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Went out for a solo ride today (of course!), and passed or saw 3 groups of older roadies out for group rides.
Had a look on Strava flyby just on case I was mistaken, but for the ones I could see they were obviously riding as groups. Two of the groups were even wearing club jerseys (Honiton Spinners was the one I can recall).
This cheeses me off a bit as I've been solo riding for 5+ weeks now, and it seems that on nearly every ride I've been on I've seen riders of the 'older generation' out for a spin in groups. Do they not think that they have to follow the same rules as the rest of us?
I know that cycling with others has a pretty low risk of transmission, but it will only feed anti-cyclist feeling.
Your sincerely,
Concerned of East Devon 😉
I'll counter that with the 4 guys on MTB's who met at a local car park, first bumps for all as they arrived and got out their cars. Dicks ride bikes of any persuasion.
older generation’ out for a spin in groups.
How old are we talking ? 40’s 50’s 60’s
Very true, though to to be fair round here I've only seen MTBers riding solo, or very obvious father/son/wife/daughter combos.
How old are we talking ? 40’s 50’s 60’s
I'd say late 50s-60s in all 3 cases today.
Yeah, I'm wondering where these mythical hordes of group riders are. They must be out there from the streams of vitriol on social media but in all my hundreds of miles of riding in April, I've only seen one group (of 4) that I'd consider a bit "hmm, can't quite believe they're all housemates".
Everyone else is alone, obvious couples or obvious family groups.
Wearing team jerseys is a whole other level of idiocy, that's like holding up a red flag shouting "club ride!"
On a general note very much related to the OP though, I'd say that "lockdown" is beginning to be more like "mildly restricted"...
i've seen plenty of riders of the 'younger generation' on bikes out for spin in groups
well mainly sat around drinking beer in the woods and smoking herbal cigarettes...
Phew I’m 47 still viewed as a youngster 🤣
I'm 45 next week. Not too old, but definitely not young!
It's the folks on strava that pop up having ridden in a pair for 100 miles that gets me. Just the other day the club president, and someone who works for one of the cycling establishments that have said 'ride solo' shows up having done 70 miles with another club member.
I understand it's probably low risk, but as op stated it's the impression it gives. Plus if cyclists can ignore guidance, then why not footballers golfers etc etc
Had a solo 30 mile loop out today including 10 miles on the A6 north of Derby - the main approach route to the Peak from the south - and not a single group seen. Only loners or obviously partners or parents and kids. And it's been like that since the second week of lockdown on all the rides I've done around Derby and Nottingham.
I'd suggest an email/social media post to Honiton Spinners reminding them of the rules, maybe involve BC or Cycling UK if they are affiliated. Our club took a kicking on social media after some idiots rode together the first weekend, all members got a very blunt email afterwards. No more groups and no more club jerseys till after lockdown.
Judging by Strava, my club has been pretty diligent with the whole riding solo thing. Other that some ‘group rides’ arranged for Zwift, and a lot of WhatsApp activity, I don’t think there has been any contact between any of us.
The groups I've seen have been yoofs. Oh and pedestrians. Anecdotal evidence eh?
Well yes, it's entirely based on what I've seen, so only valid in that context 😋
The other groupings I've seen have been dog walkers. They see you coming and suddenly split off in 3 or 4 different directions whistling innocently.
One group of 4 MTBers, that's it. I have been struck, though, by the number of individuals cycling one handed looking at their phone in the other...
The other groupings I’ve seen have been dog walkers. They see you coming and suddenly split off in 3 or 4 different directions whistling innocently.
Doggers or dog walkers?
Local (road) club here have been "active" in a manner contrary to government and BC guidance and there has been some ill-feeling as a result. I don't think it's an age thing, though I wonder how much of it is inspired by a "need" to remain competitive and then seeing what other folk are doing.
Have seen a few pairs which didn't seem all that same householdy. I was more bothered today by the one who decided he was going to get out of the headwind for a minute by drafting me (I was on a 150mm full suss, and not exactly setting a competitive pace!) Snotrockets are frowned upon in the current situation, I believe, so I eventually had to pull over to get rid of him.
The local roadie club got caught with a few of their members going for small group rides last weekend. They're under orders to not wear club kit and go solo. Saw a group of 3 of them out yesterday evening in club tops.
