Durham Cycling Club

One of the unique features of the Durham Cycling club is that every member hosts’ at least one ride during the riding season. This creates a diversity of rides and allows everyone to fully participate in the club. The following set of guidelines is presented so that all club members have a clear understanding of a ride host’s responsibilities.

Before the ride:

Review the rules for Safe Riding .

Create a new ride or reuse an existing ride. The “maps” page is an excellent resource for ride ideas and maps. Creating a new map and/or turn directions can be done in a number of ways.

• Use a mapping program (preferably Ride With GPS) and draw a map with the program. It is easy to use and you can sign up at no cost for the free version. Forward the link to the ride coordinator and a usable map and turn by turns will be produced for the web site.

• Create a hand drawn map and send a scan of same by email or pass on a copy to the ride coordinator so that it can be posted.

• Create a computer generated map and send by email attachment to the ride coordinator for posting on the site. For a “how to” on creating a map on a home computer click here.

The map is posted to the site in order for riders to print their own maps, however the ride host should bring a few copies of the map/turns and cell numbers to the ride for any new or guest riders. Don’t forget to have your own copy of the cell numbers.

If you need additional map help feel free to email the ride coordinator eric.cycling@gmail.com

The ride coordinator may alter a route for safety reasons.

Choose a starting point that has sufficient parking and, if possible, washrooms.

Starting time guidelines are 9 to 10 am in spring and fall, 8 to 9 am in summer.

Sunday rides normally start in, or close to, Durham Region and use the two distance format (regular and extended), however any format that will please the majority of riders is welcome. Ride length should be low starting in the spring and gradually lengthen as we get into summer. Weather permitting we always have a Sunday ride during the cycling season (April 1 to October 31).

Saturday rides can start anywhere within a doable driving distance. They can be longer than our normal Sunday rides. On a Saturday ride we ride as a group with the lead riders regrouping as needed to allow the slower riders to catch up.

For all rides avoid dangerous or overly busy roads.

Pick an empty spot on the ride schedule and submit your ride to the ride coordinator. Include length(s) of ride, time of departure, start location and rest or lunch stop. Click here for the “Post a ride to the calendar form”. The ride coordinator will then post your ride to the schedule.

If possible the route should be driven/ridden prior to the event to check for road closures or problems.

During the ride:

Emphasize safety!

Ask for help from other members to lead, sweep, regroup, etc. The veteran club members are always willing to help!

If you have a cellphone please make sure it is charged and turned on.

One of our motto’s is that no one gets left behind on a Durham Cycling club ride. Therefore one of the prime responsibilities of a tour leader (or a collaborator) is to “sweep” so no one is stranded with a flat, mechanical difficulty, accident or because they can’t keep up with the group. It is the responsibility of the ride leader to make sure everyone gets back to the start point safely. In extreme situations this can include providing or arranging transportation for bike and rider.

To keep control of the group it is advisable to indicate on the route map regroup stops so the group doesn’t get too spread out.

If a rider advises you that they are taking a different route, they take on sole responsibility to get where they are going to.

If a rider decides to take a different route they must let the ride host know.

After the ride:

Sit back and enjoy a refreshment after a ride well done!

Post a review of the ride on crank chatter.