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Cycle Rides and Events - General Information
Meeting Point
North end of Bell's Bridge, Glasgow, unless otherwise stated, on the first Sunday of each month, at 10am.
Fitness requirements
Winter rides are short and suitable for beginners who are of normal health; we will stop frequently enough for a breather, and we won't race or leave you behind.
Summer rides, especially June to September inclusive, are longer, will go faster (although we still don't race!) and will require more experience and fitness.
Children
Children under 16 are welcome on our rides, but only if accompanied by an adult to look after them. Children as young as 8 or 10 have been on some of the shorter rides, but the longer ones wouldn't be so suitable.
Distances
Where given, these are approximate! Rides are generally 30-35 miles, but can be as long as 50 miles. However, there are often places where you can join or leave the cycle ride and use a train.
You can just turn up for your first ride - we won't turn you away. You don't need to register or book in advance; however, it might be good to let us know that you're coming. i.e. email to campaigns@gobike.org or phone 07932 460093 and leave a message.
Preparation and What to Bring - some suggestions
- A bicycle: These tend to come in handy on cycle rides!
Usually it's just a case of bringing the bike you've got. If you do have a choice, there may be some advice under the individual ride descriptions, but a touring bike is best for road rides, or a mountain bike or hybrid for rides along unsurfaced paths.
Hiring a Bike: If you are a visitor to the Glasgow area, you are welcome to come on a ride. Please check with local bike shops such as Alpine Bikes regarding hiring a bike. - Tools: Tyre levers, a puncture repair outfit, a spare inner tube and a pump are the essentials. It's a good idea to learn how to change a tyre yourself, and you may well have an opportunity to do this on a Go Bike ride! It is likely that someone on the ride may be carrying some more specialised tools, such as a chain tool, and a decent pump, but nothing too heavy. We are usually able to fix minor problems.
- Maintenance: Clearly it's a good idea to keep your bike maintained. Oil the chain and gears with a light spray-on oil, but don't spray oil on the rims or the brake pads! Check the brakes are close enough to the rims to give you good stopping power, and adjust them if necessary. Check that the gears work, and are adjusted properly. Have your bike serviced by a competent mechanic as frequently as necessary. It's a pity to spoil your ride, or somebody else's because of an avoidable breakdown. Check your bike over the week before the ride, not only on the Sunday morning!
- Lights: In winter, we recommend lights, even if we intend to come back before it gets dark, which we normally do, since it is always possible for us to be delayed en route.
- Clothing: This all depends on the weather, but the following might be helpful:
Warm waterproof clothing in winter, and waterproof clothing in the Scottish summer! Clothing should be light-coloured if you're going on the road, and reflective if you're riding in dull weather or rain.
Waterproof gloves, and a warm hat or balaclava to go under a helmet are useful. Some people get cold feet in winter, and it can be useful in the rain to have a pair of neoprene boots which you can pull over your shoes. Spare socks in case you get wet feet can be a good idea. - A Packed Lunch: Include a drink to prevent dehydration, as we don't always stop in places where you can buy something to eat. However, normally, we build in eating places (often pubs, sometimes cafes) into the rides, and a packed lunch can be supplemented by a cup of tea and a plate of soup, which are more difficult to carry.
Insurance
Please note that Go Bike's insurance only covers members, so if you want to be insured, you should print out and fill in the membership application form from the joining page, or at least give your name and address to the ride leader at the start of the ride, to become a member. The donation can always follow later if necessary.
Trains & Ferries
Train times are provisional - the timetable changes every 6 months - but usually not by very much.
If a ride is going to use trains, you could check beforehand with National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50, or visit this site closer to the time. We will try to post any changes here, or you could check with First ScotRail or Caledonian MacBrayne.
You could also check the National Rail Journey Planner and Live Departure Boards.
Go Bike News
Go Bike News will send you details and reminders of rides by email if you subscribe. Information on how to subscribe to this is on the Join Go Bike! page. You can always phone the Go Bike mobile phone for any last minute changes on 07932 460093.
Cancellation of Rides
Go Bike has not cancelled any rides in the past 5 years, so it's unlikely that this will happen, although there's bound to be a first time.
Even in the event of adverse weather conditions, we would meet as usual at the north end of Bell's Bridge, Glasgow (beside the SECC) . The people who meet would then decide amongst themselves what to do. That decision might involve shortening or altering the route of the ride, rather than cancelling it.