Charlottesville Bicycle Club - New Rider Information

The Charlottesville Bicycle Club welcomes new riders and those who prefer a more relaxed pace.

Things you should know:

1. Saturday vs. Sunday Rides: In general, we schedule somewhat shorter and/or less challenging rides on Sundays as compared to Saturdays. This is not an absolute rule, but if you are a less experienced rider you might plan to start by coming out for the Sunday rides. Not only will they be a bit easier, but for that reason you will be more likely to find someone at your level to ride with.

Note: In the winter months (December, January, February, sometimes late November), we also schedule rides on gravel roads. A mountain bike or hybrid is required.

2. Minimum Recommended Ability: If you can ride at an average speed of at least 13-14 miles per hour over 25-30 miles or more, we encourage you to join us. We usually get enough of a turnout that there are groups riding at a number of different speeds, and people can join up with the group that best suits them. Note that the exact mix of groups on any given day depends on who shows up. If you know other folks who ride at your level, we encourage you to arrange with them to come out on the same day so you are certain to have an appropriate group to ride with. This is particularly advisable in the colder months when the average turnout is lower.

3. Not Ready Yet? If you don't think you are yet riding at the minimum level, we hope you will work up to it so you can join us. As you train, it is very helpful to have a fairly accurate idea of the length and average speed of your rides so you can better judge (or help us advise you) when you are ready for the club rides. Any basic bike computer will provide this information; we recommend you get one and use it.

Guidelines for All Rides:

Organize: At the beginning of a ride, people should organize themselves into groups and make sure they know with whom they will be riding. More experienced riders should take responsibility for knowing who is in the group and who is new. Less experienced riders may wish to identify themselves to others in the group; if you are unsure what group to join, ask any experienced rider for advice prior to leaving.
Keep Together: Each group should decide how they will keep together, such as by counting heads, stopping to regroup at designated turns, etc. Ideally, no one should be out of sight of the rest of the group for any significant distance. Less experienced riders should make every effort to stay with their group; if necessary, fall back to the next slower group after letting your group know you are doing so.
Rearmost Group: The rearmost has the special responsibility of assuring that no one falls behind them unless that rider is entirely comfortable on their own. Pay attention as the ride begins so you are aware of your group's position in the ride.
Take Responsibility: Please look out for each other. Take responsibility for your co-riders, both to ensure everybody's safety of all and to make the ride a more sociable and enjoyable experience.

Requests for New Riders:

Show up at least 10 minutes before the starting time with a road-worthy bicycle, a helmet, and adequate fluids. A rear-view mirror is recommended but not required. Often, but not always, we will pass a store at some point on the ride where we can stop for refreshments.
Be prepared to fix a flat tire by carrying a pump, a spare inner tube and/or patch kit, tire levers, etc. Even if you don't know how to fix it yourself, you should have the necessary equipment so other riders can help you.
Familiarize yourself beforehand with the route. We don't expect you to memorize it, but cue sheets and maps for each ride are available on the Ride Schedule page and each rider should have at least one or the other.
Review the Safety Information. Although the more experienced riders are expected to help ensure the safety of the group, ultimately you, and not the other riders or the CBC, are responsible for your own personal safety.

Please contact Nick or Bill if you have questions. We look forward to riding with you!