Wheelers cycle ride gradings

Easy: < 30 miles, minimal riding on very busy roads, not seriously impacted by steep hills, no difficult off-road sections. Leisurely pace.
Moderate: 30 - 50 miles, with some hills and/or busy roads, or shorter but fast pace.
Hard: > 50 miles, may include steep hills, busy traffic and difficult off-road sections, faster pace.

Many of our rides are suitable for (and attract) various types of bike - hybrid, folder, mountain, road, touring - and there is no need to have specific cycle clothing, but if in doubt check the detailed information on our diary page or contact the Ride Leader or Rides Co-ordinator.

Guidance Notes for Tower Hamlets Wheelers Organised Rides

Information for Riders
If you haven't ridden with Tower Hamlets Wheelers before, these notes are to help you understand how we organise rides, and what we need you to do:

The Ride Leader will take responsibility for:

• Planning the route
• Assessing the route and providing advance information on the level of difficulty
• Providing directions during the ride
• Identifying suitable refreshment stops
• Researching transport information where required (e.g. train times)
• Checking access to visitor attractions (if applicable)

And in addition the Ride Leader will:

• Carry out a basic check on a rider's bike if requested (on the basis of being an experienced cyclist rather than a trained mechanic).
• Provide mechanical repair assistance during the ride, to the limit of the leader's capability (same basis as above), providing time allows.
• Make best endeavours in the event of any incident
• Try not to leave anyone behind - for example if there is an incident, or a rider cannot keep up with the group (generally the pace of the ride will be adjusted to allow the slowest riders to keep up). If it is necessary for someone to leave the ride we will help as far as possible to get them to the nearest station or call a taxi. Normally we will have a leader and an assistant who acts as back-marker.

You need to take responsibility for:

• Your own safety on the road, and complying with the highway code
• The safety of any children with you
• Ensuring that your bike is roadworthy
• Taking note of, and following, instructions from the ride leader
• Informing the ride leader if you wish to leave the ride (so we don't end up looking for you)
• Informing the ride leader if you have any medical conditions that could be important if there is an accident
• Loss or damage caused by you (e.g. scratching the paint on a parked car). If you are an LCC member, your membership includes third party insurance which would cover this. We strongly recommend all cyclists to have some sort of third party insurance cover.

In addition, you should:

• Check the information given for the ride, so that you can judge that you are capable of completing the ride (or a section of the ride)
• Carry the following:
  • a spare inner tube to fit your bike
  • lights if there is a possibility of them being needed
  • suitable clothing (e.g. waterproofs, warm hat)
  • drinks and refreshments as appropriate
  • a lock (unless you are prepared to leave your bike unlocked)
  • a contact name and phone number

Note that we don't:

• Provide a trained first aider (unless specifically stated)
• Provide a qualified cycle instructor (unless specifically stated)
• Provide a qualified mechanic (unless specifically stated)
• Provide support vehicles to carry any belongings
• Take unaccompanied under 18 year olds