Cycle Group for Early Risers
Membership of the Dawn Chorus Cycling group is open to all of Southport U3A's member on the understanding that they themselves and their cycles are in a fit condition for all events.
Our vision / mission
Do you naturally wake early, do you enjoy listening to the dawn chorus, do you enjoy seeing animals and birds, not often spotted during the day?
Do you, or could you cycle regularly for 15 miles.?
Then since we follow the sunrise, as soon as there enough light to get the bike out of the shed, then we'll be off over the countryside, to return home between 07:30 & 08:00, in time for breakfast with your loved ones and relate all that you've seen.
The reality is that we start dawn rides in the twilight, (approximately 30 mins prior to sunrise). That's starting in April and ending in late September, following sunrise times, starting as early as appropriate to finish the ride by 07:30. That means 05:00 starts in late May to late July!
Rides
● Take place on a regular basis between spring and autumn, March to September and will vary on the day of the week as well as the frequency of rides. We plan to have at least three per month.
● Rides are to be planned 7 days prior, route confirmed 2 days prior and good to go, confirmed between 18:00 & 20:00 evening prior to the ride via WhatsApp to the group.
Strong winds, very heavy rain, fog, snow or sub 4°C will all result in cancellation, pby the group leader.
● Are usually between 10 and 25 miles in length and ridden at a steady pace, at the speed of the slowest rider. Some Rides maybe a little longer but again we will be driven by the riders present on the ride.
● Are ridden on cycle tracks / paths & minor roads where possible but do use main roads occasionally.
● Routes are local. All will be started within Southport with a Rendezvous appropriate to the riders and route.
● Due to the times of these rides comfort and refreshment breaks will be determined by the riders, and be a drink and nibbles they carry!
Relief breaks are as all experienced cyclists know, farmers field, hedges.....
● Group members are encouraged to suggest routes and/or be leaders for the day.
Experienced riders used to riding in pelotons will help those inexperienced, regarding warnings:
● calls re approaching traffic, back or up, pointing out to following riders, potholes and drain covers or other hazards.
● Passing verbal calls down or up the group.
● Passing hand signals down the line to those following and traffic following. Eg turning left, Right, overtaking parked vehicles. Slowing to halt. (Think we're all of an age where that was a mandatory tested hand signal in the driving test!!) Not too sure how many young ones would accurately interpret that signal these days! Hand signals are particularly important for me, I'm deaf!
Guidance: Guidance here
● Be able to do roadside repairs.
● Clothing, appropriate for the ride with extra in case the weather changes.
● Helmets and hi-vi tops mandatory (U3A Vest available to wear over your top layer if its not hi-vi)
● Gloves and cycling glasses highly recommended.
● All bikes must have mud guards, (getting a face full of road muck whilst riding behind is not fun.)
● LIGHTS, front and rear are mandatory, we're riding in low dazzling conditions with strong sunlight and deep shade, (motorists need all the help we can give them. We'll always be a surprise, they may still be inattentive, supping coffee/texting, rushing to make up time, thinking about their day ahead.)
Please note that you should send apologies if you are unable to attend. (Leaving others waiting at a Rendezvous for a no show, is discourteous). If you miss three rides, without contacting the leaders we will assume that you no longer wish to be part of the Group and the Group Leader will reserve the right to remove you.