BBTA Club rides

We conduct recreational cycle tours catering to all levels of fitness, ability and desire. Our cycle tours are all socially oriented, and rated by a classification system where we give a rating for Pace and for Gradient - see the difficulty page (or the front page of the Tours & Events Calendar - see link in left-hand menu to the "Current Ride Calendar") for details on this. We do not hold competitive events of any sort. In our bi-monthly Calendar there are regular weekly/monthly/bi-monthly outings held, plus a range of other day/night outings to add variety. The ride start times vary according to the seasons, with outings during the hotter months generally kept to the cooler parts of the day. The locations vary according to the suitability for participants and for the Ride Leader who is hosting the outing. All rides are conducted completely free of charge, (as your annual membership fee covers administrative costs).

Tours & Events Calendar

Our regular "Tours & Events Calender" is produced every 2 months. It is forwarded to every club member (either by post, or via the internet) along with our 8 page club newsletter "The Cycling Times". You can also download a copy of either of these from this website using the links on the left of this screen. Updates to the Calendar (of added outings, alterations, or extra info) are available from the Rides Updates page and directly by email (to those on the nominated email list).

Periodic Ride Planning Meetings are held bi-monthly where Ride Leaders (and members) are encouraged to come along to either participate in the rides planning process, or as an interested observer. It is at these meetings that ideas for outings are generated into the creation of new rides for the upcoming Calendar (or farther down the track). All rides are submitted to the Club's Rides Co-ordinator for inclusion in the listing. Submissions made before the print deadline go into the formal list of events sent to all members. Submissions made after this time are promoted via the Rides Updates page and by email (to those on the nominated email list, which is approx. 60% of the entire membership of 370 people).

Here's how you can get started.

You look at the current Tours and Events Calendar and work out what outing you would like to go on. Each one will show -

• The name of the ride
• The start location. For convenience, we often use a Railway Station (RWS) public carpark as many riders like to come by train.
• The Start Time. This is the allocated time the ride plans to depart by arriving 15 minutes before this time you will have ample time to get yourself ready, introduce yourself and meet with the other riders, sign on our Indemnity & Ride Register form, and be present for the pre-ride briefing by the Ride Leader.
• Distance (in kilometers)
• Leader's name and some contact details. In specific instances you may also be required to contact the leader before the ride to register as a participant. This is nominated by the ride leader - some require it, some do not. Typically it is used to for making meal bookings, or if the outing is being held in an out of the way location, or time of the year when weather conditions are unpredictable.
• Rating. Whether the ride is easy, medium, or hard is a generalized account of all factors pertaining to a ride: the pace, terrain, gradient, timing between rest stops. Generally stops are longer and more frequent on the easier outings.
• Description. A brief description of the outing. You need to pay particular attention to what the individual leader intends for the specific ride on that particular day. This description will give an indication of any costs involved (eg: fares, meals etc). If in any doubt contact the leader to enquire further, as the rides all differ, and may be too hard or too fast for your capability. If you are unsure of your own capability we suggest you select the easier rides to start out on and work your way up from this.
• Any special requirements - ie Lights on a night ride, special attire for example

Ride/Tour Leaders

BBTA Tours & Events are hosted by volunteers who create, plan, and conduct each outing. Most events are created well in advance so participants have the choice of planning their activities well ahead of time or on the spur of the moment. Our leaders are experienced Club riders who follow Club guidelines in respect of how their outings are conducted. Once members become a proficent rider, we heartily welcome you to volunteer in this role, it is a great way to get to know more people in the club, and develop your group management skills in a rewarding community role. As a Ride/Tour Leader you get to create your own outings yourself (or in partnership with another leader), or you can adopt a well known Club ride, or participate as an occasional or regular leader on the weekly club rides. Starting off with the short regular introductory level rides (eg: the

Saturday or Sunday Arvo rides) is a perfect way to be introduced to being at the helm of a ride. Our Leaders are assisted by a comprehensive set of Club guidelines, and are supported by our more experienced leaders, and the Rides Coordinator.

Take a look at the Ride Leader Duties page to see what is involved.</

Indemnity & Ride Register Form

A pre-requisite for every outing the Club undertakes. This is the official register form every rider needs to fill out before going on a ride. Participants will be asked for their full name, their signature, a mobile phone number (en route, if they have one), plus an emergency contact number. Members will be asked their membership number, and Newcomers will be asked whether they are on one of their three free (tryout) rides, or free (tryout) weekend tour. This information is used only for club purposes, (management of the ride by the leader mainly) in accordance with the Privacy Act. It serves to Indemnify our Association with regard to the participant acknowledging that they ride at their own risk. With regards to personal liability we recommend participants arrange their own personal liability Insurance.

Take a look at the Ride Leader Information further details.

Achievement Awards System.

Members can participate by completing rides of varying distances (50/80/100/160/200km) within the following year and nominate for any of five levels of Achievement by filling in a Club brevet form as you go along. Imperial Century (that's 100miles or approx. 160km) recipients receive a enamelled BBTA Medallion at our end of year celebration in December. For more information refer to the Achievements Awards page on this website.

Take a look at the Ride Leader Information page further details.

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