Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Where are you based?
Road rides usually start from the car park at Low Burnhall Woodland Trust nature reserve on the outskirts of Durham on most Saturdays and Sundays but if you intend to come along as a guest, please check first. We try to meet socially on the first Monday of every month at the Kingslodge Inn on Waddington Street, Durham City, DH1 4BG from 7 pm.
Q. Would I need to join straightaway?
You can come along for up to three rides before we ask you to join us formally.
Q. What will I need?
A serviceable bike obviously, one that is appropriate for the terrain – road, gravel or hybrid are suitable for road rides while a mountain bike, gravel or hybrid will do for most off-road rides (usually railway or bridle paths). Rear lights should always be fitted and front lights are a good idea in winter as are mudguards. A bike computer isn’t essential but is handy for speed, distance, elevation etc, as well as for downloading routes.
A good multi-tool; a couple of tyre levers; at least one spare inner tube (even if you’re running tubeless); a means of repair (glueless patches are ideal); a reliable means of inflation (pump); food; fluid; appropriate clothing including rain cover; cash and/or card; phone (up to you); good cheer and a dash of self-reliance.
Q. How fit do I need to be?
If you can ride in the terrain around Durham for a couple of hours without stopping and you feel secure and confident on your bike, particularly in traffic, that’ll be enough to get started. We’ll advise on the appropriate group depending on what you tell us. Club mates are always on hand to help but we don’t offer formal instruction or training, the tradition being to learn ‘on the job’.
If you can average 12.5-13 mph on your own you’ll probably manage comfortably on a Sunday. There’s a bit more to it than that but you’ve got to start somewhere! For independent spirits, it’s always an option to ride so far then make your own way home rather than commit to the whole ride (many of us do this routinely). Just let the ride leader know your plans.
From time to time we run ‘Restarter Rides’ at a slower pace – often on cycle tracks – to introduce prospective members to riding with a club (along with reintegrating current members whose fitness might have lapsed). However, these programs can’t be guaranteed and it’s always better to cultivate your own fitness and enthusiasm for cycling.
Q. What does a typical club run involve?
Saturday road rides are generally designed to be more challenging than Sunday rides: they tend to be longer (60+ miles), hillier (usually some tough ones involved) and/or quicker (typically 16-17 mph). Sunday rides are usually shorter (averaging around 40-50 miles) at 14-15 mph.
All groups have a ‘no-drop’ policy but you need to be realistic about your abilities so that everyone can enjoy their day (try a Sunday ride first, if you’re not sure). Rides include (and are often based on) a half-hour cafe stop which is generally around half-way.
Q. What is the minimum age for membership?
You need to be 16 years and over to join or ride with DCV. We don’t have the infrastructure to accept youngsters under 16 years. There’s no MAXIMUM age limit though!
Q. How much does it cost to join the club?
Current fees are available on MemberMojo
Q. How do I join?
Follow the instructions to join securely online through MemberMojo.
Q. How do I get kit?
Our kit is manufactured exclusively by Provision who require a minimum order quantity and with lead times up to 12 weeks. We do hold some stock of popular items about which you’ll need to speak to the Kit Manager.
