Q: Can I join in on any ride
A: Yes ! But contact the club first just in case you turn up on our "Century Ride", wouldn't want to scare you off on the first ride
Q: How will I know if I can keep up ?
A: The rides vary from speed to speed and distance to distance. Try to contact the club first and they will discuss with you the best rides to join first. If you can pedal you will always keep up
Q: How will I know the route, will I get lost ?
A: No one will be left behind. We try to aim to have a back-marker or sweeper on every ride (depends on the size of the group). We also regroup on several places on route and will not turn off of the main drag with out a rider being on the corner or regrouping after the turning.
Q: Do I have to have a road bike ?
A: All types of cycles are welcome on rides – road bikes, touring cycles, mountain bikes, hybrid cycles, tandems, tricycles, e-bikes, recumbent cycles – we’ve even been joined by a penny-farthing.
Q: What happens if I have a puncture ?
A: Please ensure you carry a spare inner tube, small hand pump and bike levers. Most ride leaders and riders will muck in and help, you will not be left alone to deal with it.
Q: Do I have to pay ?
A: You do not have to pay anything to any ride leaders or CTC Swale but after three guest rides with CTC we would ask you to become a member of Cycling UK. Once you have done this membership of CTC Swale is given with club voting rights, 3rd party insurance, a bi monthly magazine and free legal advice. To join please follow this link
Ride classifications Guiding Principles for all CTC Swale rides
FAMILY - Family rides that children are welcome to join. They are of a manageable distance and at an easy pace, on a carefully selected route to avoid traffic as far as possible. A responsible adult must give consent for their child to attend, and give written consent for any photographs taken featuring those children.
C – Shorter, steady rides that make an ideal ride for someone new to cycling, or coming back after a break, or ill health/injury. C rides try to avoid demanding terrain.
B - Intermediate level rides at a modest pace that will be within the scope of anyone who has ridden a cycle for a while. May be of any distance, and include some hills, but the emphasis will be on enjoying a ride out together.
B+ - As ‘B’ rides, but more suitable for riders with some experience and fitness gained from riding regularly. May be of any distance, but will be at a slightly faster pace and with fewer stops than ‘B’ level rides.
A - Advanced level rides for experienced riders who have reasonable fitness. They may be of any distance but are likely to be quite brisk, maintained over that distance. Hills are likely to feature. The emphasis will be on ‘pushing yourself’ a little, to be a fitter rider with more stamina. Depending on the distance/terrain/weather average speed may be 14-17mph. Encouragement will always be key on these rides and riders new to A rides will always be welcomed.