Dear all
This is an important update with some good news on reduced restrictions for club rides.
After a very successful series of socially distanced rides in August with maximum six riders, we are pleased to say that Cycling UK nationally has now extended the limit on numbers to maximum 15. We don’t often get to that figure, so this effectively means that we no longer have to worry about waiting lists. Also, although the Tuesday evening road rides draw to a close next week, thanks to great work by Jon and Karen Townsin and David Smith we have the rides calendar updated all the way to March 2021. Details of all rides and how to book your place can be found in the club calendar. We have drawn up a protocol to limit any risks associated with group riding. The main points are listed below:
All rides need to be pre-booked on a weekly basis. Details of when bookings open for each ride and who to contact can be found in the calendar. Please don’t turn up for a ride in the hope of being accepted.
Rides are now limited to fifteen riders including the ride leader.
Riders must maintain social distancing during rides and at stops. Leave a ‘wheel’s gap’ between riders and/or cycle two abreast when road conditions allow.
Riders must be self reliant in terms of mechanicals (punctures, brakes, gears etc.) and water and snacks in the case of longer rides.
If you are feeling unwell or displaying any covid linked symptoms do not ride and put others at risk.
Ride leaders will be picking up rides in the next few days and populating the ride details on the website. We have a really great programme for the next six months, with a monthly rotation of weekend 1, 2 and 3* rides, plus the Tuesday off-road rides continuing (sexy big lights required!), plus the now well-established Thursday morning format of a led ride plus a meet up for those riding independently. After a successful experiment with ‘virtual turbo’ sessions earlier in the summer we have decided to use that format again for the main turbo sessions from October through to December on Tuesday evenings.
It has been really encouraging to be out on the August rides – I think all of those who have experienced it will say that we have found the protocols to be minimally intrusive and it has been reassuring to feel safe in what is more or less a normal group riding set up.
I look to seeing many of you out on the rides over the coming months.
Best regards
John
