wha...
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Hills without spills - Twelve Tips

It is understandable that some bike riders dislike hills, though they define a landscape. So why not discover how to ride hills and discover the landscape on your doorstep? 1. Use your gears Making appropriate use of your gears will make hills easier and stop your legs from fatiguing on longer rides. So chat to your cycling buddies and learn how to use them. 2. Seriously, use your gears Your bike may have 3 cogs at the front and 9 at the back and that means you will be changing gear alot over changing gradients  3. Cornering  Get into the habit of having the inside pedal up when turning a corner as this will stop the inside pedal catching the ground on uneven surfaces and causing a fall 4. Cornering downhill If descending with some speed, look ahead and brake before any corner so you can navigate the corner without braking especially critical where gravel, ice or rain create a slippery surface. 5. Centre of gravity  When cornering, your outside pedal will be d...
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