A Guide for New Riders on Saturday Club Rides

A Guide for New Riders on Saturday Club Rides

New riders are welcome to join NBCC Saturday rides by choosing a suitable group, arriving prepared, riding within their limits, and following safe group-riding etiquette. Riders are encouraged to communicate early, respect road rules, support each other, and enjoy the social coffee stop after the ride.

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• Submitted by: Chris Howard

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# A Guide for New Riders on Saturday Club Rides

New to NBCC Saturday rides? Welcome. Our club rides are friendly, supportive and social, but they are also group rides, so a little preparation and awareness makes the morning safer and more enjoyable for everyone.

## Saturday Ride Groups

NBCC typically offers three Saturday morning options:

**Group 1:** approximately 34 km/h average pace
**Group 2:** approximately 30 km/h average pace
**Broken Bodies Ride:** approximately 1 hour at around 28 km/h

These speeds are a guide only. Conditions, group size, wind, traffic and the route can all affect the pace.

## What to Bring

Please arrive with a road bike in good working order. A gravel bike is also fine if you can comfortably hold the pace of the group.

You should bring:

* Tyres in good condition
* Spare tube or puncture repair kit
* Pump or CO₂ inflator
* Water and any food you may need
* Front and rear lights
* A phone
* A plan for getting home if something goes wrong

Other riders may be able to help with mechanical issues, but you should not rely on the group to fix every problem.

## Before Your First Ride

For your first ride, please arrive at least 10 minutes early and introduce yourself. Let the group know your level of experience and how confident you are riding in a bunch. If you are new to group riding, that is absolutely fine — we can help.

Choosing the right group is important. Pick a group whose pace you believe you can maintain for around 90 minutes. Cycling is an endurance activity, and the goal is to finish the ride feeling like you enjoyed yourself, not completely exhausted.

## Avoid the New Rider Trap

Most new riders fall into the same trap. They feel good in the bunch, want to contribute, and spend too long on the front too early. Before they know it, they have burned their matches before the ride has even turned for home.

You do not need to take equal turns on the front. On NBCC rides, stronger riders generally spend more time working at the front. If you are new, unsure, or riding close to your limit, it is completely acceptable to sit in and conserve energy.

## Ride Within Your Limits

If you are riding at your limit, please say so early. The group would much rather ease the pace slightly than have someone “hit the wall” halfway through the ride and struggle home.

If you start dropping off the pace, call out clearly:

**“Down one!”**

This lets the front riders know to shave a little speed off so the group can stay together. Trust us, this is much better than discovering someone has quietly disappeared off the back and needing to stop altogether.

## Group Ride Etiquette

NBCC follows the road rules. We ride single or double file depending on the road, traffic and conditions.

When riding in the group:

* Hold a steady line
* Maintain a consistent pace
* Avoid sudden braking or swerving
* Do not overlap wheels with the rider in front
* Do not undertake on the left
* Communicate clearly and early
* Ride at a distance that feels safe for your skill level

If you are not confident, sit near the back of the group and give yourself a little more space.

## Communication on the Road

Riders at the front call out or signal hazards and changes in pace. Common calls include:

**“Gravel”**
**“Glass”**
**“Car”**
**“Slowing”**
**“Clear right”**

Please pass these calls down the group so everyone receives the message.

The rear rider is also important. They are the eyes, ears and indicators for the group. They call approaching traffic with:

**“Car back!”**

They may also call:

**“All on!”**

This tells the front riders that the group is back together.

Clear head checks, obvious hand signals and a small wave of thanks to patient drivers all help improve the relationship between cyclists and other road users.

## Roundabouts and Narrow Roads

As we approach roundabouts or narrowing roads, the rear rider should be alert to traffic behind the group. They may call:

**“Car back!”**
or
**“Take the lane!”**

Where needed, the group will merge into the lane well before the roundabout, often around 50 metres out. This helps prevent cars from overtaking through the roundabout or merging into the middle of the group.

## Hills and Open Sections

Occasionally, the group ride leader may nominate a hill where riders can climb at their own pace. The group may split temporarily, but we will regroup afterwards.

On some rides, the final few kilometres may open up, allowing stronger riders to let off a little steam. Your ride leader will let you know when this is appropriate.

## Coffee After the Ride

We are sometimes jokingly referred to as the Northern Beaches Coffee Club. New riders are very welcome to join us for coffee and banter after the ride.

It is also a great time to let us know how you found the ride, ask questions, meet other members and become part of the club community.

## A Note About Volunteers

Our ride leaders and regular helpers are volunteers. They are generous, reliable and committed, but they are not paid or obliged to attend every week.

If a usual ride leader is not there, we welcome experienced riders to take a positive lead and help the group ride safely and smoothly.

## Try Before You Join

You are welcome to come along and see whether our rides and club ethos are a good fit for you.

New riders can join us for **three free trial rides**. After that, if you would like to keep riding with us, we ask that you join NBCC through one of our membership pathways.

We look forward to seeing you on the road.