Get this stuff sorted before you even think about coming along for a ride and you’ll be starting out well... It’s not about the latest outfit or technology. Better to spend the time and the money to make yourself comfortable, protect your head and body and have the skills to control your bike.

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Helmet/Dastaar – This is a personal choice but the club recommends the wearing of a helmet or Dastaar

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Bike – must be roadworthy and safe to ride. At a minimum, tyres and brakes (pads, cables and adjusted) in good condition. Try a proper bike fitting and get your set-up sorted. A poorly maintained bike will fail more often. It will hold up the bunch and spoil your ride. It increases the chance of injury. If you can’t do it yourself, go to a reliable mechanic to service your bike and ask for a safety check.

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Aero/profile/Tri-bars – are for time-trialling and non-drafting triathlon. Aero bars should not be used in the bunch as they take your hands away from your brakes and reduce your control. You may ride a TT bike or a road bike with aero bars on group rides but hands must be on the hoods/drops while in the group.

Cycling Glasses – personal choice, but offer protection from flying hazards and rain. Make sure the arms are on the outside of your helmet straps if possible so that they can dislodge in a fall. For off road rides we recommend cycling glasses due to the risk of grit and stones that may flick up.

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Visibility – when poor visibility, low light or dark, be seen. Wear some bright, even fluorescent clothing. Have good lights front (white) and rear (red), and turn them on in these conditions!

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Inner tubes – practise changing inner tubes. Anyone can have a puncture, but fixing your bike on route with an experienced audience is tough! If you’re not confident it’s worth trying a few times in the comfort of your own home. Before long you’ll be helping out others in their misfortune!

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Practise/training – it’s too easy to fall off a bike. Practise bike handling in various conditions. Ask for advice and attend training on offer. Make sure you are comfortable clipping in and out of pedals before joining a group ride.

Fitness – riding gets easier with fitness. As a guide you need to be able to ride solo for an hour on the flat at the speed of your intended group ride. You may want to be riding three times a week to develop your fitness. Even a shorter club ride can be a struggle if you are only getting out once a week.

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Ride outdoors – the appeal of Zwift and indoor trainers is obvious, but nothing beats riding outdoors. This helps you to practise in different conditions. Your road/trail skills and safety will improve as you know your bike better, develop your ability to corner, descend, climb out of the saddle, ride in the wind etc.

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Advice – don’t be afraid to ask more experienced riders for advice, especially when riding as a group, or attend the training on offer. Also be receptive when advice is given – that’s how we all learn.

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Under 18’s – must submit a completed Parent Consent Form before riding – see club website. The minimum age for a rider to attend a club ride is 14 and children must have a responsible adult present at all times. A responsible adult can supervise a maximum of one child and must be with the child at all times.