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Leisure cycling is a great social pastime for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. One of the best descriptions I've heard of Pollards Hill Cyclists is that we're "ordinary people on bikes". There's a healthy mixture of weekend-only riders, commuters, retired racers, cycle tourers and beginners. Cycling with a group is one of the most enjoyable ways to discover the local area whilst providing some gentle exercise. Within a few minutes of riding from Pollards Hill we are often surrounded by amazing scenery. The North Downs, pretty Kent villages and the Surrey Hills are less than 10 miles away whilst green corridors such as the Wandle Trail are on our doorstep.

But coming out with a group or club can be quite daunting for the novice cyclist. Can I keep up? Do I have the right bike? Will they wait for me?

PHC rides are designed for the novice cyclist. We ride at a steady pace and try to avoid busy roads and difficult junctions. We always wait for the last person and our leaders can advise on nearby train stations should you decide to drop out early. We think of our rides as social events rather than endurance tests.

You don't need to buy a special bike but do make sure that your bike is roadworthy. The best way to do this is to visit a Dr Bike event and have it checked over by an expert mechanic for free. Local bike shops also offer services that will check your brakes, tyres and gears and we recommend several mobile mechanics on our Resources page.

Our rides are unsupported. Whilst we can always assist with a puncture, if anything more serious happens, make sure you have the means to get yourself and your bike home if no one can fix it. Making sure your bike is in a good condition before you start will help avoid any breakdowns. Pumping your tyres up to the correct pressure is the best way of avoiding a puncture. A track pump with a pressure gauge is one the best investments the leisure cyclist can make.

Check this website to see what type of rides we currently have on offer. Longer day rides always have a lunch stop and afternoon rides will pull over for a tea break. Evening rides will always call by a pub for a swift half! We have plenty of stops on all the rides to allow riders to regroup. Remember that our rides are not races! They are all about enjoying the company and the surroundings. If our regular rides are too slow for you, look out for the monthly PHC+ rides that are slightly quicker and slightly longer. We've something for everyone.

OUR RIDES PROMISE:

• We will post all the rides on the website and email reminders out to members of our Yahoo egroup.
• We will accurately describe the route and give an approximate mileage or amount of hours we expect to be out for.
• On day rides, we will include a morning, lunch and afternoon stop at a suitable location with refreshments available.
• We will ride at the speed of the slowest person and not leave anyone behind.
• Our ride leaders will carry maps, basic tools, a basic first aid kit and a mobile phone.
• We will use quiet roads and traffic-free routes wherever possible.
• We will never cancel a ride (unless no-one turns up or by mutual consent in bad weather)

IN RETURN, WE EXPECT YOU TO:

• Turn up with a roadworthy bike.
• Bring working lights for rides that end in the dark.
• Ride safely, obey the Highway Code and the Countryside Code.
• Act upon instructions from the Ride Leader.
• Show respect and consideration for others on the ride.
• Notify the leader if you need to leave the ride.
• Make your own way home if your bike develops a problem we cannot fix on the road.

SOME ITEMS YOU SHOULD CONSIDER BRINGING:

• Spare inner tube, puncture kit, tyre levers and a pump
• Money for a drink, lunch or emergencies
• Snacks such as raisins or bananas
• A lock
• Waterproof or warm clothing depending on the weather
• Sunscreen in hot weather
• Water
• Mobile phone with ICE contact