Sussex Nomads Cycling Club

Our routes take us across beautiful and varied Sussex countryside, from the challenging hills of the Ashdown Forest to the levels of the river valleys. Club runs are normally between 40 and 60 miles (65 to 95 km) in length, and can be varied to suit the range of abilities among the riders on the day. There is always a cake stop.

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Club Runs

Club runs take place every Sunday throughout the year, whatever the weather. The starting point is normally outside Ditchling Village Hall—but check the online forum first, as the details for special events may differ.

Prospective new members are always welcome—just turn up at 9 am and join in.

There are plenty of free parking spaces behind the village hall, and toilets are usually available.

Most club runs are better suited to racing bikes than hybrids or MTBs.

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Club Run Etiquette

We try to follow a few simple principles, which are aimed at keeping the rides safe and enjoyable for everyone:

· At the start of the ride, the Ride Leader will agree the length and speed of the ride, and ask whether anyone would like to ride faster or further, splitting the group if necessary;

· Unless the group is very small, the Ride Leader will nominate a Lanterne Rouge, who will stay behind the other riders;

· The Ride Leader will review all this at the tea stop—it’s quite possible to ride together at first and then split into faster or slower groups after cake, or vice versa;

· During the ride, the Lanterne Rouge will signal to the rest of the group if anyone is struggling at the back or having equipment problems, and the Ride Leader will check regularly that he can still see the Lanterne Rouge;

· The Ride Leader won’t leave the front of the group unless there is a problem; and

· If anyone finds themselves riding ahead of the Ride Leader, they must slow down until he re-joins them. If they reach a major junction before that happens, they must stop and wait for the ride to regroup.

As long as we follow these principles, it’s impossible for weaker riders to get left behind, stronger riders have the option to get a harder workout, and everyone enjoys a smoothly running ride with a minimum of interruptions.

Tips for New Riders

If you’re new to riding with a group, there are a few unspoken rules that you should know about:

· Tell the Ride Leader how far and fast you can ride, so that he can take your needs into consideration;

· Always follow the Highway Code, and wear a helmet;

· Carry a mobile ‘phone and give the Ride Leader your number;

· Ride two-abreast where possible, except on busy roads or fast descents—the Ride Leader’s word should be law here;

· Keep about 2 to 3 feet between your front wheel and the rear wheel of the bike in front of you, and about a foot away from the rider beside you;

· Never overlap wheels with the rider ahead of you, as this forces the group to spread more widely across the road;

· Never ride 3 abreast unless you have a very good reason;

· Cover your front brake lever when in close formation and brake as gently and smoothly as possible;

· Pass on warnings about cars ahead or behind, or other dangers;

· Always shout out if you’re slowing or stopping, or raise a hand if it’s safe to do so;

· If you get a puncture, say so and come to a stop gradually;

· If a rider ahead points down, he’s seen a pothole;

· If he points behind his back, there’s a roadside obstruction;

· At junctions, riders ahead will tell you if the road is clear, but look for yourself too. Cars will usually treat a group of riders as if they were a single vehicle, but be prepared for the occasional motorist who forces his way into the middle of a group;

· If you’re at the back and a car is waiting to overtake, look back from time to time so that the driver knows that you’re waiting for an opportunity to let him pass;

· If you’re at the front, keep pedalling, even downhill, so that riders behind you don’t have to brake;

· If you want to sprint for a hilltop or road-sign, tell the Ride Leader what you’re doing, take his advice if he says it’s not safe and wait for the group to catch up as soon as you can;

· If you’re struggling, don’t be too proud to say so;

· Slow down for horses, call ahead so that they know you’re there, and let them know how many bikes are behind you;

· Always be courteous to motorists, and never start arguments or use offensive gestures—they don’t help, even if you’re in the right, and they spoil the atmosphere of the ride for everyone; and

· Be considerate about where you choose to take a hedge-stop. There are plenty of places in Sussex where this isn’t offensive!