Other than that just the odd family group of riders. Walkers and dog walkers on the other hand, driving to closed car parks, meeting in groups, no social distancing etc.
I've seen more youngsters out riding together, both teenage/twentysomething "proper MTBers" and the shirts off, neck tattooed BSO crew.
I did see a group of middle aged MTBers meet up and head out onto the moors together last weekend.
Anyway, you are turning an anecdote into an unjustified generalisation.
no more club jerseys till after lockdown
Why no club jerseys if riding solo?
I have been struck, though, by the number of individuals cycling one handed looking at their phone in the other…
I know. Much easier no hands...
As dovebiker says dicks are dicks whatever. I’ve seen cases of people clearly having people round for afternoon beers in the sun, people working in groups that shouldn’t be, the odd group of bikers that look like mates etc etc.
But in the main people doing what is asked. If they locked it down further it would be the same dicks that just carry on anyway.
Does seem more traffic about last couple of weeks though for sure.
From what I've seen generally around the South Downs today, lockdown is over anyway. So crack on and do whatever you want people.
We've seen all types out together. It's quite clear that a lot of people have no idea what 2m is or that it is supposed to apply to the sides as well as just the front.
But then having just had an interesting experience whilst out having a short walk just now I suspect that the 80/20 rule covers pretty much the entire population.
Why no club jerseys if riding solo?
We still have some people banging out 50-100 mile rides. Not technically illegal, but the club would prefer not to have our jerseys spotted 50 miles from home and get shitty social media posts from the curtain twitching Stasi informants.
I have suggested that given the large number of families with kids now riding, and a lot of people dragging old bikes out the shed, plugging the youth academy and the off road "cycle for health" rides we run for the council via a bit of local Jersey wearing advertising and social media work might be in order, but they took the view that the risk of stupid was too great still.
It's difficult to say whether a group of riders are from the same household, or not.
As these folks were 'older', then could have all come from the same care home 😉
The only large bunch of cyclists I saw in the height of the restrictions here in Germany were a team affiliated with my LBS. They are all over 60 and mainly ex pros/ elite level racers. I couldn’t believe they were riding in a group of about 15 riders. The stupidly of it was breathtaking.
Have a ride around Cheshire on a Sunday morning, guaranteed you'll see a few groups of three or four riders of similar age/sex. Doubt they live together. This in addition to the many pairs of men out riding together making a half arsed effort to stay apart (until a car passes them).
Honestly don't see why people feel the need to do this. Is it that hard to ride on your own? Do they feel so insecure in their lycra that they need to be in groups?
My experiences is that a lot of people feel the need to group together as they're afraid of being on their own. They do it in cycling as well of course.
I wonder whether the general attitude is shifting? Not seen any road groups at all, but saw a big group on MTB on Dartmoor today.
I was out for 3 hours today, lots of cyclists, but I don't think I saw anyone obviously flouting the rules. I was on a couple of sections shared with pedestrians, and people were generally good about maintaing distance when passing reach other. My cycling club emailed all members with very clear guidance about riding responsibly.
It feels like the roads are getting busier, though. I suspect there is a lot of unnecessary driving going on.
Some chap on a bike today swerved across full width of road, up the grass bank to within a metre of myself and my wife (stood with bikes) to ride back down the grassy bank verge. Then rejoined his pal on the far side of the road and continued in his way.
It's like he chose to do a 'close pass' on us.
Not sure why some people don’t get it. Someone mentioned the 2m rule pretty certain that is with relatively static non exercising humans in mind. Even if a cyclist is not coughing or sneezing, exercising hard they’re going to be breathing out aerosolised vapour from deep within their lungs. A following cyclist Mate within 10m at 20mph is I would suggest at risk of breathing in this vapour. Think about following someone down a dusty mtb trail....
Seeing as you can’t hold a conversation at anything above 3-4m apart why run that risk rather than staying solo. I’m really missing my riding mates so roadies Risking riding getting a bad name is annoying.
Even if a cyclist is not coughing or sneezing, exercising hard they’re going to be breathing out aerosolised vapour from deep within their lungs. A following cyclist Mate within 10m at 20mph is I would suggest at risk of breathing in this vapour.
Everything I've read says the liklihood of contracting it simply from someone else's breath is miniscule. I'm not sure I'm as convinced as what you say makes sense to me, but it would be good to get some formal guidance for when we are allowed to start group riding again.
