1. Introduction

The Sussex Nomads Cycling Club welcomes new riders to join its club rides. New riders typically join up to three club rides before being asked to join the club as members. This policy is to ensure that:

a) Prospective new members are greeted on arrival, their cycling experience assessed, and they share what they are expecting of a club ride.

b) Their main contact details and any pertinent medical information is available.

c) They are allocated to a suitable ride group, introduced to other Nomads and to the ride leader.

d) They are checked and guided during the ride.

e) They are invited to share their experience at the coffee stop and agree with their riding group on how they will get home.

f) They receive a follow-up contact post-ride to find out if they would like to take part in future club rides.

g) New riders are covered by British Cycling’s trial rider insurance cover for up to 3 trial rides. The requirements for this are dealt with under the Details section.

2. Greeting and Assessment

A new member must be accorded a warm welcome and the structure and general etiquette of Nomads rides explained, emphasising our aim to provide safe and enjoyable group rides.

Also, the different paces and riding styles of the different groups should be made clear.

They need to be assessed regarding their suitability to join a Nomads ride and the following need to be considered:

a) Age: If under 18 they will be unable to ride but refer them to clubs that could accommodate them (e.g., Brighton Mitre).

b) Experience: How long have they been riding and what familiarity with group riding and local roads do they have? Discuss as required the need to ride as a group and the signals we use.

c) Physical Capability: Ascertain that they are physically capable of riding 20+ mile to a coffee stop and the 20+ mile return home. Are they capable of navigating home?

d) Preparedness: They should have a suitable road bike that appears to be well-maintained, equipped with tools, inner tubes or other puncture repair equipment. Are they suitably clothed for the weather and riding conditions, and carrying sufficient water for the ride? Do they feel able to repair a puncture?

e) Check they have emergency contact details available (see Details section below) and if there are any pertinent medical conditions.

Whilst it is rare, based on the above it may be necessary to turn away a new rider. If so, clearly explain why with advice on how they would be able to join a ride in the future. It is preferable to do this after conferring with the ride leader.

3. Details

To comply with British Cycling’s trial ride insurance cover, all non-members participating in a trial ride must be invited by the club with a view to joining - ideally this will be done by the new rider completing the new rider form on the club website and the club responding by inviting the new rider to attend a club ride.

In any event the following details need to be recorded:

Full name, email and phone number and their preferred method of contact. Their emergency contact name and number should be available, ideally on the lock screen of their phone. Clearly identify trial riders to ensure they are covered under British Cycling’s trial ride insurance. Confirm the rider has been invited to join the ride.

4. Ride Group Assignment

Based on the information gathered during the assessment and the number of groups on the day agree with the new rider on the best group for them to join. Then introduce them to the applicable Ride Leader, briefly summarising their cycling experience and capability. Ensure the Ride Leader has the rider’s contact and emergency details.

5. The Ride

During the ride the Ride Leader will check the new rider’s riding ability, ensure that they are comfortable with how the ride is progressing and provide any further advice on group riding.

At the coffee stop the ride leader should ask the new rider for feedback on their experience so far. Try to address any negative comments and how they might be resolved. It is important to agree with the new rider and the rest of the group the route home, how much assistance is required and who will ensure that the new rider reaches a point where they are confident to get home safely.

6. Follow Up

Any feedback, positive or negative, should be relayed back to the Ride Leaders group. After the ride, the new rider should be contacted, using their preferred method of contact, by the Ride Leader to encourage them to ride again and address any reservations they have. They should be invited to join the club formally if they wish to continue riding, subject to the three trial rides limit.