Many of our members, some ex-racers, some who cycled to school in their youth, some returning to cycling after a long break and others looking for a new interest do not label themselves as cyclists but just enjoy the sensation of travelling through the beautiful Herefordshire countryside at their own pace, under their own power, in peace and tranquility on a bike! Even if you prefer riding on your own, or just with your own family or friends, there is a vast fund of know-how and experience available to you when you join this club: advice on everything from choosing a suitable bike or setting the easiest riding position, to learning the quick easy way to mend a puncture or buying or selling second-hand bikes and equipment.
For those who do not work during the week we have the Wednesday Wheelers and the Friday Antiques Road Show. Both are informal groups of riders who meet for a chat at the same place each week and then go for a ride. Decisions are made collectively over coffee as to where and how far to go, depending on the time of year and weather. However, some riders prefer to make their own way out to the meeting place at their own pace and return home after it. Each cyclist chooses their own pattern! The Wednesday Wheelers meet at Jules' Cafe in Weobly around 1030 a.m. and the Friday meeting point is the Baptist Church Hall in Eywas Harold around 1045 a.m. Just turn up. You will be made very welcome! If you prefer to cycle out to the meeting point with others please contact us first.
Alternatively the slower training ride on a Sunday may suit the fitter newcomer!
Some advice on touring
We do not have a lower age limit, but parents are reminded that unaccompanied youngsters should be mature enough to be safe on their own before they ride with a club. We are happy to introduce cyclists of any age to the skills of club riding but (unlike a Scout troop or a school) we cannot accept any kind of parental responsibility. The runs leader chooses the route but otherwise we ride as a group of individuals, but ultimately, each rider must be responsible for themselves. For this reason, most of us carry a mobile phone with us.
You don't need an elaborate mountain bike or an expensive "Racing" bicycle for touring, but it should be reliable and comfortable. It doesn't matter how many gears it has, provided they are low enough, they work reliably and you know how to use them. Always use proper full length mudguards when riding with a group on the road. A saddlebag (or panniers) - which you can use to carry food, spare clothing, waterproofs, maps and tools — is much better than trying to carry luggage on your back.
Avoid wearing waterproof clothing on a long run unless it is actually raining, or you will soon become soaked in perspiration. When it does rain, you may find using a cape reduces condensation. We suggest you learn how to check and adjust your bike, mend a puncture and always carry a pump. It is a good idea to carry a spare tube as well as a puncture repair outfit since, at the roadside, it is much quicker simply to change a tube.
You don't need to be super-fit, but it helps if you are willing to make a particular effort in the first few weeks. If you ride regularly, don't give up if it occasionally seems hard and heed the advice of experienced Club members, it will soon become much easier and even more enjoyable.
The club will not be impressed if you dash off ahead of everyone else, or if you lag behind by several yards all the time. Riding tidily in a compact group (but never more than two abreast) is a skill we hope you will soon learn. You will then be safer and the miles will roll by easily. Never swerve about or stop suddenly when riding close to other riders!
All adult riders participating in club rides organised by the Hereford Wheelers should comply with the Highway Code. They are responsible for their own well-being during the ride and should be prepared for situations such as adverse weather conditions, mechanical problems, and flat tyres. All riders should wear a helmet.
Riders should be aware that these rides take place on open public roads shared by vehicles, walkers, other cyclists, animals etc. and ensure that the ride is within their capabilities particularly in terms of the length and overall ascent of the route. Routes may include features such as roundabouts, sections of or junctions with busier roads.
All riders should be aged 12 years or older and be competent at a level equivalent to the Level 2 Cycle Training Standards. Riders under the age of 18 years should have a signed parental consent form. An adult will need to take responsibility for riders under the age of 18 and ensure they are not left on their own during the ride.