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2024 Chaingang Kit

We are a small local club of all ability cyclists, who regularly cycle on Wednesdays and weekends, in various groups for various distances and speeds from Barnt Green Sports Club. A requirement of being based at the Sports Club is individuals having BG Sports Club Membership. This gives access to the club, its bar, social and changing areas.

We don’t compete but we do cycle as groups in charity rides, bikeathons and endurance challenges. Most of all we enjoy rehydrating at local watering holes.

New Chaingang Members
If you are interested in joining the Chaingang, we ask that people attend an Intro Rides before attending their first club session.

We do this for safety reasons – to ensure new members are aware of our ‘safe group riding protocols’ and insurance requirements, along with checking over their bikes and answering ‘getting started’ questions.

Wed – Chaingang – Club Night
We now have more ride leaders available – so looking again to provide our 5 Ride Groups – ranging from Gp 1 shorter and slower ride, to Gp 5 faster and longer ride.

There should be a ride to suit all and of course, all followed by a drink in the bar. If not sure of groups to start out in – we will be helping CHG’s with this if not sure.

Weekend Ride Programme
We have tweaked the weekend programme, in an effort to get more out on their bikes:

  • Sat – 9:00am opportunities for slightly longer rides and these are arranged on a weekly basis. These are announced on Facebook and via Club emails.
    Usually two or three groups out to suit a variety of levels.

Safe Riding Protocols for all Chaingang riders

CHAINGANGERS
Group riding can be great fun and rides short or long. However, it can be dangerous if key protocols are not observed. This guidance is provided for your own and the group’s safety, along with safety of other road users.
Please read this PDF carefully, observe these protocols and respond to instructions from your ride leader.

NB: this guidance adopts generally accepted protocols for group riding, along with those suitable for a recreational club such as Barnt Green Chain Gang and have been endorsed by Cycling UK.

 

Download the full document here

Download the Chaingang Safe Riding PDF

Finally, please enjoy your Chaingang rides – we have a great year ahead, so let’s all ride safely and look out for one another.

Steering Committee

Chaingang Riding Groups 2024

Group 5 – 30+ mile ride / Av 16-17.9 mph
Oversight Ride Leader – Rachel Green
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Group 4 – 25-30 mile ride / Av 14 – 15.9mph
Oversight Ride Leader – Simon Stanley
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Group 3 – 20-25 mile ride / Av 12 – 13.9 mph
Oversight Ride Leader – Peter Bennett
…………………………………………………..

Group 2 – 15-20 mile ride / Av 10-11.9mph
Oversight Ride Leader – Peter Bennett
…………………………………………………..

Group 1 – > 15 mile ride / Av 8 -9.9 mph
Oversight Ride Leader – Barry Doherty
………………………………………………….. 

There are groups to suit most abilities and a progression is possible through the groups. There is no pressure to progress through groups and no one group has any higher status than any other (and it is fine to drop down groups following injury or having a breather, etc.).

We advise for your own safety and enjoyment, not going-up-a-group unless agreed with run and ride leaders. The list indicates progression through Groups 1 > 5, including average speeds and distances at main club sessions and are indicative of a normal – not unduly flat or hilly – route. But routes and terrain can vary.

Our volunteer Run and Ride Leaders try to ensure your runs and rides are safe, enjoyable and paced such that groups can start and finish together.
Please adhere to their advice and ensure they are notified if you have a problem, feel unwell or intend leaving the group early.

Runners and Riders should also adhere to Chuggers & Chaingang Group Running and Riding Protocols.

Join Barnt Green Chaingang Cycle Club