Organizing Rides
GROUPINGS – We advise that cyclists of equal ability and fitness level should ride together with no more than 14 cyclists constituting a group (peloton). It is therefore important to choose a group that fits with both your comfort level and competency as it is unfair to expect a group to wait for a rider in order to keep up. Similarly, if a rider chooses to ride with a slower group (because they want an easier ride), it is unfair of the rider to want to set the pace of that group. The regular riders of that group will determine the pace.
THE “PARTNER” SYSTEM – every rider should, at the start of a ride, have a partner. The onus is on each rider to ensure that their partner is not left behind at any stage. The peloton is structured to ride in twos, except in the event of an obstacle, which forces the peloton to ride in a single file.
BAILING OUT ALONG THE ROUTE – If for whatever reason, a rider decides to leave the group along the route, they should inform the ride captain to avoid unnecessary searches.
CLUB RIDES
Saturday Club Ride
This is the main club ride, which starts at 6.30am prompt. All riders leave from the Club House in Ikoyi, unless otherwise advertised. Each group will have a ride captain who is appointed on the day and has sole responsibility for adjusting the ride speed (if need be) and any deviations from the day’s mapped out route.
Tuesday and Thursday Night Ride (TNR)
This ride takes off from the start point at 8.30pm. Cyclists are advised to bring their own SAGs as this is an unofficial club ride.
Silly Hour Crew
Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings, with take off at 4.30am
Sunday Sunday Medicine (SSM)
This is an unofficial club ride for those looking for a stead, endurance ride. Take off is 5.15am.
Full Ground Taya
If you are looking for adventure, this is the ride to be on! Exploring Lagos and the outskirts via beaches and forest terrain, on Fat Bikes or Mountain Bikes (MTB), look no further. Truly amazing scenery but not for the faint-hearted. A mixture of mostly expatriates and some indigenous locals. A fun bunch on a Sunday, usually all day!
Alternate Rides
Our club has worn deep tracks up and down the Lekki/Epe expressway, the only suitable stretch of road on the peninsula to ride fast in a group. Have you ever wondered what is just off the express? Would you like to ride with less cars and trucks? Do you have a mountain, hybrid, or fat bike with fat tayas in the closet? Well this could be the ride for you. It is once every two months (usual Saturdays) for those who wish they could cycle every Sunday but can’t. This is a fun alternate ride from the usual road bike cycling.
Our club is committed to safe riding, so please read our “Code of Conduct” prior to joining us on our rides.
- We strictly adhere to all traffic signs
- We are courteous to all road users
- We have a stringent policy of ‘No Helmet, No Ride’!
CLUB FUNDING – Being a not-for-profit club, we are always looking to secure more funds in order to ensure the best for our members. If you are in a position to assist, introduce the club to any corporate sponsorships, or have any ideas in this regard, please contact one of the executive committee members.
HAND SIGNALS – It is essential that you are able to effectively communicate your intentions or any potential dangers to other riders and motorists.
“Hand signals and vocal calls are the two best ways to pass vital information to fellow riders. Responsible cyclists use standard hand signals as their primary means of communicating, and voice calls as a secondary means when appropriate,” explains David Bellairs, CEO of the Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust.
Although many hand signals have slight variations, there are some basic signals that every cyclist should be familiar with. Learning and using these hand signals can greatly enhance safety, particularly when cycling in a group. Use these hand signals to point out objects in the group’s path of travel as well as inform the other riders and motorists of your intentions.
Move to avoid an object – This signal tells the riders behind you, that they will need to move aside to avoid an object or slower rider, either stationary or moving. Parked cars and slow-moving pedestrians along the side of the road present a great opportunity to use this hand signal.
Hazard on the road or trail – This signal is used to identify a hazard on the actual road or trail surface that the group is riding on. Potholes, drainage grates and manhole covers are great examples of when to use this signal. Make sure that you point at the hazard, as it appears ahead, allowing sufficient time for it to be avoided.
Stop – A clear indication to all riders that you have stopped pedalling and intend to bring your bicycle to a complete stop very soon. Never make an immediate stop, even after signalling, unless an emergency situation warrants it.
Puncture – This comes in handy when riding in groups. Riders should remain calm and keep travelling in a line until it is safe enough to move over to the left side of the road and stop completely in order to repair the puncture.
Turning – This signal makes clear your intentions to turn left or right. Some cyclists still indicate a right turn by extending their left arm and bending the forearm upwards at 90 degrees. This is incorrect and can be misinterpreted to mean that you intend to stop your bicycle. The left arm bent at 90 degrees method was devised for motorists who are unable to reach out the right side window of their left-side drive vehicle to indicate a right turn.