We still have some people banging out 50-100 mile rides. Not technically illegal, but the club would prefer not to have our jerseys spotted 50 miles from home
Makes sense for rides that stretch the limits a bit I agree.
Might dig out my Finsbury Park CC top and see if anyone tries to shame me up here in Lancs.
Though I was copping enough shit just for being out on a bike at all yesterday.
Some people are going to follow the "lockdown" guidelines, some aren't... what kid of bike/sporting activities/shopping they do is irrelevant.
This cheeses me off a bit ...
I know that cycling with others has a pretty low risk of transmission, but it will only feed anti-cyclist feeling.
What feeds the anti-cycling feeling is people posting criticm of cyclist that the haters can use as ammonition .. like what you are doing.
You know there is a pretty low risk of transmission .. so run with that instead of getting a bit cheesed off.
I’ll counter that with the 4 guys on MTB’s who met at a local car park, [b]fist bumps for all as they arrived and got out their cars[/b]. Dicks ride bikes of any persuasion.
dicks without the lockdown TBF
5* 40-50yos in stanmer woods today, half on ebikes, the other half on massive enduro rigs (not sure quite what they had them for).
'oh yeah mate we all live in the same house *wink*'
See groups of riders every time I go out and groups stood chatting. From teens to old duffers. No idea why the rules don't apply to them
What feeds the anti-cycling feeling is people posting criticm of cyclist that the haters can use as ammonition .. like what you are doing.
Not particularly stuff on this thread, but it seems endemic in the cycling press and social media "Hate me! Hate me!"
I just don't get it. Most people are at best indifferent to cyclists, most are ignorant and/or careless around us, a very small minority actually hate us, and we give them far more "air time" and importance than they deserve.
Just to remind you that not all households are the same - youngest son just qualified as physio and lives with one junior doctor and one other medic, they are not even all the same colour 🤔
I have been riding most weeks with three other members of my club. 😳
But then my wife and our two (school age) boys are in the same club as me. 😉
Occasionally we wear club jerseys.
Nothing to do with age or even riding a bike from what I've seen.
People think "Covid is done."
Complacency is going to kill people.
I was out for about two and a half hours on my roadie bike today in rural Stirlingshire. On the couple of short bits of A road that I was on, the traffic was noticeably busier than it has been the past weeks. On the quiet back roads, and that bugger of an unclassified road, I saw loads of cyclists which is brilliant, but I also saw quite a few guys riding in pairs or small groups which made me think 'hmmm..'
Saw some brilliant looking retro road bikes that I assume have been dragged out of retirement. Think the best thing I saw was when I was nearly back into my local town and a couple in their mid-twenties came zooming towards me on their leccy scooters. I'd just crested a nasty wee climb and was properly blowing out my arse, as this couple sailed past me on the other side of the road. They didn't even look like they'd broken a sweat. Proper athletes! Made me laugh, but at least they were getting some air and sunshine.
People think “Covid is done.”
Complacency is going to kill people
Not seeing that round here, the Derby/Nottingham area, certainly not hearing anything like that when chatting to people, observing people when I'm out (shopping or exercise!) or anecdotally.
The number of idiots really doesn't seem to have increased from where it was at the start. A few more people are back at work - Toyota reopened part of their plant this week - so there might be more traffic, but not seeing anything to make me any more worried so far.
People think “Covid is done.”
Complacency is going to kill people
Thing is we are a long way away from where we were when the lock down started, pubs, restaurants, sports events on, all shops open etc so even if there are a few idiots out there transmission rates are going to be way lower even if the idiots actively tried to infect as many people as they could.
What I found today was two old guys way across the road so one ended up to close to me which I turned and said wheres the bloody distance what can you do with some people no hope.
Just the other day the club president, and someone who works for one of the cycling establishments that have said ‘ride solo’ shows up having done 70 miles with another club member.
You don't actually have to be *that* close for Strava's algorithms to do their thing and show you as riding "with" someone. There is a parameter somewhere of how much of the route and within what timeframe is required for it to link you to another rider.
Seen an awful lot of casual (new)cyclists today and loads of them with no helmets, seen about 10 bikes holding a bus up and not one of them had a helmet on,
Disappointed to go for my first forest road cycle yesterday and see that most of the " cheeky" off-piste trails look freshly used where they join the forest roads.
