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How old do you have to be to join in the
club's activities?
There is no minimum age for Beacon membership. Young people
can join in the club's activities as soon as they are ready
to, and (where relevant) as soon as the rules of the event
allow.
Racing
The sport's various governing bodies each have their own
rules governing the minimum age for participation in different
types of race. You will need to consult the governing body
in question; if you need any assistance with this, get in
touch via our Contact page.
Club runs and other group rides
A young cyclist is welcome to join one of the Beacon's group
rides when his or her parents judge that he or she is mature
enough to cope with traffic and strong enough to complete
the ride. Our monthly introductory
rides should be within the capabilities of youngsters
who are already used to riding for, say, at least an hour
at maybe 10 to 12 mph. To complete one of our other regular
rides, a young cyclist needs to be used to riding further
and faster; see the club
runs page for details. A fit youngster with the relevant
experience might be able to complete an introductory ride
at twelve to fourteen, and a Sunday club run at fifteen or
sixteen; but, of course, everyone is different. Members with
younger children sometimes take part in club rides on tandems.
Most youngsters find the experience of joining in a club
ride less daunting if a parent or another trusted adult comes
along, at least to begin with. If an under-sixteen takes part
unaccompanied, the run leader needs to know he or she is there
with parental consent. The young person and his/her parents
should also to take a look at our club run guidelines. It
is particularly important that everyone concerned understands
that a Beacon ride is simply a group of friends on a joint
excursion; we look out for each other, as friends do, but
there isn't an organiser with legal responsibility for the
rest.
Informal get-togethers
Members with children of a similar age sometimes get together
to arrange ad hoc rides. These may be on the road, along canal
towpaths or on off-road trails. However, there is no regular
programme of such rides. Our message
board is a good way of making contact with other club
members with children.
Go-Ride
Beacon RCC participates in British Cycling's Go-Ride scheme.
This involves qualified club members going in to schools to
lead the children in cycling skills sessions. For details
get in touch via our Contact
page and/or refer the relevant part of the BC
website.
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