The West Cork Cycling Club spins are designed to be sociable and enjoyable activities, so follow these guidelines to keep it safe and enjoyable for everybody on the spin.

Cycle with Respect

• Be respectful of motorists, pedestrians, and fellow cyclists
• Respect your club-mates and look after them on the ride
• Follow the Road Captain’s instructions during the spin
• Use the first 3 to 4 km as a steady paced warm-up, not a race!
• Transition smoothly when rolling over and stay within the agreed pace
• Don’t “half wheel” – keep your handlebars in line with those beside you
• The group will match the slowest rider but where there is a distinct difference within the group and numbers permit, the Captain may split the group
• Cyclists climb at different paces so regroup near the top
• Look out for a rider struggling or getting distanced and call a slower pace
• If you are struggling to maintain the pace ask the group for a “notch” – this is common parlance for “can we go a little slower please”
• Do not leave or abandon a group member.
• Go out with the group best matched to your fitness. if you are not feeling 100% go out with a slower group and if you have been riding strongly consider trying a faster group
• Never never never engage in confrontation with another road user.  If you deem their behaviour inappropriate or dangerous report them to the authorities.

Safe Riding

• Obey the rules of the road and traffic signs and signals
• Always follow the guidance offered by the Road Captains during the spin
• Ride a steady, straight and predictable line
• Do not direct other road users to overtake by means of hand signal – if an accident arises resulting from your signal you may be held to account.
• Do feel free to signal to a motorist not to overtake if it is not safe for him to do so.
• Call the road.  i.e. Warn your colleagues of hazards, e.g. dangerous potholes, debris or other hazard.  Always shout “slowing” if you must brake.
• Let the riders behind you know if you need to change your road position
• Don’t overlap your front wheel with the rear wheel ahead
• Where a rider’s behaviour puts the group at risk let them know, discreetly where possible.  If you receive some safety advice from a more experienced colleague accept it gracefully.  If you receive some safety advice from your Road captain, accept it as an instruction.
• Ride in pairs at all times unless instructed to “single out” by your Road Captain. Bear in mind that “singling out” doubles the length of the peleton group and may also invite drivers to attempt a risky overtake.  If there is a car behind, and the road ahead is not clear, it is always safer to stay in pairs or maintain primary positioning on the road until you deem it safe to allow cars to overtake.
• When riding in pairs, the front inner bike always sets the pace.  Do not advance past the front inner bike when cycling in the outer front position.
• Ride at a reduced speed and with caution on cycle tracks or areas where there might be pedestrians.
• Punctures and mechanicals – make sure that you and your bike are off the carriageway. Where a puncture occurs at least two people should stop with the victim.
• Front lights are always a good idea and must be used in poor light/darkness.  For safety/visibility reasons a rear red functioning light is mandatory on all bikes for official club spins.
• Tell one of your colleagues if you feel ill or unable for the remaining distance or pace.
• If leaving a group spin for any reason, inform your Road Captain in advance of your intention to do so.  If unable to advise your Road Captain, ensure that you have informed at least 2 other colleagues of your intention to leave the group.
• Road Cycling is a high risk sport.  A number of WCCC members have undertaken First Aid training and are qualified to assist in the unfortunate event of an accident or incident during club cycles.  In such circumstances, those members without first-aid training are expected to stand aside and allow the trained member to administer assistance as deemed fit.  Any direction or request made by the first aider of any other member in these circumstances should be deemed a direct instruction.
• In the event of an incident happening where there is no first aider present the safest course of action is to seek medical assistance or call an ambulance.  Remember, no right thinking person will ever question a decision to call the emergency services – you may well have a case to answer if you choose not to do so.
• Inform the Club Secretary (westcorkcycling@gmail.com) of any incidents, accidents or crashes on club spins.

Road Calls

It is important for every rider in a group to understand what lies ahead, particularly in relation to hazards or a need for the group to slow.  The following are some common calls used to warn colleagues of impending challenges.

• “Car Back” or “Car up” = A vehicle approaching from behind the group.
• “Car On” or “Car down” = A vehicle approaching the group from in front.
• “Left” “Centre” “Right” = These calls are to indicate a hazard (bump/small pothole etc.) or debris in the road ahead. If a minor hazard, the nature/description of the hazard is not necessary – it’s location in regard to the line of the group is what’s significant.
• “Hole” = A large hole which is likely to cause a man down – be extra alert when you hear this call. You may also hear “hole left”, “hole right, or “hole centre”.
• “Slowing” = indicates braking or the intention to do so.
• “Standing” = If you need to rise from your saddle to stand on the pedals while climbing, you are required to make this call before doing so
• “Walker” = there is a pedestrian ahead – prepare to move out in order to overtake.
• “Roll up” = An instruction from your Road Captain - While riding in pairs, the front outside bike moves ahead to the front inner position – Those bikes following on the outside all move up one space.
• “Notch” = A request for the group to slow down when a member is finding the pace too rich or notices a colleague being cast adrift at the back of the group.

What you should bring with you

• Cycling glasses and gloves/mitts are recommended
• Carry at least one spare tube, multi-tool and a working pump.
• Bring money for a coffee break (€5-€10) and a fully charged phone
• Carry snacks/ food suitable for the distance and snack about every 20 mins
• Carry one or preferably two water bottles in your bottle cages and drink frequently
• Use an effective rear mudguard in winter or if rain is likely
• Wear your club kit with pride

What you must bring with you

Rider safety is paramount on all WCCC club spins.  If you turn up without any the following items you can reasonably expect to be turned away by the road captain. 

1. Hydration
2. An appropriate road safety helmet
3. A functioning rear red light
4. A well maintained bike