Cycle Mechanics

Frequently asked Questions

To ask any specific questions please e-mail one of the contacts shown on the right or sign up to our FORUM where we have a category for FAQ's

Where do we meet? 
For most club rides we meet at The George PH at the top of Portsdown Hill.

(see map on Sunday Club rides page)

For the club meetings and a general get together we gather at The Victory Indoor Bowls Club on the grounds of the Mountbatten Centre from about 19.30 on Fridays. (tea and coffee is available) With a photo card you get a discound at the bar. Contact Paul to arrange a photo session.

(see map on the Social page)

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How far do we ride?
It can vary, normally around the 30-40 mile mark. The Sunday ride is specifically for those who wish to enjoy an easy paced ride in a group, while still having enough lung power to have a conversation. This can also be used as a recovery ride, especially for those riders out there who just need to turn their legs over after a hard training session.

Keep your eye on the Forum for updates
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How much is it to join?
See the “JOIN US” details below.
We run our membership from 1st Jan to 31st Dec, but don't wait until then, we'll calculate it pro rata if you join part way through the year.

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Do I need to wear club kit?
No not at all. However we sell a range of PNE club clothing if you wish to be seen in the famous red, white and blue.  Just contact our Procurement Officer

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Do you cater for female riders?
We have a handful of female riders, all of which do compete, and enjoy weekend rides with the other members

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Will I get left behind?
Generally we have a policy that we will not leave a rider to find their way home alone. Stop points and slow up sections are normally incorporated when a slower rider is in the group.

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What type of bike do I ride?
 A serviced and roadworthy racing bike that is comfortable for the rider and capable of covering a suitable distance.

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What types of riding do we do?
Nothing to put anyone off. Firstly, the rides will be to build up your confidence to enable you to ride accompanied and in close proximity of others. This also includes general hand signals & instructions to warn other riders in the group of obstructions and other road users where abouts.  Then as time moves on and the rider becomes more experienced, paced riding in a close grouping formation, otherwise known as "Chain gang" it's a higher paced riding that involves riders taking the lead at set intervals within the group. All riders within the group when not leading, slot in at the rear until their turn at the front comes round again.

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What do I need to come on a club run?
 As above, a roadworthy racing bike. Spare inner tubes and a drink and a small amount of re-energising food.  (Banana)

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Are you insured/am I insured?
On training/club rides you are liability covered by the CTC. But it is recommended that additional personal insurance is taken out.

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What’s a time trial?
This is where individual riders (though sometimes it can be in pairs) rides at their best capability for the set distance of that course. Each starting at one minute intervals. There must be no taking pace (drafting or slip streaming) from other riders. Each rider once finished is given their time achieved and a position of that day.

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What’s a road race?
This is the opposite of a time trial. All riders start together, ride normally as a bunch using their strengths to outwit the other riders to gain the front position. This is not only for the finish, but at particular sections of the ride to gain points in sprints, hill climbs and primes. Sometimes a team may enter with the intention to work together as to gain a better advantage on the podium.

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What’s a sportive and do you do any?
 A good quantity of PNE members have entered a few this year and found them to be very enjoyable. A good challenge and a milestone for fitness.

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What’s an audax or randonee
This is a longer ride that is for the experienced rider. Whereas club rides are around the 30-40 miles and of occasion 70 miles. Audax and Randonee are commonly over the 100mile mark.

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New Members
According to our rules, you should give your details to the Membership Secretary and your membership will be ratified at the next club Committee meeting.  In reality, we don’t vet you really – just pay the appropriate subscription below and you’ll become the latest cyclist to be eligible to wear the well-known red, white and blue racing jersey!  Speak to the Procurement Officer and you might find he has just the clothing you are after already in stock.

Change in membership type
In early April this year (2010) a Meeting was held with club members. This was to propose changes of both the subscription payment date and to drop the Non-Racing type membership. Both of which were agreed upon, so the membership form has now been revised to reflect these changes.

What does this mean for both new and existing members?
The payment date for subscriptions is to now run from the 1st of January to 31st December. On the Application form there is a table which denotes the levee depending on which month you wish to join. This amount will enable your membership up to the end of that year, or in the latter months, up to the end of the following year. This will enable the club as a whole to forecast on finances and expenditure. Thus enabling new equipment, insurances, signs, etc to be purchased.

With Existing Members, there will be a part year payment when your levee is due. This will bring you up to the end of the year. Then on the 1st January full payment can commence.

Full member
Basically, this entitles you to ride and race (if you so choose to) in the PNE colours.

Associate Membership*  (2nd Claim)     
   *This is commonly used by cyclists who are 1st Claim members of another club and wish to join another. A common type of Membership across all clubs. 

Subscriptions (from 1 April 2010)

Club Rules

Our Club rules can be found here Club Rules

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Should I use my lights while racing or training

It is not mandatory to do so, but recommended by the PNECC for riders to at least have a flashing rear light while racing or on training rides. This will then draw attention to other road users of our presents. It has been of discussion recently (Regulation No.14 ) and the outcome has yet to be announced.

From South D. C. as above Regulations No.14 ”Competitors machines”

All competitors machines must be fitted with a working light, either flashing or constant.

Listening to the various rep`s from other clubs. Dave Collard Berry informed that at the start of the Goodwood hilly. Kath thought it very dark under the trees that several cars had lights on.

Further to this info, Dave has been confronted by Hampshire Police who stated when it was considered bad enough light cars put their lights on what ever the time of day.

In his opinion cyclist on the A3M should also show a rear light under these condition

Alan Sharpen took this on board and it may be a local condition racing on the A3M Kath also said they have 20 easy to attach rear lights for competitors, also the New Forest  CC like-wise as it is a condition of riders in their TT to have a rear light

I don’t know if that’s in evening events only.

So it would appear more work for promoting clubs.

The Nation Council meeting is taking  place on Sunday 5th of December to discuss the Agenda, until then  rear lights on competitors machines is not a requirement under Regulation No 14

To ask any specific questions please e-mail one of the contacts shown on the right or sign up to our FORUM where we have a category for FAQ's