Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any questions not covered here, please don’t hesitate to get in touch; we will be happy to give as much advice as you need before deciding to venture out with us.
Q: Where does the club meet?
A: We met opposite Daily Bread YOGA, Birmingham Road, Bromsgrove B61 0DD, every Sunday; June, July, August 9am, rest of year 9.30am.
We also meet at South Bromsgrove High School October – end March indoor training.
Q: How do I find out about club runs?
A: We have a Club run Calendar on this website under ‘Club Runs’.
Q: How far do you go?
A: We usually do about 25 - 35 miles to a cafe stop; then a choice of going a direct route home (about 15-20m), or a longer route with a total of maybe 55 – 70 miles depending on season/weather.
Q: How fast is the club run?
A: Our average speed over the whole distance is usually 14 – 16mph depending on season & terrain.
Q: How fit do I need to be?
A: If you can manage 30 miles on your own without stopping at around 14mph, with a bit of shelter in the group you should be fine; &, in any case, we will help & encourage you.
Q: What if I can’t keep up?
A: We will slow down & get you to a point where you know where you know how to get home, or if you don’t feel confident on your own, one or two of us will accompany you.
Q: I don’t think I’m fast enough to join you.
A: We can still help you improve your fitness, with winter indoor & summer outdoor training, coaching & general advice.
Q: Your club runs are a bit slow for the type of riding I want to do.
A: The club run is a social ride where we aim to generally keep the group together; we split up on the hills & re-group over the top. Our racing members do faster training rides, & these might suit you; maybe you would like to join them in competitive events.
Q: Will I be expected to enter races?
A: No; many of our members have never raced; we are a multi-disciplined group, with members who have vast experience in the non-competitive cycling.
Q: I am a triathlete considering joining a cycling club.
A: We have helped triathletes, with strong running & swimming backgrounds, to improve in their sport with specific cycle training & coaching; so you would be very welcome to join us.
Q: What type of bike do I need?
A: For a club run (on tarmac roads), we recommend a road bike, with road tyres.
Q: I only have a cheap bike, is that ok?
A: It really doesn’t matter how much a bike cost as long as it’s well maintained; paying special attention to brakes & tyres. Many members have expensive lightweight race bikes; don’t let that put you off. When you know what branch of the sport you want to pursue, we can give advice on what to buy, & where from.
Q: What if I have a mechanical problem?
A: Several of our members have the necessary knowledge to help you with most common problems.
Q: What do I need to bring with me?
A: A rain jacket, drink bottle & snack bar; money for the cafe stop, spare inner tube, tyre levers & pump.
Q: How old do I have to be to do a club run?
A: You need to be at least 13 years old, & we will need your parent’s/guardian’s written consent if you are under 18.
Q: Do you use any busy main roads?
A: One of the major benefits of joining a club is that members know the quiet lanes. Inevitably, we are sometimes forced to use short sections of A or B roads, although even these are not really busy on Sundays.
Q: Do I need to be a member to join you on a club run?
A: Not at all; a few rides with us is encouraged before you decide whether our club is the one you want to be part of.
Q: Do you have any female cyclists?
A: Yes, & we encourage more to join us.
Q: What type of activities does the club promote?
A: We have something for everyone; touring/club runs, weekends, annual holidays abroad, training/coaching, special events/charity rides, sportives, audax, indoor winter training (turbo/rollers), roller racing, clubroom meetings/advice on bikes/fit/maintenance/training, summer season time trials, hill climbs, road racing, outdoor track, indoor Velodrome sessions, cyclo cross, mountain biking, summer skills sessions for school children (previously we were a ‘Go-Ride’ club), British Schools Cycling Association events, off road circuit racing.
Q: Do you have any activities for beginners?
A: We will always encourage people to get started, & we will do whatever we can to help; most of our events are ‘come & try it’ & we can advise you on any aspect of cycling, including what to buy, where to buy, bike fit, bike handling skills, etc.
Q: What do I need to wear?
A: Specific cycle clothing & a helmet is recommended, although not compulsory. Wear suitable clothing for the expected weather conditions; it’s a good idea to look at www.bbc.co.uk/weather or a local forecast before setting out.
Q: What does it cost to join?
A: It is currently £15 per year for senior members & £10 for anyone under 18.
If you want to join as a ‘2nd Claim’ , or social, member (& not enter any competitive events under our club’s name), then that is £10. Family group membership is also available at special rates; please ask. Membership starts 1st January; although you can join from 1st October, & your membership will then be for up to 15 months.
Q: Do you have a racing team?
A: We have a number of riders entering Time Trials on a regular basis, & some riding mass start road, off-road circuit, cyclo-cross & track events. We encourage new members who wish to enter competitive events; refer to ‘Calendar’.
Q: What is the age range of your members?
A: Currently, we have active members aged 12 to well over 70.
Q: How many members have you got?
A: This varies year to year; typically around 30 - 40, with up to 15 on a typical Sunday club run.
Q: Do you have any activities for children under 12?
A: Yes, indoor training using turbo trainers & rollers from end October – end March.
Q: Can I pay my membership fee by bank transfer?
A: Yes, bank details are on our membership form.
Q: Do you still go out on Sunday if the weather is bad?
A: Some rain during part of the day will not put many riders off. If the road conditions are dangerous (ice, snow, fog, hurricane) then it’s possible that no one will turn up at the start; although some might communicate with each other & meet later.