Touring Rides

What is Touring?

There are many definitions of touring but for our purposes it means a bike ride along a planned route with a pre-arranged starting point and time. The ride is usually completed at a moderate pace, averaging about 20 km per hour. The distance varies from 40 to 60 km depending on the route and terrain. Touring is an ideal option for beginners, or riders who are more interested in being in nature with a great bunch of people than in getting ready for this year’s Tour de France.
We usually ride in groups, but some people by choice may end up finishing the ride alone due to current fitness levels or wanting to start with the group but finish at a different pace.
For some rides there are rest stops en route, often these are in a cafe or pub, so refreshments are available.

Bikes
Since we ride at a moderate pace it is not necessary to have a high-end racing bike. A touring bike, a mountain bike, a hybrid bike are all suitable for touring.

Rules of the Road
The basic rule is that nobody gets abandoned out on the road. Your ride leader will try to ensure that the pace is suitable for all. If some of the stronger riders want to go ahead, they can do that, and the leader will stay with the main ride. But this must be communicated to the others in the group. If a rider or a few riders are dropping off the back the leader will initially slow the entire ride down, and also make sure that the group waits at the top of the hills. If the slower riders decide that they want to turn back they will be accompanied by a designated Club rider to make sure that they do not get lost on the way home. You should not leave the ride without letting the tour leader know. Also, the group stays together in case of a tire puncture or other accident. A helmet must be worn during the ride and all traffic laws must be obeyed (yes, that means stopping at stop signs).

Tips
Check the weather forecast and make sure that you have the right kind of clothing with you to remain comfortable throughout the ride.
Although many rides will have planned stops for refreshments, you should make sure you bring plenty of water with you and also some high energy snacks.
A spare inner tube and tools to change a tire are also a very good idea, as is a tire pump. Make sure that check the condition and pressure of your tires before you leave the house!