RIDE GRADING
1. Easy – Relatively of short distance, generally within 40 km with flat or gently undulating terrain. No critical time factor and particularly suitable for the occasional cyclist. Must carry fluid especially in hot weather.
2. Easy-Medium – Similar to easy but may involve up to 70 km of similar terrain; or up to 40 km with small hills. Suit the cyclist with some fitness.
3. Medium – Longer distance and more difficult terrain. Generally involving the passage over a number of hills with distances up to 70 km. Reliable cycle gear, food, tools and wet weather gear advisable. Ability to maintain a reasonable speed to meet time constraints. Good level of fitness.
4. Medium-Hard – Similar to medium but may involve more mountainous terrain or relatively flat distances up to 100 km.
5. Hard – Long distances generally over 100 km and/or difficult and rugged mountainous terrain. Requires extensive levels of experience and a high level of fitness in cycling. Must have reliable bike, food, comprehensive tool kit, wet weather gear and first aid kit. Must be able to maintain good speeds and meet time constraints.
Note – Fluids for consumption should be carried at all times, especially in hot weather. Personal First Aid Kits should always be carried. Bicycle tools, puncture repair kit and spare tube should also be carried.
First Aid – Anyone venturing on a club trip should carry his or her own personal first aid kit. If you have a specific medical condition such as diabetes, epilepsy, allergies, etc, that may affect your treatment in an emergency, or safety on a trip, please let your activity leader know.
RIDE PROTOCOLS
As a result of ongoing discussions at committee level re ride departures and protocols, the Wangaratta BUG Committee has endorsed the following guidelines and asks that members respect these in the interest of safe recreational cycling for all.
1. Ride Departure Times – The only person to determine the exact ride departure time will be the ride leader. This may be the scheduled time or the leader may, at their discretion, choose to wait five or so minutes due to unforseen delays by some members: eg. forgotten water bottle, last minute phone call etc. This does not mean waiting ten or fifteen minutes.
2. Departure Protocol – No rider shall depart before the leader without first gaining the consent of the ride leader. The leader may wish to address the group prior to departure regarding specific instruction related to the ride. The ride leader is entitled to the courtesy of leading the group out of the town precincts.
3. On-Ride Protocol – As well as obeying the road rules at all times, other courtesy and safety issues need to be respected. Riders who ride ahead of the main group may stop and wait for the group to catch up or they may ride back to the main group. Riders who ride ahead and become lost or leave the group in any way without advising the ride leader or a colleague are entirely responsible for their own safety and well-being.
4. Tail-end Charlie – Ride leader is to appoint a Tail-end Charlie for both the outward and return journey, preferably a different rider for each leg.
5. Motor Vehicles – Riders are to call "CAR BACK" when a vehicle approaches from behind and pass the message forward to others.
6. Stopping – Riders are to call "STOPPING" before braking and coming to a halt. Choose stopping areas along the road – CAREFULLY. Find a clearing to stop ie a wide area near a driveway. Keep well off the road. Do not stop opposite double lines, on a bend in the road or on the crest of a hill (unless there is plenty of room).
7. Overtaking – Riders are to call "PASSING" before overtaking other riders.
8. Double Lines – It is necessary to ride single file where double lines are displayed on the road, on a narrow road or when road conditions are hazardous.
9. Helmets – Wearing of bicycle helmets is compulsory.
10. Road Rules – Victorian Road Rules must be complied with.
11. Mobile Phones – Members can support the ride by having their mobiles switched on but only use them when stopped off the road.
Adherence to these guidelines is essential bearing in mind the Club's responsibilities relevant to public liability issues and our own safety. Please consider the above points and realise that you are vulnerable, not invincible. Remember, our yellow cycling jersey represents educated and responsible cyclists using our roads; so be aware of the risks that you take when cycling.