Weston on the Green perimeter tracks ia available on both Tuesday and Thiursday evenings. Tuesdays are used for Club and Open TT's, see calendar for details,

Tuesday Nights

Cost - £3 members , £5 guests
Sign-on - for members from 18:30, guest 18:45, riders start in the order they sign-on.
Limits - there is a general limit of 40 riders, which at the discretion of the organisers, may be increased slightly if the light is very good.

All members who wish to take part in events at WOTG, other than the Open events, will be expected to help out at two or more events during the season. Qualifying events will be the Tuesday evening time trial and all Open events.

In the event that military activities preclude the use of the perimeter track, and in an effort to avoid disappointing riders, that evening’s event on a nearby road circuit. For the sake of the simplicity of organisation, such events will be run on part of course HCC 260.The course to be used will be 2 circuits (Akeman Street, Chesterton, B4095, B430) starting and finishing near the crossroads just outside the airfield, which is a distance of approximately 8.2 miles.

This FAQ sets out to show what a Road Rcae is, the different types available and how to go about entering a Road Race for a novice.

Road racing is you against 60 or more other people riding in a big bunch (just like the Tour). The groups are made up of riders the same level as you so you won't be riding against the experts! If you want to RR then we would suggest that you try a few chain gang sessions to prepare for riding fast in close proximately to other riders. 

There are a number of organisations that run RR: - 

British Cycling (BC) – promote races for all age groups/abilities you will need to join and apply for a racing licence, around £65 for the cheaper option, but does include some insurance. They are the main RR organisation and riders are given categories, i.e. a novice will be a 4th Cat. There are many races see the website.
 
League of Veteran Racing Cyclists (LVRC) – promote races for the over 40’s, again you will need to join £12, includes licence. Races are categorised by age not ability and therefore it is unusual to line up alongside ex pros.
 
The League International (TLI) – promote races for all age groups/abilities. You will need to join around £30 although you can take day membership £2. Races include all abilities, but there are very few races in this area. 

There are various types of RR:- 

Road races are run either place to place or on circuit of roads for a number of laps. The roads are not closed, but there are various marshals controlling the traffic. 

Circuit races are run on purpose built tracks (Hillingdon & Eastway), Motor racing circuits (Thruxton) and park roads (Milton Keynes bowl). 

Criteriums are run in town centres with fully closed road but with a short lap with tight corners, only for the experienced. 

As a novice you have a number of options to start RR: - 

BC promote a number of “Entry level” races which don’t require a licence or membership, although it is usually cheaper if you are a member. These races are held on closed circuits and vary in length up to about an hour. As the field is generally all novices, although 4th cats can enter, the speed and standard of riding is variable. The entry is on the line (EOL), i.e. turn up before the start, and pay your entrance fee and sign-on. 

TLI promote races just about every Sunday at Eastway (East London) with about 1 a month for novices. As above they are all EOL, details are on the Ciclosuno webpage. The circuit is rolling and with a number of tight corners. 

What you do need and how to enter. 

You will need a road bike, mountain bikes are not accepted, a crash helmet and your kit. Again it’s best to wear either club kit or plain kit. You will not be allowed to ride if you have Tri bars attached. 

If a race is specified as EOL then you can just turn up and enter, this is probably safe with circuit races but with races on the road you run the risk of not starting. To pre-enter you will need to fill in a form, available form BC website, should you need any help then ask any of the experienced racers. You should then receive a race program in the post; this can arrive anytime before the race. On this will be your number and details of the circuit and the HQ. On race day make your way to the HQ aiming to arriving about 30-45 minutes before your start time. You need to sign-on, usually a table in the HQ with a form taped to the table. Sign next to your name and hand over your licence and pick up your race number(s). Usually there are 2 numbers, to go each side at the bottom of the shirt, but check that there are not instructions on how to attach you number. Next you should warm up arriving at the start about 10 minutes before for a briefing. Then it’s off for the race, if you do get dropped you can continue or ride back to the HQ. At the end, hand in your numbers for a cup of tea and cake again. 

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This FAQ sets out to show what a Time Trial is, the different types available and how to go about entering a time trial for a novice.

