Diary

NB: It is always wise to carry waterproof gear, even if the sun is shining when you leave. It is better to wear layers and be too warm than wear too little and get cold.

Most Bristol rides start at either the Arnolfini Gallery, the beginning of the Bristol-Bath Railway Path ("track head"), Millennium Square, Valentine's Bridge, Temple Quay, or at the water tower on Durdham Down.

You can also "Recycle your Sundays" with rides from Bath.

We have regular meetings on the first Thursday of the month upstairs at the The Cornubia pub (142 Temple St, Bristol) Come along for a chat and a drink at 7:30pm. Most months we will be having a guest speaker. The "business" part of the meeting starts at 8pm, and by 9:30pm it's all fairly social again. Members and potential members are very welcome.

And from time to time we organise weekends away and trips abroad - look out for details here or in The Bristol Cyclist magazine.

Discover Bristol rides - know Bristol better ... by bike

Our five gentle town rides ran in summer 2009 and we hope to run the rides again in 2010.

The rides started from different spots in the city and usually reached the countryside, taking in captivating and fun features of Bristol and its suburbs en route.

Riders were guided from place to place with plenty of stops, returning by mid afternoon. To assist new or unconfident riders a qualified cycling trainer from Life Cycle UK was in attendance.

"We were very excited about this new concept for enjoying your bike and getting to know your way around Bristol at the same time. Everyone could join in. If people wanted guidance on riding in traffic or with adjusting their bike, we were there with skilled help." Philippe Cazalis, rides leader, Bristol Cycling Campaign

Find out more here.

“Bristol Chic” events

"Bristol Chic" is a regular event to demonstrate the joy of just, well, cycling! It's intended to promote cycling as being a normal activity for ordinary people.

Resuming in the Spring, on the 1st Saturday of each month we'll cycle around the City Centre with a cafe or picnic afterwards at College Green. Ride from your house to reach the The Centre (by the fountains on St.Augustine's Parade) about 10:30 am and just ride around getting people, especially those in cars, used to seeing people on bicycles in normal clothes. But to make it a bit more interesting - why not be a bit smarter than just "ordinary" - show how you can cycle in smart clothes - no sweat - no fuss and no "helmet hair"!

This is where the CHIC comes in - wear something SMART, ATTRACTIVE, HANDSOME, FASHIONABLE - and make a statement that you don't need lycra, high viz, helmets etc to ride a bike. Ride a traditional upright-style bike if you have one. Feel free to express yourself. Take your own coffee and snack snack at the after event venue or drop into a nearby cafe. Take another turn around the streets and ride back home. Thats all there is to it.

This is not a led ride.

Find out more at "http://bristolcyclingchic.blogspot.com/"

General advice The times shown are the START times of the rides. Although some may wait a few minutes for a chat, it’s best not to rely on this. Arrive earlier rather than later and don’t get left behind.

Make sure your bike is in good working order. If you think it needs more than a “tweak” then it’s probably better to get it serviced at a bike shop. You are wise to carry a few basic repair items with you, such as pump, puncture repair kit or, even better, an inner tube of the right size and basic tools. If you’re new to cycling and don’t know how to use them, the chances are someone else will show you (that’s how most of us learned!)

In winter you are more likely to be riding home in the dark, so bring your bike lights and hi-vis wear. Remember the temperature can drop significantly in the evenings, so bring extra warm layers, gloves, socks, hat, etc. Pack a waterproof jacket and maybe also waterproof trousers.

Always carry food with you, even if it’s only a banana! Cycling is exercise and you will get hungry. Preferably some carbohydrates – sandwiches, flapjacks, cereal-bars, and fresh/dried fruit are some examples.

On the road, behave responsibly – don’t obstruct traffic and only stop where it’s safe to do so. It’s also nice if you warn others behind you of potholes or other obstructions in the road.

These tips aren’t meant to put you off or make you think a day’s bike ride is like climbing Everest! But with a little forethought you will enjoy the adventure of a day out even more. You’ll notice we often suggest a picnic or packed lunch, or a visit a pub. Our rides are often built round a theme or local beauty-spot of place of interest. We are a convivial group who make new-comers welcome and we usually ride at a moderate pace. Contact the ride-leader if you’re unsure.