Author: Einar Thorsen

Next week we will be starting our regular Wednesday evening rides from Poole Park at 19:00 (7pm) at the Cricket Pavilion, which replaces the time trials and social rides from Upton that have been running during the summer season. Rides are typically between 1-1.5 hours. First session starts 3rd October, with the last one 27th March. Everyone welcome!

This is a social ride to learn group riding etiquette and to gain winter base fitness.

These are very popular rides, so we expect everyone to adhere to some basic guidelines:

• Ride in sensible way.
• Ride to highway code rules.
• Form groups no bigger than 8 please, with each group having a nominated ‘leader’.
• Wear bright clothing. Good working lights needed at all times, mudguards are appreciated by club members!
• Follow group riding etiquette:
  • 2 lines only at any one time, overtaking (right lane through and off) 2 lines at any time, even when going up hill.
  • Stay together, no riders should be dropped from the group.
  • Always wait to regroup on top / bottom of hills if the group is s
  • See video and further tips at the bottom of this post.
• Behave in a sensible, courteous and appropriate manner to other riders and road users. Foul and abusive language is not acceptable – to other riders or other road users!
• Pay £1 for members / £2 for non-members at start to ride – this contributes towards club indemnity insurance and allows you a free coffee/tea when club room is open. This is a good time to check out our membership options if you’re not already a member of Poole Wheelers…
• We recommend all riders join British Cycling, with Ride membership or above, for liability insurance and other benefits this provides – especially if you ride regularly, with Poole Wheelers or on your own.
• Please remember: this is not a race!

Poole Wheelers reserves the right to ask you not to ride with us if you do not agree/adhere to these ‘guidelines’.

Everyone taking part in these rides should sign the Wednesday club ride form once (these will be available each evening too), and also remember to sign in and out every week you take part.

Youth riders: All riders under the age of 18 need to have a consent form completed by a responsible parent or guardian. These rides are open to all ages, provided they are competent to ride on public roads. However, riders 12 years and under must be accompanied by a responsible riding adult. Non riding parents or guardians of riders over the age of 13 will need to agree to stay within the vicinity of the ride and must be contactable for the duration.

Each group typically follows the below route, though some groups may decide to adjust this on the day depending on ability.

Other weekly social rides

Our normal weekend social rides continues through the winter season. Keep an eye on the Poole Wheelers Facebook page for weekly updates about where each ride is heading.

Monday evenings road social ride for women, ideal opportunity to enjoy a social ride with other women, get fitter and increase your confidence with riding in a group starting from Poole Park Cricket Pavilion.

Saturday morning ride meets at Wimborne Square at 7:30am, 90 minute, mixed pace with overall average of around 16mph (organised by Craig Weston).

Sunday Mornings:
Intermediate/Fast: 3 –4 hours, varied routes, only for experience riders as terrain and average speed combined will make these sessions a tough ride. Average speed 17- 21mph depending on course. (Craig)

Casual: 2 -3 hours, varied routes, average speed 16 -17mph. (Richard)

All rides include a coffee stop 🙂

Group riding

Riding as part of a group is more sociable and can save you energy during a long event. Check out these top-10 tips from British Cycling or watch the below video.

The performance advantage to riding in a group is that several people can share the responsibility of setting a manageable pace as well as sheltering their riding mates from the wind – a technique known as ‘drafting.’

The most efficient formation for a large group is to ride side-by-side in pairs, with riders gradually rotating and sharing their turn on the front. How long your turn is depends a lot on weather conditions and how strong you feel, but 5 minutes is a good starting point.

Riding in close proximity to other riders does carry hazards though, so be sure to give enough space to manoeuvre, don’t overlap the wheel in front and be sure to keep good communication with your riding companions.

Check out the British Cycling website for more great videos on cycling skills and techniques. There are special sections for Road , Sportives, Track, Mountain bike, Cyclo-cross, Commuting and leisure.