My friend who is heavily involved in the Mountain rescue service said their last call out , unfortunately for a fatality, not related to biking involved 22 people . I find incredulous that people are still putting themselves,and therefore others ,at risk through their selfishness.
Most people are at best indifferent to cyclists, most are ignorant and/or careless around us, a very small minority actually hate us, and we give them far more “air time” and importance than they deserve.
Dislike / hatred is normal to most folk. the comments I get at work show that. One will cmake an anti cyclist statement and the rest chip in with theirs
Its abhorrent. Its the product of decades of demonisation in the press and jealousy 'cos we haven't spent tens of thousands to sit it traffic jams
Seen an awful lot of casual (new)cyclists today and loads of them with no helmets, seen about 10 bikes holding a bus up and not one of them had a helmet on,
Didn't know you had to wear one in the UK.
Could the bus have passed safely with 10 bikes in single file?
Seen an awful lot of casual (new)cyclists today and loads of them with no helmets, seen about 10 bikes holding a bus up and not one of them had a helmet on,
What's a helmet or lack of one got to do with anything?
The helmetless riders are not wearing the proper uniform - thats the trouble
Seen an awful lot of casual (new)cyclists today and loads of them with no helmets, seen about 10 bikes holding a bus up and not one of them had a helmet on,
I am a non casual (old) cyclist and don't wear a helmet so guess I am okay in you ignorant view of the world?
As for groups, I have only see 2 groups out since lockdown and they were both young. Sorry that doesn't fit with OPs observation.
Still loads more people out on bikes though so all good. I haven't been for a ride in lockdown without seeing at least 5 other cyclists whereas I used to typically see none (I ride early in the morning)
Seen an awful lot of casual (new)cyclists today and loads of them with no helmets, seen about 10 bikes holding a bus up and not one of them had a helmet on,
Utterly ****ing stupid thing to say.
The helmetless riders are not wearing the proper uniform – thats the trouble
Any fule kno proppa uniform is a casquette from one of the old teams your bike manufacturer used to support.
OP - the Honiton Spinners sound like a folk group for very local people. Were they singing whilst cycling?
Just came across a group of nine Spanish riders in Epping forest, grouped together and wanting to approach me to ask directions which I shouted from afar...
Dickyboy
Subscriber
Just to remind you that not all households are the same – youngest son just qualified as physio and lives with one junior doctor and one other medic, they are not even all the same colour 🤔
This is a really good point. I saw 4 mountain bikers earlier this morning and immediately assumed they were doing wrong but they could legitimately be house mates.
I get some knowing looks when I go out for a ride with my 17 and 19 yr old sons (because we look like three random blokes)
Plenty of groups of MTBers round here. Obviously not family groups and I doubt that there are that many groups of young men living in one household in the FoD. Seems to be the thing to ignore any restrictions. Suspect people are just getting bored. Why I don't know. It hasn't been that long and it's not as if it's been a lockdown, just a few restrictions.
How long are thee 'solo' rides ?, as to play devils advocate, it could be suggested there is no need to go on a 35 mile trip and call it dally exercise.
Yes lots of people break the rules, but to see them you've got to be out there yourself. Personally I've stayed in all days, with a 20 minute ride in the evenings, and once a week to the supermarket.
Only been out a couple of times on my road bike for about 30 miles each time. Going through villages and residential roads there are quite a few people on the pavement. I look behind and if there are no cars coming I swerve out a bit to give a bit more distance. Easy when the roads are empty but when they get busier it will be more difficult. Long term I expect the number of pedestrians to go down a bit I suppose.
Also, I was waiting in a pavement queue (all of us 2m apart) to get into the local Costcutter and a runner runs past us all, about a foot away. The muppet was wearing an Ironman Tee Shirt.
The thing I find most surprising in all this is the Strava thing. If you're going to do stuff others might question it's really your own call but why put it on Strava?
I've not done anything that involved travel or carried increased risk of transmission or injury but I have come off Strava lest some of my activities confuse or upset others.
there is no need to go on a 35 mile trip and call it dally exercise.
What do you think is an acceptable distance for a solo ride, and what are the reasons for your choice?
I have come off Strava lest some of my activities confuse or upset others.
Does upsetting people who act like dinner ladies really bother you?
Unfortunately its best to carry on and just ignore such people because it only validates their bizzare behaviour.
