our frequently asked questions
Anyone over the age of 18 can join Jubilee Park Cycling Club. We are an inclusive club where all members should feel happy to participate in all of our activities.
You’ll need a reasonable level of fitness to be able to ride with Jubilee Park Cycling Club. Our longer rides are between 60 to 100km, at an average speed of around 25 – 30kph. Our shorter rides are between 50 to 80km, at an average speed of around 20 – 25kph. We also have our monthly Check In rides which are between 25 – 50km, at an average speed of around 20kph. We are a social club and have a ‘no drop’ policy, which means that you won’t be left behind if you are struggling – the group will stick together.
Not at first. We would welcome anyone to ride with us before you commit to joining as a member. If you do enjoy riding with us then we would of course encourage you to join us as a full or affiliate member so that you can enjoy all the benefits of belonging to Jubilee Park Cycling Club.
You don’t have to have ridden in a group before. If you are new to group riding, you should read our OUR TOP 10 GROUP RIDING TIPS before your first ride so that you know what to expect when you arrive. At the start of the ride, your ride leader will talk you through the route, and other members will help you out along the way. If you’re a bit uncertain then it’s best to start at the back of the group where you don’t have to worry about people around you. From there you can soon learn the basics and your confidence will increase.
Yes, we certainly do! Please keep an eye on our website and Facebook page for details of social events throughout the year. Most years we hold a summer social and a Christmas social, as well as ad hoc social catch ups.
All prospective members are encouraged to join a few rides before committing to membership. If you want to join Jubilee Park Cycling Club, you will need to sign up via British Cycling.
You can join the club or renew your membership for £13 per year, which includes a £1 administration fee. You can also register as an Affiliate Member which is free but you have to register with British Cycling and select Jubilee Park Cycling Club as your Primary club.
Most of our riding is done on tarmac roads, and therefore we request that you use a road bike for rides. For those who enjoy off-roading, we do have members that actively do gravel and mountain bike rides from time to time.
Not at all! Lycra is not mandatory, but you may find it the most comfortable clothing option on the bike. In particular, ‘bib shorts’ and ‘tights’ have a synthetic pad in them which helps keep your backside comfortable. ‘Jerseys’ have pockets on the back where you can stuff a waterproof jacket and some snacks. The materials used in all cycling clothing tend to breathe well which reduces discomfort from sweating, and they don’t flap around in the wind. Some people are more comfortable riding in jogging bottoms, but these may not be comfortable on a long ride. Basic rules for a beginner are to ride in whatever you’re comfortable, and remember to keep warm, especially in the winter months. It is better to be too warm than too cold. If you decide to join us as a member you can purchase Jubilee Park Cycling Club kit here.
Yes. Helmets are mandatory on club rides, for your own safety.
Jubilee Park Cycling Club is committed to ensuring the cycling-related welfare of its members and we expect our members to treat each other with dignity and respect at all times. We are an inclusive club where all members should feel happy to participate in all of our activities. We welcome anyone interested in cycling, regardless of sex, age, disability, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, religion or other beliefs. The club is run entirely by volunteers so members are encouraged to take a proactive role in respect of any welfare-related matters.
The website provides up to date information on Club rides and activities. We also have a Facebook group for members which is growing in popularity and is proving to be the quickest method of communicating with the majority of members.
Whilst we all look out for each other on club rides, members are responsible for their own safety on the road. If you have an accident on a club ride, your fellow members will do what they can to help you. We recommend you carry details of your emergency contact person whilst riding, and keep this information up to date on your British Cycling membership profile. If you don’t feel well before a ride or you have an injury, you should consider resting until you feel fully fit again.
