QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS.

1. What type of bike do I need?

Our members use all types of bikes including traditional tourers, racing and tandems. Mountainbikes are becoming particularly popular for general touring.. You will find the experience more enjoyable on a lightweight bike with alloy wheels and low gearing for hills. Just ask us for any advice and we will be pleased to help.

2. Do I need to take any tools?

The most basic tools to carry are a dumbell or adjustable spanner (very cheap to buy), tyre levers, puncture outfit and a spare inner tube. When you get a puncture it is more convenient to change the tube rather than fix a puncture on the roadside.

3. If I can`t keep up, will you leave me behind in the middle of nowhere ?

We would never leave you behind but would slow down our pace, stay with you and give you time to rest.

4. How many people turn up for a ride?

On average we get about 10-15 riders on a Sunday ride but this is dependent on the weather and destination etc.

5. What are the age groups?

We have a wide and diverse range of members in backgrounds and ages. A person under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. We are very friendly, approachable and have a good laugh.

6. Do I need to be a member of the C.T.C.?

If you decide you like cycling then membership of the C.T.C. is a great benefit as you can ride with us whenever you want. You also get free third party insurance and the backing of a national organisation.

Apart from the pleasure cycling gives, here are a few facts from "The Ethical Consumer", a fairly old one, that may be of some interest. Thanks to Mike Harper.

F. a bicycle can travel up to 1037 km on the energy equivalent of 1 litre of petrol - nearly 300 mpg.

F. a regular adult cyclist on average exhibits the fitness level of someone ten years younger.

F. the average person is six times heavier than their bike. A car weighs around twenty times that of a person.

F. bicycles in Asia transport more people than all the worlds cars.

F. one car wheel alone contains more aluminium than an entire bike.

F. the average car is designed to carry five people. Most car journeys in Britain comprise of only the driver, effectively meaning the car is four fifths empty.

Hints & Tips.

Solar Cycle Computer Battery Charger. By Stephen Gilmartin.

Most people don`t realise that lithium batteries in cycle computers don`t have to be thrown away when dead but can be recharged and used again. I constructed this battery charger from a commonly available garden solar light (the type which switches on in darkness.) The solar panel and diode were disconnected from the circuit board and the diode then soldered on to the positive pin. The stripe on the diode faces away from the positive terminal, as illustrated by the yellow wire in the photo. This is important as it makes the current from the solar panel flow one way into the battery and prevents the battery discharging back into the solar panel - like a one way valve.

In direct sunlight the panel outputs 2.10 volts, just sufficient to charge a 3.0 volts button battery as only a small amount of current is needed for full charge. Leaving the charger on a windowsill for about three days in relative bright sunshine will charge the battery. More panels can also be soldered in series to produce a higher current and voltage. This charger will only charge lithium batteries and the advantage is you can use it again whilst saving money. The battery can be tested during and after charging with a battery tester or multimeter. Full charge will be about 2.97 volts.

The appeal of this project is its simplicity and costs nothing to use. I am unsure how many times a lithium battery can be charged as all rechargeable batteries have a finite charging life. Total cost for this project £1.00 for the new solar garden lamp!




Yellow cable is positive connected to top of battery. White cable is negative connected under the battery.




Note the yellow cable soldered to the end of the diode with the stripe. Other end soldered to positive pin on solar panel.

1. Cycling Mitts tend not to last very long. Instead, impress your friends by using weight lifting mitts as these are made from thicker leather and are better padded. They last far longer for near enough the same price.

2. Cable ties are ideal for emergency roadside repairs such as a broken carrier or missing bolt etc.

3. Mudguard flaps are rather expensive and are becoming difficult to obtain. Why not make your own from a piece of carpet lino, milk or car oil container - glued, cable tied or riveted to the mudguard.

4. An old plastic video cassette box (the type with the closing lid) can be used as a tool box when out on a ride.

5. Safety eye glasses, available from all good D.I.Y. shops, are ideal for cycling. Although not very stylish, they are cheaper than cycling designed types and less upsetting should you sit on, stand on, or lose.

6. Most cyclists have had a tyre blowout. Carry a small piece of old tyre or car seat beltand place between the inner tube and damaged part of the tyre. This will get you home .

7. Alloy chainsets, brakes and hubs can be polished using toothpaste and a cloth.

8. When staying at Youth Hostels don`t forget to take ear plugs to ensure a good nights sleep.

9. Fed up getting your hands covered in oil when fixing a chain or puncture out on the road? Wear washing up gloves.

10. The white reflective sleeves on discarded road cones can be cut-up and used as additional reflectors on your bike or panniers.

11. Gardening overshoes are ideal for wet weather cycling and are totally waterproof.

Safety.

It is a fact that during recent years the number of cars using Britain`s roads has increased to over 30 millions, not including lorries, coaches etc. The experts forecast this rapid growth to continue (2.5 millions new cars were sold during 2001). Between 2002 and 2007 the amount of cars using the roads in the U.K. increased by 250%!
In January 2006 when out on a sunday club ride, four members from Rhyl Cycling Club were tragically killed by an illegally driven car which skidded on ice with three defective tyres. One of the deceased riders was aged only 14 and it took this tragedy to highlight cyclists` vulnerability.

These factors have inevitably had an effect on club cycling particularly since the advent of out of town shopping centres and Sunday shopping/car boot sales since the early 1990`s. More cars are using once quiet country lanes and with most club rides traditionally taking place on a Sunday, it is important to be careful. It is worth remembering these common sense points:


* When riding double on a road in a large group and traffic is behind be courteous and ride single file to let it past.

* If there is a cycle path next to a main road then use it.

* Try not to stop to look at maps etc on a blind bend or junction.

* Wear bright clothing even in the day time. When the weather is dull switch on your lights.

* Try not to be hesitant when riding - be confident. Always signal your intentions such as turning and stopping.


The majority of motorists are friendly but we can avoid conflict and even gain respect by being polite and considerate. Don`t let all this deter you. Stay safe and enjoy your cycling!