The basic idea is to cover a set course against the clock on your own; it is also know as “the race of truth”. This is possiblely the easiest form of racing to enter for a novice as there are all sorts of abilities in time trials but the person you are racing against is yourself. For this reason we encourage beginners to try time trials first if they want to see how fast they can go. They are often pleasantly surprised! 

There are 2 levels of TT’s, club and open: - 

A club TT is for club members only, i.e. you must be a first or second claim member of the club to enter. These are generally run in the  evening during the week, ours are most Tuesdays from April through to September at Weston on the Green. 

An Open TT is for anyone to enter, these are generally run at the weekend and details can be found in the CTT handbook or on the CTT website. 

There are various types of TT: - 

Standard or traditional distances, these are over 10, 25, 50 and 100 miles or 12/24 hours. These are usually run on flattish and fast courses, be aware that some of these fast courses use major dual carriageways, i.e. A34, A1 and A43, etc.
  
Circuit TTs are run over a circuit of public roads for a number of laps, not usually main roads and generally include a hill. 

Hilly/hardriders TT’s are run over courses that are deliberately hard and/or hilly, again they are generally run on quieter roads but mainly at the start of the season.

Hill climbs, vary between the very steep and short to long less steep hills, are run from September through October. 

What do you need and how do I enter? 

You only need a bike, you can ride any bike but a road bike is going to be the easiest/fastest option. Unless you are under 18 you don’t need a crash helmet. A word of warning there is a rule that outlaws trade kit, i.e. replica kit. For both club and open TT’s you may not be allowed to ride if do wear trade it, it depends on the timekeeper(s). So if in doubt wear either club kit or plain kit. 

To enter a club event you just need to turn up 15 minutes or so before the race is due to start, sign-on (enter Name & details) and pick up your race number. The number should be attached in the middle of your shirt at the bottom, unless you are told otherwise. The number will also denote when you start, or when the clock is started. Now warm up and arrive at the start 2 or so minutes before you are due to start. At the start you may be held upright with you shoes clipped in. As the start time approaches the timekeeper will count down to the off. Once finished hand your number back and wait for the race to finish and then get your time from the timekeeper. 

For an Open event, you will have to fill in an entry form and send it to the organiser along with your entrance fee. The form is available on the CTT site and should you need any help then ask any of the experienced racers. You should then receive a start sheet in the post; this can arrive anytime before the race. On this will be you number and your start time, along with details of the event HQ. On race day make your way to the HQ aiming to arriving about 20-30 minutes before your start time. You need to sign-on, usually a table in the HQ with a form taped to the table. Sign next to your name and pick up your race number(s). From here on it’s the same as for a club event, although be careful not warm-up on the course and do u-turns in sight of the timekeeper. Once finished you time will be entered on a big board and generally you get a cup of tea and a cake when you hand your number(s) back. Also sometime after the event you will receive a finish sheet in the post. 

People naturally have quite a few questions they ask us before coming out on one of our rides. Here we try to answer some of the more popular ones for you. If you have any other questions about cycling in general or any other activities we do then please e-mail us. A big thank you to Addiscombe CC for the original idea of a beginners FAQ and some of the text.

I want to ride with you. How fit do I have to be?

If you can ride 20 miles or so at a gentle pace, then you are fit enough to come out on a mountain bike ride. If you can ride about 30 miles or so then you are fit enough to try the Sunday road ride, we have a choice of two. If you are unsure then print off one of our routes and try it on your own, remember it may well be easier in a group.

Is everyone else fast? What if I can't keep up?

Our club rides are not fast. We want to encourage people to ride a bike, not leave them behind and put them off cycling for life. Try riding as far as you can on a flat road at 15 mph. That is what we do and it is always easier when you are in a group. If you do find the pace hard shout, whistle, fall off (joking) to attract our attention and we will ease up. Just remember we have all had trouble keeping up at some point, so we understand.

If you are nervous about being ‘dropped’ or riding in a large group, then tell us at the start and we will assign someone to ride with you and teach you how to ride in a group. They will also have no problem shouting at the group to slow down on your behalf.

If you really don't think you can keep up email us and we will give you the details of your local CTC group. They go even slower than us, often at 12 mph. You will definitely keep up with them!

Do I have to race?

