The CUCC's (ex Tony's!) guide to group road-riding
1: There should be 2 groups each week, with the faster ride leaving first - if in doubt, try the slower ride and move up if necessary, rather than struggling out of your depth on the fast ride....
2: No attacking/dropping people this term for the first 3/4 of the run - these early rides are for everyone to get used to riding in a group, holding a wheel, etc - you can show us how good you are next term. Also, if you go off the front and you don't know where the rides going, don't rely on somebody chasing you down - if you want to get lost in Essex, that's entirely up to you....
3: Wait for regrouping after climbs/junctions/punctures etc - unless you want to become VERY unpopular....Also keep to the rules of the road - cutting corners, going round mini-roundabouts the wrong way, jumping lights are all things which give cycling and the club a bad name - DON'T DO IT!
4: Once the ride has turned back towards Cambridge, the pace _may_ increase a little. Anyone dropped at this stage should be able to find their way back to Cambridge easily enough, but....
5: If you think you are about to be dropped, and you don't know your way back to Cambridge, shout loudly! We don't intend to leave people stranded in deepest Hertfordshire....
6: Bring a spare tube, tyre levers, puncture kit and pump - don't rely on other people to provide it. A bit of loose change for a phone in an emergency, a drinking bottle, and a little food are also very good ideas
7: Signal significant potholes, parked cars by both shouting and pointing. 'On the left/right/middle!' is the standard thing to shout, whilst if there is a vehicle behind, shouting 'Car up!' warns everybody to keep in. If necessary, eg a narrow road, oncoming cars should be signalled by shouting 'Car Down!'
8: Standard formation is 2 abreast, after reaching roads where this is sensible. Always think of those following your wheels before braking/changing line/getting out of the saddle - the latter throws your bike back quite a way.
9: Take turns at the front if you can - how fit you are determines how _long_ you ride at the front, rather than how fast. To change formation, wait for a clear, straight road, and the front riders should move aside and slow down - when going through onto the front DON'T accelerate - this is very hard on those at the back. Try and close all gaps, as this makes it easier on everyone.
10: It is EVERYONE'S responsibility to make sure that no-one is dropped and/or left in trouble - not just the ride leaders.
11: Finally - we strongly recommend helmets, and dress warmly. Mudguards, if owned, are appreciated on wet days, and a rear light is advisable for later in term.
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