Critical mass doos and donts?

CM can be a bit of fun. It can also be a little frustrating.

If you do go, stay near but not at the front. Allow more experienced CM riders to do the corking. Smile at drivers. Wave thanks at them when they are held up. Behave in a friendly manner. Leave your attitude at home.

Talk to other riders. The best thing about CM is that it is a very gentle very social ride. I first met Oliver Schick, Skully and SoperRiva at CMs.

Most importantly, you don't have to be the last person at the party. Peel off when you get bored.

This +100. Stay in the middle and chat to people (stay alert). I can only speak for Birmingham but it's definitely more social than a proper ride, numbers up here over the past few months have almost quadrupled due to lots of pushing from regular riders including myself so it has meant a lot more stop-starting/struggling to get people to cork, etc. But it's worth the effort, seeing that many bikes in one place is a beautiful sight! Go at least once for the experience if nothing else.