Not at all. You do as much or as little as you like. You may find that racing is infectious, especially our club time trials that are done entirely at your own speed and on a car free circuit. In a time trial you cannot come last as you are racing against your previous personal best times always trying to better them. We will also be promoting some novice road races on the same circuit during the summer.

I want to race. What do I have to do?

To keep it simple you need to ride club runs every week in winter to get fitness that will see you through the rest of the year, join BMCC, subscribe to a racing organisation (for road racing) and race. Or you could simply come to one of evening sessions at Weston on the Green airfield, Tuesdays for Time Trials and Thursdays for Road Racing/Training. for more information about racing see Want to Race

How far do you go on a Sunday?

Depending upon the ride choice “A” or “B”, generally we go out for about 50 miles in the summer and 40 miles in the winter via a cafe for tea and cake for the “A” ride and less on the “B” ride. You can do more or less if you like. You can always travel back some of the way by yourself if you think it might be a bit much to start with or meet us at the café stop

Hey I am fitter than that. Will I leave you slowcoaches behind?

Maybe, but we like to save our fast stuff for local races. What's the point of wasting it on a club run where there are no trophies? A lot of our people also meet up Saturday for training rides, usually start 9am from Bicester North railway station heading towards Turweston airfield for tea. If you are fast then try one of these!

What is the difference between time trials and road racing?

Road racing is you against 60 or more other people riding in a big bunch (just like the Tour). The groups are made up of riders the same level as you so you won't be riding against the experts! Time trials involve a field of riders who go off individually at 1-minute intervals over a set distance. The one who covers it in the quickest time is the winner. There are all sorts of abilities in time trials but the person you are racing against is yourself. For this reason we encourage beginners to try time trials first if they want to see how fast they can go. They are often pleasantly surprised!

Cars scare me. Do you go anywhere quiet?

Yes cars scare us as well. We try to avoid major towns as much as possible and hit the quiet country lanes that criss-cross Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire. If you really hate cars the mountain bike rides are almost exclusively off road.

Do I have to have all the gear?

A reliable bike is a starting point; obviously for the road ride a racing bike is preferable. You can use a mountain bike but we suggest you fit some narrow slick tyres. We also recommend that you wear a crash helmet, and a pair of cycling shorts will also make the experience a bit more comfortable. Additionally a reasonable pair of cycling shoes, and set of pedals that you 'click' in to, will also make the experience more pleasurable.

You will need to bring along a spare inner tube, a pump, a puncture repair kit and a drink. Some other useful items include a small multi-tool, a pack away rain jacket and some cash for tea and cake at the café stop.

We don't abandon people if they puncture or have mechanical problems; in fact we all stop and help. However, it's your duty to ensure that you come prepared for things like punctures and that your bike is well maintained, safe and fit for the distance.

So what else do you do?

We meet every week, we have Saturday Road rides, we have Sunday MTB rides, we have Sunday easy/social rides, we meet occasionally in the pub for a pint or two and we go away for weekends when there is something special on. Oh and we go to races together.

OK, I would like to join. What do I do next?

You are invited to turn up and try one of the club runs, or come along and meet us at a social evening for details see the newsletter and club runs list. Or you just email us, and we will get you out with people you will enjoy riding with.

Why are you doing all this stuff for me?

We all had to start somewhere. We remember how daunting it seemed all those years ago. Cycling is great fun. We want to help you realise that. Oh and also we want more people to go down the pub with, more people to crack poor jokes with, more people to race with, more people to share lifts to events with etc. It works both ways!

More Beginners documents

There is a lot more information for beginners on the Road Cycling UK website below are some particular links, along with some other document links.

Road Basics
Winter Club Run
Winter Bike
Time Trials
Track Racing
Audax

 

The benefits of group riding are wide and varied and by following a few simple tips and techniques, you can make the most of your time on your bike by maximising the camaraderie, support and slipstreaming effect of riding with friends.

