·
DO NOT
ride more than
two abreast. Keep the lines tidy at all times.
·
DO
NOT brake unexpectedly when other riders are behind you.
·
DO
NOT free-wheel when riding uphill, changing gear or when leading the
bunch; DO NOT "kick-back" into the following rider when rising
from the saddle on a hill or on the flat.
·
DO
NOT increase your speed when riding uphill, then free-wheel down the
other side. This is extremely frustrating and disrespectful to your team mates.
The objective is to keep the bunch together which is safer for all road users
and easier for vehicles to pass around us. A steady pace should be maintained at
all times.
·
DO
NOT "half-wheel" your partner when leading - it is bad manners.
‘Half- wheelers’ will be sent to the back of the bunch. The ride pace
should be set by the rider on the kerb side (the rider on the left). This
does not give licence to the rider on the inside to “half wheel” or try
and ‘drop’ his team mate.
·
DO
NOT overlap the bike in front and DO NOT switch about.
·
DO NOT
drop / leave
club members alone in the middle of nowhere. Remember
we all have our bad days!
·
ALWAYS
OBEY THE HIGHWAY CODE AT ALL TIMES
failure to do so may result in prosecution from the law. It also gives the whole
club a bad reputation.
·
Do
make sure you are
fit enough to ride at whatever average speed is considered relevant for the
group you have chosen to ride in on that day. It’s not fair to hold
faster riders back and it’s not fair to expect the slower steadier run to
‘bust a gut’ to keep up with you if you’re out for a hard run.
Do warn your companions when possible of potholes, glass, vehicles and
other road hazards.
Do shout to let club leaders know if you puncture or have other trouble,
or if you see another rider in trouble. Do ride safely, steadily and
considerately.
Do choose the right gear, change quickly and smoothly - one gear at a
time. Normally you will use moderate gears in the small chain ring on club runs.
· Do tell other members if you intend to turn for home early.
PLEASE TRY TO WEAR CLUB COLOURS ON CLUB RUNS. It looks great and costs a lot less than the pro team colours.
Wear your club colours with pride
........................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Open letter to ALL TEAM MADIGAN RIDERS,
Dear members,
Firstly let me thank you for taking the time to read this “informal” letter and for reading the above Riding Conduct code.
As Chairman of the club I have prepared the above code to try and put some sort of guidelines into what is expected from all of us as representatives of TEAM MADIGAN. The code is by no means an exhaustive list but merely a set of basic guidelines that will help maximise your cycling enjoyment with the club.
The DO’s and DO NOT’s may seem obvious to some of us who have been with the club for a while, but for many, this will not be the case. I have looked at all the DO NOT’s and can honestly tell you I have broken everyone of these guidelines, but have learned through experience and by some stern words from my team mates over the years. I have always appreciated the guidance passed on to me by my club mates, some older and some younger, but all have made valuable contributions to my knowledge of cycling.
It is this knowledge and etiquette that I feel we should pass on to our follow team members who may not be aware that such etiquette exists. This will not be through arrogance or ignorance; it’s just sometimes we assume that all riders know this. This is not the case and I’m still learning this today. No matter how long we have been with the club we can all benefit by refreshing our memories and abiding by the guidelines.
The “Team Madigan Cycling Club” must cater for all its members of all abilities and we must show respect to each individual. We all cycle for the love of it, and we all must ensure that we maintain the love for the sport, whether it be in competitive races or leisure cycling. Not one of us can tell what the future holds for us, we may be the best rider in the world today and tomorrow; nobody. We must never take our health and fitness for granted. “The road is long, with many a winding turn…….”
I know for a fact we have an excellent club going and many great friendships have been formed through the club. I would love to see this spirit of friendship grow.
Please let’s keep the club a fun friendly place to be, treasured and enjoyed by all.
I would just like to sign off by encouraging us all to wear our club colours with pride and try to make the effort to wear team colours on each club run (were possible). I think it looks fantastic seeing the Red, White and Black jerseys cruising along the roads.
May each and every member live long and prosper.
Gavin Meek
Team Madigan Chairman 2007