The committee has agreed the following approach to restarting club rides.:

1 With effect from 29 March 2021, club rides can restart, initially with a maximum group size of six.  Strictly speaking, no cafe stop would be possible as no cafes would be open.  But it wouldn’t rule out a group of six getting a takeaway if they can find a suitable venue.  The logic behind this is that outdoor gatherings (including in private gardens) of either 6 people (the Rule of 6) or 2 households will also be allowed.  Track and trace practice should be followed.

2 This would allow two weeks to gather feedback so we can advise further for activities from the week beginning Monday 12 April, after which outdoor hospitality can open.  As a club, we benefit from the organised sport and activity exemption which allows group rides of more than six.  While British Cycling-affiliated Club rides or recreation programme rides for up to 15 participants are authorised by BC, as a club, we will not authorise such a large group on the highway.  In any event, maximum group size within any limit set by the club  will be at the discretion of the ride leader (i.e. if a ride leader wishes to take a group limited to six, that is their judgement and should always be respected).

3 Hospitality venues will be allowed to serve people outdoors from Monday 12 April (table service), which would facilitate a cafe stop.  It may be that some of the more popular venues may require booking, but it seems likely that such venues will be very busy.  

4 Initially, club rides can be promoted and arranged by posting on the forum or Facebook Group.  We are hoping to launch the club’s Spond Group in the near future, which will make bookings much easier.  Remember that rides privately arranged between club members are not to be described as club rides.

5 When on club rides, please wear the club kit if possible as it demonstrates that we are a responsible club.

It would normally be about now that we would get together for the annual Presentation Evening, but due to present circumstances, that is not possible.  Despite the ongoing situation, some racing did take place last year and we are pleased to announce the following award winners.  Some awards, such as the novice awards, are to be finalised, and the Committee hopes that we can have an event in the summer at which formal presentations can be made.  There was no Hill Climb or Mountain Time Trial in 2020.  The middle distance for the Long Distance BAR is taken from the National 50, the only middle distance event run in the NE in 2020.

Club Member of the Year: Adrian Snell