Meh!! to the self appointed lockdown police.
From what I saw on a spin around my local area today, it's not older roadies, it's younger MTBers. All the car parks are closed but that hasn't stopped people parking up on verges, in laybys and so on. I think that area is very quiet and the chances of police going through it are near zero so there's been a substantial increase in traffic there the last couple of weeks.
Van parked up, 4 MTBers hanging round the back of it. Local DH track / jumpspot (fairly well hidden admittedly) but a group of lads at the top and then 3 rolling out of the bottom of it together. And what looked ot be about three families who'd all come together for a nice potter round the closed road - yes, I get it's closed to traffic, it's scenic and so on but that's not social distancing, that's three households mingling.
Although if it helps the ridiculous helmet police further upthread ^^, they were all wearing helmets. I only saw one older roadie. He was alone and wearing a helmet, I feel I should state this to keep everyone happy.
Distance for a solo ride can vary from a few miles to as many as you can do.
But thats not the point here though is it. The point here is going for long rides,when the advice is stay home.
Yes they say exercise, but I'll bet it isnt 10-30-50miles- whatever. they'll be thinking ride around your immediate area, not go off on long jaunts.
Its the spirit of it isnt it.
They're stopping people in parks in their own area, and highlighting some folk travelling miles to beaches and the outdoors, is a 35 mile ride not the same, especially when people are saying theyre visiting different villages(sorry lol, the reference was there.)
So do you think if i got in my car and drove to Edinburgh, about the same distance, they wouldnt have a problem with it ?. Of course they would and course you'd get a fine and maybe a mention on national news.
Do the same on a bike, and call it exercise.
Do the same on a bike, and call it exercise.
I have been, thanks.
Disappointed to go for my first forest road cycle yesterday and see that most of the ” cheeky” off-piste trails look freshly used where they join the forest roads.
So what if people are riding off road?
Distance for a solo ride can vary from a few miles to as many as you can do.
But thats not the point here though is it. The point here is going for long rides,when the advice is stay home.
Yes they say exercise, but I’ll bet it isnt 10-30-50miles- whatever. they’ll be thinking ride around your immediate area, not go off on long jaunts.
Its the spirit of it isnt it.
Blah, blah, etc.
What a load of twaddle. No one has told us that we can't go for a decent length ride, it's only riding with others that's been banned.
I started this thread as I was a bit cheesed off seeing groups of obviously unrelated riders out and about. I don't give a toss if they go for a 2 or 3 hour ride solo...it's just the riding as a group that's not on.
I don’t give a toss if they go for a 2 or 3 hour ride solo…it’s just the riding as a group that’s not on.
This.
I’d say that a 35 mile road ride is absolutely fine and in line with government thinking. Probably no more than 13 or 14 miles away from home. Less than 120 mins of exercise is a lot less than normal for a roadie so is in line with reducing our time outside. I’ll come into a lot less human contact than I would walking the dog. Me and the wife alternate walking the dog with riding days.
I know friends who meet up for a take out coffee (mtbers and roadies), they’re all young. All ride solo but meet up for a coffee on a village green, then ride away again solo. I don’t meet up as don’t agree with that.
Its the spirit of it isnt it
The "spirit of it" is exercising in a responsible manner, which means going from your front door and avoiding contact with people outside your household. It's nothing to with how long you are out for, or the distance you travel.
Driving to exercise is a different situation altogether. People driving don't all park in isolated spots. Most of them will end up congregating in common parking areas. Unnecessary car journeys also mean more visits to petrol stations to fill up, introducing another potential common transmission point.
A 35 mile road ride isn't exercise unless you're a professional cyclist
This lockdown period has set back the general publics view of cyclists years
I saw maybe five or six groups of 3+ (one was 6) that I assumed didn’t live together on the roads of Cheshire today. Mainly blokes and mainly a bit of older than me (so 50s, I’d guess).
I punished them all by not saying hi or waving back. I’m sure they all feel suitably admonished.
This lockdown period has set back the general publics view of cyclists years
I've seen or heard nothing personally or on social media suggesting that the general public feel this way about cyclists per se. Most of the public seem to accept that some cyclists are dicks, in probably the same proportion as the rest of the population.
See my comments further up the page.
A 35 mile road ride isn’t exercise unless you’re a professional cyclist
Eh?