Inbetweeners Group Charter
Introduction
Naas inbetweeners group caters for new, returning and existing cyclists in the club. The inbetweeners group is seen as natural stepping stone in group riding and cyclists are expected to increase their fitness levels as the season progresses.
The routes will be planned according to the weather conditions expected and advertised on the group page during the week of the cycle. All cyclists are expected to read and know the route.
The average speed for the inbetweeners will be 23 to 25 kms. There will be times when the average speed will be lower or higher depending on the gradient of the route which will increase average speeds and the weather conditions.
Distance will depend on the weather; average distance will be 60 km. The Inbetweeners Group meet on a Saturday morning at KLeisure, Caragh Road, Naas at 9.30am
Cycling may be cancelled due to adverse weather conditions, Heavy rain, snow, frost and high winds. A Met Eireann weather status weather warning will be strictly adhered to as per club policy.
Remember you represent the club when out on club spins while wearing the club kit.
A guide to group riding can be viewed and downloaded from the club forms section
Road Captains & Group Riding
Road Captain or Vice Captains call the route
Obey your Road captain’s instructions during the club spin. They have final say in all decisions within the group and while out on the club spin
If you feel unwell before going on a club spin, inform the cycle Road Captain. do not attempt to cycle
If you become unwell during the course of the club spin, inform the cycle Road Captain. If you are ill, injured or feel unfit for the proposed distance or pace you should not attempt to cycle. Note: A tired cyclist can be a danger to the whole group
Naas CC operates on the basis that no one gets left behind. It should be a real exception that a cyclist is left on their own during a club spin. There may be cases where it’s not practical to slow the group down or stop on a given day. An agreement will be made with the individual on the day
Only cycle in pairs when it safe to do so. Single out when instructed to do so by your Road Captain
Respect that everyone climbs at their own pace. The Road Captain calls the pace. Riders will re-group at a natural stopping point after climbs or as instructed by your Road Captain
Punctures, mechanicals and emergencies stop the group. A rule of thumb is that two people should stop with the individual. Follow your Road Captains instructions
Be aware of your fellow club mates – look out for someone struggling on a club spin and call ‘Knock it Back’ in pace if necessary
Your safety and the safety of all within the group is the responsibility of us all both individually and collectively. Do not be afraid to call someone with habitual behaviour that poses a risk to us all
Rules of the Road for Naas CC members
Be respectful of motorists, pedestrians, and other cyclists, Do not to engage in confrontational behaviour (either gesture, verbal or physical) with any other road user
Obey the rules of the road at all times, including traffic & pedestrian lights
Do not cycle on footpaths; dismount if entering the footpath or pedestrian only areas
Call obstacles with hand signals and verbally where required (e.g. car up/car down) ensure the gap to the rider in front is kept to a minimum. One wheel or slightly less
No half wheeling, Do not brake unnecessarily while in a group
Transition smoothly within the group, keep your concentration.
Essentials Gear & Carry
Ensure that your bike is fully serviced and roadworthy before taking part in a club spin
Wear Safety Helmet (compulsory). No Helmet no spins!!
Road ID with ICE contact to be worn by all participants on club spins
Carry at least one spare tube and a working pump
Carry snacks/ fruit suitable for the distance
Carry a water bottle which fits in your bottle cage
Carry money for breaks or emergency and a fully charged phone
Notify the Club Secretary (naasccsec@gmail.com) of any incidents, accidents or crashes on club spins at your earliest convenience. The Club Secretary will take the appropriate further actions as required
Winter Essentials
Working Front and rear lights are a requirement in winter or dusk conditions. (In Irish law, Dusk commences 30 minutes prior to sunset and ends 30 minutes after sunrise)
Full length rear mudguard will be required for winter cycling season.
Visiting Cyclists
Experienced visiting cyclists are welcome on our spin, please remember as per Naas CC club rules you must be a current member of Cycling Ireland and Tri Bars are not permitted
Maura Finnerty, Group Captain