Wednesday Night Klub Run (WNKR 2014) - a bit like TNRC but not on a Tuesday

Klub Run protocol

Just a few pointers to help the rides go smoothly. Thanks for reading and please contact me or post any additions edits etc. The Klub Run is not affiliated to any club, hence the K and relies even more so on it's riders skills, knowledge, manners etc. than anything else.

Gear choice and pace - the ride is intended to be ridden fixed, a large number of riders will be fixed, we strongly suggest that all riders are fixed for a smoother group. The standard gearing recommended for all rides is somewhere in the mid 60’s which at 90 rpm this gives a pace of 17/18 mph. You will enjoy the ride more if you are fixed and good riders on gears will get bored at this pace. That said, if you are unsure about the pace but are comfortable on making the distance in the allotted time, see the section on riding geared below.

Equipment

**Lights **- These need to be proper night lights. Their purpose is to light up the road ahead not simply for you to be seen. Your front light needs to be strong and remember that if angled too far up will dazzle oncoming cars. When riding in the bunch it is preferred if you dim your front light to reduce glare from the bum of the person ahead and to prevent distracting shadows at the head of the peloton. A simple rear light is sufficient. Too strong on the rear and you dazzle fellow riders, this is becoming an increasing issue so please do not be offended if you are asked to angle your rear light down or if someone puts a strip of tape across the lens to diffuse the glare.

**Spares **-make sure you have spare tubes and if low, batteries

**Food **- have whatever you need for 30 miles. Just because we are riding at night doesn't mean you need to bring along a supermarket with you. People do like to nibble on the trains home though.

**Comfort **- The ride generally pauses every 10-15 miles for a comfort break but shout if you need it to stop sooner, it is likely that you are not the only person.

**Money **- Have some. You may need to get home from outside London in a taxi if things go a bit Pete Tong. It has happened before and it will happen again.

**Maps **- For your own safety know where you are and how to get home. Some prefer to carry full OS maps or print outs of a large section, I personally have offline maps downloaded to my phone but each man makes his own choice. Maps help you and other riders if you get separated. Garmins are very welcome. Ride leaders are always thankful for route input when they ask for it but find it distracting if everyone bombards them with helpful advice. Maps and garmins should not be used to race off the front independently as this may cause the ride leaders to change the route out of spite.

**Phones **- although there is often no coverage it is essential to be in touch. Make sure you have some numbers on the ride if you are new or fearful of being lost. I suggest you pass your number to the ride elders and make sure your phone is charged.

**Shoes **- make sure you are clipped in when it is wet and slippery.

Can I ride geared? – If you must, actually if you are unsure about the pace but are comfortable doing the distance in time to make the trains home then feel free to test the water with gears. Geared riders must ensure that they do not cause a sudden pace change with their gear changes when approaching a hill as fixed and single speed riders will have a far more gradual change of pace and do not want to have to check their speed and lose valuable cadence at the start of a climb. Geared and single speed riders should refrain from blasting away on the descents as this is seen as bad form. Stretching the pace out on the flats is also bad form as fixed riders will quickly tire once the cadence gets above 100 rpm.

**Etiquette **

Ride leaders / backstops - The general gist of it is that leaders get pissed off when other riders shoot off the front stretching the ride and then making it more likely that people get lost etc. If you mention Strava while doing this the ride elders may make a last minute route change leaving you lost in the dark. Backstops are the unsung heroes who often find themselves helping out the lost and the tired.

**Trains **- please make sure that you arrive in time to sort tickets. We board trains as soon as they are posted on the board to avoid last minute chaos with commuters. Please do not block doors etc. This often means being organised so we are two to a door etc (see individual ride info for this information).

Shouts and hand signals - We do not recommend waving cars through for liability reasons. We do recommend shouting 'single up' to get riders in front over to the side so the car is past as soon as possible but **only **when the road is wide enough to allow this.

**Messages **- pass messages forwards or backwards clearly. In particular it is important to let people know if you are finding the pace too high or you need to stop for any reason. Where possible, If you are struggling we will get you to the front in second or third wheel and you can help set the pace.

**Bedwetting **– if you put your name down and do not have a valid reason for not turning up then you will be referred to as a bedwetter. Visiting IKEA is the only valid excuse for not being able to make a ride.

This information is designed to help keep the Klub Run enjoyable and successful. They are not intended to stop people from riding. Perhaps some people think that the Klub Run is a group of elite riders that do not welcome newcomers. The Klub Run welcomes everyone and started only a few years ago with a handful of riders. The Klub Run has experienced problems out there on the black top and knows what helps to make things run smoothly. It is not an elite bunch of riders but we do need to get back to train stations to catch trains so if you are unable to ride the distance in the time you will be stranded. Ask before you ride if you are not sure we will be happy to help.

The more riders who are familiar with the routes makes for a much easier ride. If you can, do the rides at the weekends in the daytime or on other evenings to get knowledge.

Although the Klub Run goes out of its way to make sure nobody gets lost or stranded every individual is responsible for their own safety so be prepared. If anything does go wrong it is customary to blame badgers.