• All riders must attend the safety briefing prior to the start of the event.
• Race numbers must be worn on the lower back of your jersey and be visible at all times.
• Race numbers will be coloured according to registered distance.
• Helmet sticker must be worn on the front and be visible.
• A rider must obey traffic laws (Road Code) at all times.
• A rider may not deliberately impede or obstruct the progress of another (particularly with an abrupt motion).
• Drafting Safely - Some riders are not confident when drafting or riding in bunches, so STAY ALERT at all times.  (For more information see Riding Etiquette below).
• Minimum age is 8 yrs old.
• Bikes must be in road worthy condition.
• Use of headphones, headset, glass containers, IPods and mobile phones are not permitted.
• An approved safety helmet must be worn.
• Helmets must be securely fastened at all times, and must fit the participants head firmly.
• If you set off to complete one distance and do more or less laps than you registered for, please inform the finish marshal so that your results can be appropriately recorded.
• Marshals will be removed from the course at 1.00pm.  After this time competitors will be responsible for finding their own way back to the finish line.
• For safety reasons aero bars must not be used during this event.
• Any rider who crosses the centre line will automatically be disqualified.
• Tyres, plastic bottles and other items must not be discarded on the course.
• Disabled riders may use handcycles (no wheelchairs allowed).

Never ever cross the centre line. Never cut corners

When riding 2 abreast keep to the left hand side of the road.If you are riding slowly you can expect faster riders, some in group formations, to pass on your right, please ride in single file to allow them to pass without crossing the centre line.

Be predictable with your actions.

If you see any hazards on the road e.g. broken glass, pot holes - call out to those who may be following behind you.

If you are going to stop, slow down slowly and pull over only when it is safe to do so.

At all times you must obey the normal road rules, and this includes signalling at intersections and when changing your line.

Group Riding Formation Etiquette

During the ride some cyclists will choose to work in group formations to assist each others time during the ride. These group formations can travel at speed. If you decided to participate in group formation riding, certain principles and etiquette apply. These principles are vital to the safety of the group and it’s members. Failure to adhere to these principles will mean you are putting yourself and others at risk. Adhering to these principles means you will avoid falls and gain the confidence of others around you whilst group riding. 

Obey the road rules: At all times whilst working in group formations you must obey the normal road rules, and this includes signalling at intersections and when changing your line.

No sudden moves: Don’t suddenly turn right, turn left, speed up or slow down. It is inefficient and dangerous. Be predictable with all your actions.

Be smooth: Riders new to pace lines feel the need to show they can keep up. Some work harder and speed up at the front. This is wrong. The front rider relinquishing the lead should move over to the side and slow down slightly. The rider assuming the lead does not speed up but maintains the same speed. Be smooth when your turn comes to go to the front of the group. Avoid surging. A group will travel quicker when turns are completed smoothly.

Gear selection: it is important to select the correct gears for the pace you are riding. Don’t suddenly go from a high gear to a very low one as this will slow the bike and possible cause an accident.

Give others a turn: The idea is not to prove how strong you are by hogging the front, but rather to learn how to ride together in a group, and feel comfortable changing positions. There will be plenty of time to test your strength.

Maintain a steady straight line:avoid braking or changing direction suddenly. Remember that there is likely to be riders following closely behind you. To slow down raise your hand into the air, to stop do the same.

Try to avoid stopping: when in the middle of a bunch.  If it is necessary to stop rapidly due to a mechanical failure, puncture etc call out loudly “puncture” and slow BEFORE stopping.

Warn of road hazards ahead: If there is plenty of time everyone can avoid a road hazard. If there is not sufficient time to avoid glass or a hole, it is safer to ride over the hazard rather than violate rule number one – No Sudden Moves. Road hazards include potholes, drain grates, stray animals, opening car doors, sticks or stones, parked cars, glass etc. One of your obligations when you ride in a pack is to point out or call out road hazards. Don't just look out for yourself; be courteous of those behind you. If you spot a rock or rough road surface and it is easy to point out - do so. If it endangers you to point, call out loudly. But don't be like the boy that cried wolf - you can't call out every speck of gravel. Your obligation is to call out threatening obstacles.

Do not overlap wheels: A slight direction change or gust of wind could easily cause you to touch wheels and fall. Stay immediately behind the cyclist in front of you, concentrating on that wheel and watch that wheel for sudden movements or signals from the rider.

Pedal down hill: When you are going down hill and at the front of the group. Cyclists behind dislike having to ride under brakes.

Stay to the left: when in front to allow room for others to pass safely on your right, particularly in traffic. Pass other riders on their right hand side whenever possible. Remember the roads are open.

Draft to be used by experienced riders: The principle of drafting is to keep as close to the rider in front of you as is comfortable and safe.

Do not panic: If you brush shoulders, hands or bars with another rider in the group. Try to stay relaxed in your upper body to absorb any bumps. This is a part of cycle riding in close groups and is quite safe provided riders do not panic, brake or change direction.

Ride close side by side:  When riding in a bunch 2 a breast rotate up the right side and  moving to the front left when your turn comes. Then ease slightly to allow the next front right rider to move in front of you when it is their turn..this means all passing is on the right  which complies with the Road code.

Use brakes as little as possible: Braking wastes the energy you’ve expended building up to speed. It is also dangerous for the rider following you.

Don’t exhaust yourself by riding at the front too long: If you are weaker than the other riders in the group take your turn in front to practice technique and keep the pace line flowing smoothly, however take the front only for a few pedal strokes.

Don’t fiddle with water bottles or food while leading: Wait until you are at or very near of the bunch. Also, be in the correct gear so you can avoid changing gears when you are leading.

Yells and screams: Riders will often yell short commands or advice at you. These ‘barks’ often seem rude and angry so don’t take them personally. Empathise with new riders – avoid yells and screams. But do pull people into line that are putting the group at risk.

Learn the right techniques: Certain principles of riding in a group allow for both increased safety and efficiency of travel. Learn how to ride with a group of riders at moderate speed. You’ll be able to better anticipate what happens when riding in faster packs.