How do I join Horsham Cycling?
By completing the online form and paying the membership fee. See here for further details.
Can I join if I'm under 18?
Yes, but your parent or legal guardian will need to complete an authorisation form beforehand. This applies even if you want to ride with us as a guest before joining. See here for further details.
I'm thinking of joining but I'm not sure I'll like it. Can I come on a ride before I make up my mind?
Yes, you'd be welcome to come along on a ride or two as a guest before joining - just show up at our meeting place and introduce yourself to one of our members, who will point you in the right direction for your chosen group. We would ask you to join after your second ride. Please read our Group Ride Safety & Etiquette guide before you come along. On some Sundays in Autumn we run 'reliability trials' instead of our normal Club rides - see Events for dates. Note rides are cancelled when ice/extreme weather is forecast.
'Lapsed' members are welcome to join one ride as a guest while considering whether to rejoin... we'd love to see you back!
Does the Club's insurance cover me?
NO! Our insurance only covers the Club for its legal liability and that of its organisers. We strongly recommend members take out individual third-party liability cover such as that provided at reasonable cost by British Cycling, Cycling UK and several other providers. Before buying, check their policy doesn't exclude group rides - some do! (Read our guide to different types of insurance here.)
Where do your rides go?
North, south, east and west! Our Sunday rides range from 30 miles up to 60+ depending on the group. Saturday rides are shorter: 25-35 miles. Some Sunday groups schedule longer rides from time to time. See the distance/speed criteria for each group here. Routes are often published in advance of the ride using the Club's Spond app (details given on joining).
What sort of bike do I need?
Most members ride road bikes (with drop handlebars), and a few use hybrids (flat handlebars). While not prohibited, mountain bikes may be unsuitable for faster road riding. Bikes must be fully roadworthy.
Please note we do not allow bikes fitted with aero/tri-bars on our group rides.
What equipment should I take on a ride?
We recommend you take at least a pump, tyre-levers and spare inner tube (even if you ride tubeless tyres). A multi-tool can come in handy for minor mechanical adjustments.
Please note cycle helmets are compulsory on Club group rides - no helmet, no ride.
Do rides stop for a café break?
Most groups do not have a café stop but instead have a roadside 'banana break' halfway round the ride. Members often choose to meet at a café in town after the ride for a coffee and chinwag.
Please note we have a no-alcohol policy on our rides.
Do you allow e-bikes on Club rides?
e-bikes are permitted in our slower groups (Social 1, Social 2, Saturday Social & Offroad). They must conform to regulations governing Electrically-Assisted Pedal Cycles (EAPCs) and riders must observe our e-bike Policy.
Do you ride in all weathers?
Almost! The exceptions are when ice or extreme wind is forecast. Sometimes individual group leaders will cancel for other reasons, eg heavy rain. We notify members of a general cancellation as far in advance as possible using our Spond app and by email.
Do you have offroad/gravel rides?
Yes! The offroad group has occasional rides (approx monthly). When scheduled they are listed on our Spond group.
Do you have rides just for women?
Yes - sometimes the ladies prefer to go out without the chaps! We schedule a women-only ride for the 3rd Sunday of each month. These are shown on our Spond group.
Does the Club run social events?
Yes! We have a vibrant social scene, from regular pub-nights to weekends away. Annual events include the Awards Dinner at Christmas, the summer barbecue, the spring weekend, the Isle of Wight weekend and participation in the randonnée organised by Velo Club Mouscron (Belgium) which we normally combine with a weekend in the cycling mecca of Flanders. View our slideshows here for a taste!
Do I have to wear Club kit?
No, although we encourage it. Our kit is high quality and the Club subsidy makes it excellent value for money. View the range here.
I've seen Spond mentioned on the website. What is it?
Spond is an app the Club uses for communicating with members. It shows leader rotas and ride routes and is used to advertise and take bookings for Club trips and social events. It has a private-messaging function for communication with other members (1:1 or as a chat group). Further details will be given on joining.
Does the Club provide coaching?
No, we do not provide coaching for road cycling or racing. Horsham Youth Cycling Club are a youth mountain-biking club for children aged between 7 and 14 years. They offer safe coached riding sessions ranging from developing bike handling skills and jump sessions through to downhill and cross-country riding. HYCC is not part of Horsham Cycling.