Will I be able to keep up?

Most riders have this concern but don’t worry about being the slowest or holding the group back. We all love riding our bikes with friends, and so we ride together! We are also a ‘no-drop’ club (apart from the Thursday night chaingang that is!!) which means that we wait for each other as needed. Practically speaking we tend to let everyone ride up hills at their own pace but we always wait at the top of hills and regroup. We encourage the use of a simple bike computer to help you choose the ride that is right for you in terms of speed and duration, and then see the progress you are making!

Do I need to be super fit?

Absolutely not! We have a wide of range of club members across a wide spectrum of fitness, and different rides to suit your level of fitness. All shapes and sizes are welcome!

What if I get a puncture or mechanical?

Don’t panic! There will always be a club member who will do what they can to help fix the puncture or problem. We recommend bringing a small tool kit and a spare inner tube and pump / CO2 canister so you can undertake minor repairs or fix a puncture if needed.

Do I need to bring food or drink on a ride?

Yes, bring what you need as there is no guarantee we will ride past a café or shop, unless the ride organiser has communicated that. We encourage all riders to have a bottle cage and carry a water bottle on their bike, and to have a suitable snack in their pocket. Club members are always happy to advise what’s suitable.

What if I need the toilet?

Don’t be embarrassed, it’s an important question! We know not everyone is comfortable going for a discrete wee in the great outdoors, and it’s tricky if you have to remove several layers beforehand. So, if you need the toilet, don’t panic, just mention it to one of the experienced club members who’ll almost certainly know the next nearest place for a stop. You won’t be left behind - we’ll happily wait. There’s no embarrassment – we’ve definitely all been there! On rides longer than 2 hours there is usually a café stop planned which makes things easier.

I’ve never ridden in a group before, how is it different?

We encourage all riders to join one or two club rides before becoming a member and that way you can learn some of the etiquette for riding safely in a group.

Let us know before your first club ride and we can run you through the calls and signals we use on the road. You can get a good idea of the calls we use from this 2 minute British Cycling video.

It may seem like a lot of info at first but you’ll quickly get the hang of it.

Do I need mudguards?

We don’t insist on mudguards over the winter months (November to March) but it does make winter rides more sociable for those behind you and helps keep you dry and clean. There are plenty of affordable options in the shop if you need some, or would like some advice on what will fit your bike.

Do I need bike lights?

In low light and for evening / night rides, particularly in early Spring or late Autumn, then front and rear lights are required. In daylight hours, we encourage all riders to consider using front and rear daytime running lights. Make sure your lights are charged before the ride!

Do I need a bike computer?

We encourage all riders to have a phone or GPS device / bike computer on their bike so they can follow the route and be self-sufficient. Make sure your device is charged before the ride!

Do I need a bell on my bike?

Ideally, yes. Many rides are on lanes or trails and so we encourage you to have a simple bell on your bike so you can alert walkers, runners and horse-riders to your presence. If you don’t have a bell, your voice will do fine!

Do I need to wear a helmet on club rides?

Yes.

Do I need to wear cycling clothing / lycra or Pronto branded kit on club rides?

We recommend wearing appropriate padded cycling shorts and a cycling jersey with pockets can be useful, but most important is that you are comfortable so wear what works for you! Cycling specific clothing is designed to keep you comfortable and always best, but generally speaking any close fitting sports or outdoor clothing works well. Loose clothing can get annoying, or even be dangerous if your trousers snag in your chain.

We encourage club members to wear a Pronto Bikes CC jersey and kit when possible, but always remember you are ambassadors for the club and ride accordingly!

If you need any advice about clothing or footwear to use on a bike, then pop into the shop and talk to one of the team!

Do I need to wear special clip in cycling shoes?

No. However, clip in pedals have many advantages whether on a mountain bike, gravel bike or road bike. If you need any advice about pedals or cycling shoes, then pop into the shop and talk to one of the team!

Do I need to wear gloves?

No. It’s entirely up to you, though in autumn, winter and spring they are recommended. If you are riding trails gloves or mitts can make the ride more comfortable. If you need any advice about gloves or mitts, then pop into the shop and talk to one of the team!

I have an e-bike – can I join a club ride?

Yes. Make sure it is charged before you leave home, and be aware of your speed and show consideration to those who are self-propelled.

Do I need to carry personal ID or have insurance?

We encourage riders to have a form of ID on them or to make sure their emergency contact is reachable from the home screen of their mobile phone. Riders are normally covered by their own household insurance and the club has public liability insurance in place.

Do I need to be a member of British Cycling to ride with the club?

No. But you must be a Pronto member

I’ve got some mobility challenges, but I’d love to get involved with cycling. Is Pronto Bikes CC the right club for me?

We want to be as inclusive as we can possibly be. Please talk to a member of the committee or Kate in the shop and we can think through the options together, and figure out how we can help get you out on a ride!