During the winter months it is appropriate that we prepare ourselves and our bikes for riding during the colder months of the year when weather is more severe and there are fewer daylight hours.

In adverse or extreme weather individual riders must decide whether or not it is safe to ride. This particularly applies when conditions are cold and/or icy. This decision may need to take place at short notice. It will not be the ride leaders decision. All adult participants are responsible for their own well-being during the ride and should be prepared for situations such as adverse weather conditions, mechanical problems and flat tyres. If individual riders make the decision to ride on icy public roads, it is advisable to follow roads treated by the highways authority with salt. If you do pull out at short notice please let the group know via the relevant WhatsApp group.

In keeping with the changes that are made every year, club rides are typically shorter and the start times are later. Details of which are as follows:-

Ride lengths from 29 October

• Long Sunday Rides 50 to 60 miles
• Short Sunday Rides 35 to 40 miles
• Midweek Rides 35 to 40 miles

Start Times

• Midweek rides 09:00.
• From 19th November the Sunday Long Ride will start at 09:00.
• From 19th November the Sunday Short Ride will start at 09:05.

Mudguards and Lights

During the winter months virtually all members fit mudguards and lights to their bikes. This is a practice that the club would like to adopt on all rides from 29 October until the clocks go forward on 31 March. Even on days when it isn't forecast to rain there is often standing water on the roads and we still get the odd shower that isn't forecast. It is highly recommended that mudguards are full length whereby the mud flap extends below the level of the axle as shown in the attached photo.

Many members choose to ride with a rear light throughout the year as this significantly helps to improve their visibility to other road users. This is even more important during the winter months when everyone on a club ride should have a rear and ideally a front light.

Please be aware that the clubs British Cycling insurance policy only covers the club. We ride at our own risk and we encourage all members to take out personal cycling insurance.