BUNCH RIDES
Etiquette & Information
A bunch ride is not a race, it is a social training ride. If you want to race, enter a race.
START TIMES
Meet at “The Clock Tower," Wilmslow rd, Didsbury Village, Manchester.
Sunday Bunch A
Being able to complete the requirements of Bunch B.
Pace will typically be 18 - 22mph on the flat and increased undulation.
The pace will be adjusted to suit the abilities of the group.
Sunday Bunch B
Experience of riding on the road, numerous traffic laws and with other cyclists.
Pace will typically be 16 - 19mph on the flat and undulating.
The pace will be adjusted to suit the abilities of the group.
Monday Zwift - "no drop ride"
DCC host a weekly recovery ride on Monday at 7pm. Members meet virtually on Zwift using the "Meet Up" option.
What to bring
A road (worthy) bike, not a mountain bike, TT bike or a road bike with TT bars.
Make sure your bike is serviced, or the very least you check it before you ride, (inc tyre pressures).
A mobile phone in a waterproof bag, emergency contact details and money for coffee/cafe stop.
A minimum of 2 inner tubes 2+ tyre levers, a pump and/or 2+ air cartridges, and a multitool.
The appropriate clothing for the terrain and weather (glasses, mudguards, lights, waterproofs etc).
The knowledge and experience of how to change a puncture.
Adequate fluids & nutrition to complete the ride.
Loads of common sense, & road awareness.
A correctly fitted cycle helmet. No helmet no ride.
Don't be late, we leave at the stated time.
When riding in the bunch...
Lead correctly, as the front rider you are responsible for the whole bunch.
Always obey to the rules & regulations of the road.
Be predictable with all your actions, don't break or change direction suddenly, try to ride straight and consistent.
Avoid surging as it causes gaps in the bunch.
Ride in line with the person to your left/right not half a wheel in front, (half wheeling).
Keep your spacing (approximately 1/2 wheel) from the wheel in front, with hands on your hoods.
The ride leader will indicate who & when rolling off the front, (this is done by passing on the right slowest on the left)..
Pedal downhill, so members of the bunch don't have to ride with their brakes on.
Keep your eyes open, point out obstacles - parked cars, pot holes, glass, loose gravel etc and pass on the message.
Keep the momentum when riding uphill, (you will slow down) but maintain tension on the pedals.
Look forward not at your handlebars, pedals/clipping in, or Strava Segments etc.
Communicate with members of the bunch using verbal and hand signals when stopping, speed changes etc.
Riding two abreast is legal, but ride as appropriate and to the road/traffic conditions.
Move off the road when stopped - whether a medical, sandwich break or clothing adjustment.
It's the responsibility of the riders at the front/back to inform the bunch “car up/car back”.
Don't forget to enjoy the ride, but remember - it's always about the bunch.
Need an example, checkout our home page.
