From Steve Clarke. Very Important that everyone reads…

Hi Clubmates

We’ve had a good start to the season with record entries, however last week we had a couple of incidents/complaints, so I’d like to reiterate a few basic rules and guidelines that all riders should be adhering to. Please read and inwardly digest and if you have any questions just give me a call.

1.) PARKING – Park carefully and sensibly. Ideally on the Heath, but of course there is limited space here, so if you get there first or early, please pull as far over to the back, so as to get as many vehicles on there as we can. If you park elsewhere, make sure you vehicle is right off the road, and you and your bike keep off the road as much as possible.

2.) WARMING UP – Do not warm up by the start and do not perform U Turns in sight of the timekeeper. If you need to turn around in the road – Stop, dismount and walk across the road. I would suggest you warm up on the road towards Castor Hanglands. Again great care when turning in the road.

3.) LINING UP AT THE START – This is important. Line up single file and keep in tight behind the rider being pushed off.

4.) RIDING BY THE PARKING AREA –  Keep over to the left as much as possible. I know the road is a little rough, but if you are in the middle of the road, it is dangerous as neither you nor any vehicles coming the other way can see each other.

5.) HELPSTON CROSS – This is probably the most dangerous corner. Make sure you don’t cross the white line either entering or exiting the corner. Also, slow down and make sure you look right to see if there is any traffic coming. Remember the marshalls are only there to direct you and serve as a presence.

6.) TRAFFIC CALMING OUTCROPS IN HELPSTON – As you exit the village there are traffic calming outcrops. If need be give way to oncoming traffic here.

7.) OTHER CORNERS – The same applies. Keep to your side of the road and watch out for other vehicles. Take great care, especially in the wet.

8.) FINISH – Shout your number to the timekeeper. This is good time trialling etiquette and makes sure the timekeeper can identify you.

9.) FINISH – When you have finished your ride, keep going and ride back to the meeting area on the Heath. Don’t stop or turnaround in the road. King Street/Hillywood Road is quite busy and cars go very quickly down there. Turning in the road here is dangerous, so don’t do it.

10.) TIMEKEEPER – Don’t stop and talk to the timekeeper or ask for your time at the Finish. It’s a job that requires concentration, so please don’t distract them.

11.) RIDING BACK TO THE HEATH – Again ride carefully. Single file is probably best and when you get back to the Heath, take great care when crossing the road/turning on to the Heath. There may be riders still riding, so watch out.

12.) GENERAL – Abide by the rules of the road and the highway code. Don’t ride out too far in the road (a metre/yard should be enough). Be considerate and courteous to other road users and residents.

13.) FINALLY – Please take all your rubbish home with you and leave the countryside as you found it.

The reason for all these guidelines is because there are people who would prefer us not to ride  time trials on the road. Of course we are quite entitled to and have notified the police and the events are organised under the rules and regulations of the CTT (Cycling Time Trials/Road Time Trials Council). If you heed these points above we should have another good season of trouble free time trialling.

Cheers for now.

Steve

Steve Clarke

Racing Secretary

Fenland Clarion CC