Mechanical breakdowns and punctures are an inevitable part of cycling. The club rule is that the whole group will wait and if necessary assist the rider with the problem. If the breakdown is such that the rider is unable to continue, then arrangements will be made for transporting the rider back to the club.

Club Culture and Spirit

Code of Conduct

Safety is paramount to the enjoyment of cycling. Awareness and consideration are fundamental to ensuring a cycling environment that is safe and fun. It is the responsibility of each individual to practice safety in respect of their own actions, as well as in conduct towards other cyclists, motorists and road users.

• HELMET—must be worn on all rides. “No helmet, no ride!”
• GLOVES AND GLASSES—are important and recommended protective gear.
• LIGHTS (both front and rear)—must be utilised whenever cycling in the dark. Be visible to oncoming cars. It is recommended that rear “flashers” be used even in daytime to alert other road users to your presence.
• REFLECTORS (belts or anklets)—should be worn when riding in the dark in such a way that they are visible to traffic.
• CELLPHONE—should be carried for safety in the event of a breakdown, crash, getting lost, etc.
• IDENTIFICATION—for example an ER24 band with your emergency information or an ICE (in case of emergency) band. Must be worn on the person, not on the bicycle. This ensures speedy identification, evacuation and treatment in an emergency.
• CLUB KIT—wearing of club kit on club rides and in races is compulsory.
• PUMP AND SPARE TUBE(S)—with tyre levers and puncture repair kit is compulsory. (2 tubes for mountain-biking).
• WATER BOTTLE (or two)—compulsory on all rides.
• TOOK KIT—is advised.

Personal Equipment

ROAD RIDING

Our current Road Ride Captain is Dave Sewell on 082 905 8187 or davesewell@vodamail.co.za.

• MCC is divided into cycling groups according to ability. This is designed to maximise the enjoyment of members within those sections.
• Members, upon joining MCC, are reckoned to be enthusiasts for the sport of cycling. As such, they are expected to be able to complete a distance of 30km with ease.
• Members are to obey all traffic rules and the club accepts no responsibility for transgressions of the traffic by-laws.
• Personal equipment as described above is essential.
• BMX bicycles are not suitable for club rides, nor are cycles whose rim diameter is less than 26 inches unless it is classified as an unconventional cycle.
• Members must inspect their cycles for roadworthiness prior to each ride.
• Tri-bars are not allowed on any club ride.
• Members must adhere to the MCC code of conduct and the ride protocol.
• Earphones – cellphone, iPod, etc – are not to be worn whilst cycling. They inhibit hearing instructions from ride captains, vehicles close behind, etc.
• Cellphones are not to be answered whilst cycling. Pull over and stop before answering.
• MEMBERS CYCLE AT THEIR OWN RISK.

MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDING

Our current MTB Ride Captain is Wayne Burnett—082 608 0122; wayneb@ctpds.co.za

• The main rule is “ride together”, adhere to the club culture and promote the club spirit.
• MCC is divided into cycling groups according to ability. This is designed to maximise the enjoyment of members within those sections.
• The ride captain will determine the route and distance for the different groups (split into 4 or 5 groups when possible).
• The pace of the ride is controlled by the ride captain, who is appointed to look after your safety. Front and back marshals are appointed on the day of the ride.
• Members are to obey all traffic rules and the club accepts no responsibility for transgressions of the traffic by-laws.
• Personal equipment as described above is essential.
• as an unconventional cycle.
• Members must inspect their cycles for off-roadworthiness prior to each ride; tyres/tubes must have slime inside.
• If any of the rules are abused, three warnings will be given and thereafter the member will be asked to leave the club.
• Earphones – cellphone, iPod, etc – not to be worn whilst cycling. They inhibits hearing instructions from ride captains, vehicles close behind, etc.
• Cellphones are not to be answered whilst cycling. Pull over and stop before answering.
• MEMBERS CYCLE AT THEIR OWN RISK.

DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

Our current Development Officer is Philip Kleijnhans; 083 378 3678 or philip@thetaplan.co.za

Midrand Country Cyclists is involved in promoting cycling as a sport in Previously Disadvantaged Communities.

The objective is to afford youngsters with interest and talent in the sport an opportunity to ride with a group of experienced cyclists, equipping them with riding techniques so that they are able participate in cycling events. The club assists with servicing their bicycles.

The club helps with registration entries of events and transport to these events wherever possible.

The ultimate goal is to give these youngsters an opportunity to take part in competitive cycling, in the right seeding competing in the right category, and who knows, they might just represent their country in the next Olympics.

Donations of cycling equipment for our development programme are always welcome.