Our aim.....

Welcome all Ladies to the Biking Belles - Chichester and District Ladies Cycling Club (TM). Formed on August 21, 2010.


Biking Belles: developing the wellbeing, fitness and confidence in ourselves. For women by women.


We meet every weekend and the rides vary in degrees of difficulty and details of the rides are posted well in advance here on the Blog. We always stop halfway for that important cuppa and a slice of cake!

To enjoy our rides you should be fit enough to cycle at least 20 miles. For the timebeing we are referring all Novice / Starter rides to the CDC website. The dates of their rides are noted on this Blog, on the Starter page.


It's been a very exciting first couple of years and we have fulfilled our original aim to introduce more ladies to cycling, improve our fitness and to make new friends.....and to work towards and achieve those once impossible goals.

The BBs have grown and has become an exciting Club to be involved with, in 2012 we formed the Charity Belles fundraising section, raising over £2,000 during our first year. We are proud to have as our patron the Countess of March and Kinrara.

Social Belles meet once a month for a pub supper. An ideal opportunity for anyone interested in joining the BBs to come along and meet us all. It's also a chance for existing BBs to discuss future ideas and plans.

We welcome new members and I hope you enjoy being part of the BB's and that we form a long and happy cycling friendship!

Why not visit our Forum, just register at: www.bikingbelles.co.uk/forum



Happy and safe cycling!


Val Harper
Mobile: 07824 605317

News....

You can now follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/bikingbelleschichester

Group Riding

Group Riding......by Pod
There are four essential factors for safe and efficient group riding – consistent pace, a smooth pedalling rhythm, straight line riding and communication. When riding as a group, riders will undertake different roles within the pack, such as, following, leading and riding side by side. To ensure safety when riding as a group, there are a number of techniques you need to apply.
Leading
1.       Maintain a steady pace, feathering (covering and gently pulling) the brakes when necessary – do not snatch or brake suddenly
2.       Look ahead for obstacles, obstructions and hazards – warn others behind in the group.
3.       Signal when slowing down, stopping or changing direction.

Following
1.       Keep between a bike’s length to 15cm away from the rider in front. Move closer as confidence and ability improves.
2.       Never over lap the wheel of the rider in front.
3.       Watch over the shoulder of the rider in front in anticipation for changes in speed, direction or hazards never just focus or the rider’s wheel in front.

Riding next to another rider
1.       Always keep the bike upright and maintain a straight line of travel.
2.       Start riding one metre apart getting closer as your confidence improves.
3.       Avoid edging ahead of the rider next to you.

Pace setting / judgement
1.       Maintain the same pace as other riders, especially if the leaders change position. If required, increase speed gradually or to lower the pace, feather the brakes.

Communication
1.       Use hand signals and verbal communication with other riders within the group.
2.       Ensure the group understands any signals to be used.
3.       It’s good etiquette to warn riders behind you of potential hazards or obstacles.
-pointing out potholes.
-signalling behind your back to warn the following rider of a change of direction, for example,    manoeuvring around a parked car. Just simply pointing in the direction change behind your back for the following rider to see.
-mechanical problems, punctures for example, the rider would announce the problem and extend their arm in the air.



General tips
1.       Changes in direction should be smooth.
2.       Always be observant. If changing direction, check for other riders around you.
3.       Try to relax while riding the bike. Keep your hand positions on the extremities of the handle bars, on the hoods/shifters on a road bike and on the outer hand grips on a straight bar.
4.       Have a slight bend at the elbow pointing away from you giving that little extra bit of space.
5.       Keep your head up.
6.       Never be afraid to call forward if the pace becomes difficult or gaps form, to maintain the formation.
7.       It’s better to maintain a close formation since riding as a group also adds shelter from the elements – head winds for example.
8.       Keeping a group together will help to prevent drivers cutting into fragmented packs of riders.
9.       It always goes down well with motorists who may have to be patient while waiting for an opportunity to pass for the riders at the tail of the group to acknowledge them. A waved thanks is normally all that’s required.


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