 

After all, cycling need not be a lonely slog - especially as the dark nights loom - so here are a few key pointers for riding in a group from British Cycling's Coaching and Education team:

• Ensure you are looking ahead and keeping a consistent line of travel.
• It is also important to be aware of your speed - there is no point sitting at a comfortable pace in the group and then putting the hammer down when it is your turn on the front as this will just fragment the group and most likely annoy those around you!
• Communicate with other riders to establish your position or your intentions i.e. vocal instructions such as ‘coming through', ‘car up / down', ‘on your left' and ‘single out' are common place on the road and should be understood before setting off.
• Similarly, hand signals perform a similar job and are just as important when passing instructions through a group from front to back.
• Observe and anticipate other riders and the situations that are unfolding. Observation is not just limited to what you can see but also what you can hear too.
• Avoid making any sudden movements, such as braking harshly or cutting across other riders. Only move if clear to do so, remember to observe and anticipate.
• Be assertive with your position; stand up if necessary to give yourself space and to prevent other riders from coming too close.
• Be prepared to make contact, staying relaxed is the key, if you're not relaxed then when a rider makes contact you will increase your chances of crashing. For instance maintain a strong and relaxed position on the bike, loose shoulders with a bend in the elbow to allow for movement and contact.

All riders in a group have a responsibility for the safety of both themselves and the other members of the group. Knowledge and appreciation of the do's and don'ts of group riding ensure the safety of the group while maximising the benefits and enjoyment of riding with friends.

How do I find out about the Club?

 

We understand that you may have some initial concerns about joining the Club and coming out on Club rides. All of us were once beginners and we know that it can seem a little daunting especially if you haven’t been a member of a cycling club before. It’s well worth reading the Ride Protocol under the Club Rides section and if you have any further questions regarding the Club and membership, then please use the Contact Us page to ask the Membership Secretary, the Chairman or other committee members. We’re all keen cyclists at a variety of levels and ages and get a lot of enjoyment out of being part of the BMCC. We hope you will too.

 

Before you decide to join, you would be very welcome to join us on one of our monthly Taster rides (see the Calendar under Club Rides for the next one) which are designed for all levels of experience where you will be able to chat with members of the club and get a taste for riding in a group.

 

What are the Membership fees used for?

 

We hope that, after one or two rides with the Club, you will decide to join. As a not-for-profit members club, all our membership fees are used for annual costs (insurance, affiliation to British Cycling & CTT), or providing a float for major purchases of Club kit or supporting Club projects or events agreed at the AGM. We are always happy to consider new ideas so if there is something you think the Club could be doing then please talk to a Committee member.

 

How do I join the BMCC?

 

You can join the Club online by downloading the membership form (2012 Membership Form ) completing it and attaching it to an email to Membership@bmcc2000.com. Payment of your membership fee (see the membership form for the different types of membership and their cost) can be made by electronic bank transfer to the Club’s account, at: HSBC, sort code: 40-10-16, account number 81302426. Please ensure that your initial and surname are given as the reference on the payment.

 

You can join the Club offline by downloading the membership form (2012 Membership Form) completing it and sending it, with a cheque for your membership fee (see the membership form for the different types of membership and their cost), made out to BMCC, to Membership Secretary, BMCC at the address shown on the Membership Form.

 

Membership runs for a calendar year and you will be reminded when your renewal payment is due in January. If you join the club for the first time after the 1st September, your membership will automatically run to the end of the following year.

 

How do I rejoin the BMCC?

 

If there have been no changes to your details then you only need to pay your membership fees either online or offline (see above). There is no need to complete a Membership Form.

 

If there have been changes to your details then please complete a new Membership form and follow the same steps as if you were joining the club.

Club kit can be ordered via the ‘kit@bmcc2000.com’ link or by posting on the forum.

We order from myteamgiordana.co.uk our pricing policy is very open it’s the cost price on the MTG site plus VAT and rounded up to the nearest pound. We hold a comprehensive range of garments from the MTG site and with stock value close to £2.5k we should have something in your size.

The Giordana kit has proved to be very successful it’s great looking, comfortable and hard wearing and has been seen all over Europe since we changed the design a couple of years ago. In fact it’s so good MTG use it for advertising on their website.

Orders are placed to coincide with summer and winter deliveries but I will place an order at any time of the year if there is sufficient interest, lead time from placing the order is 8-10 weeks. I’ll happily order specific sizes for confirmed orders to ensure you get what you want. The only caveat I can add which restricts me at times, is that I have to order a minimum of 10 x each garments, sizes can be mixed as can male/female kit but it must be 10.