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MTB Repairs and bike safety

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

NO HELMET, NO RIDE

SAFETY CHECKS

THE SAFETY OF OUR MEMBERS IS PARAMOUNT TO OUR CLUB, LIKE ANY EXTREME SPORT, MOUNTAIN BIKING DOES HAVE ELEMENTS OF DANGEROUS ACTIVITY. MAKING SURE YOU HAVE THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT IN GOOD WORKING ORDER CAN ELIMINATE UNECCESARY INJURIES. 
ANY MEMBER THAT DOES NOT TURN UP IN SUITABLE EQUIPMENT WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM RIDING

BIKE CHECK

  • Make sure all of the spokes are attached and are not loose

  • Apply both brakes firmly; they should stop the bike after moving through no more than half of the lever travel

  • Check that the brake blocks line up correctly with the rim (not the tyre!) and are not excessively worn. If in doubt, replace them.

  • Make sure that your brake cables are tightly secured at the brakes and are not frayed

  • While you're on the brakes, rock the bike back and forth. If you can feel play or looseness, either your brakes or headset are loose.

  • Try to rotate the handlebars forward and backward and side to side. If there is any movement, tighten the bolts securing the handlebars or stem.

  • Check that both wheels are firmly attached to the frame by rocking them from side to side. Play in the wheels can mean one of two things; either the wheel is loose or there is wear in the bearing. The former is more serious but both will require attention. Make sure that the wheel nuts or quick release is securely fastened

  • At the end of the handle bars that the ends of the grips are covered

  • Look for any cracks along the frame of the bike

  • Seat does not move when you grab and try to move it

  • Pedals spin around freely

  • On smooth, flat ground, away from traffic, check that you can change easily from one gear to another and that the chain doesn't skip off the cogs


HELMET CHECK

  • Look for cracks in the foam, separation of the foam and the outer shell or damage to the straps or buckles

  • On the inside of the helmet there should be a date when manufactured, make sure that it is within 3 years

  • When the helmet is on that it rests just above your eyebrows

  • The straps are just below your ears

  • When you shake your head the helmet does not shake around

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CLOTHING CHECK

  • Suitable footwear for cycling, such as trainers

  • Trousers are not baggy, if they are put tape on them or bike clips

  • Make sure you have nothing sharp or hard in your pockets

  • Pockets and zips are done up

  • Suitably dressed for the weather and where we are cycling

CODE OF CONDUCT

As a member of the club, you are expected to abide by the following code.

Participants should always:

 

PUNCTUALITY

Arrive for training and competition in good time to prepare properly. 

KIT

Bring a suitably maintained bike and wear suitable clothing (including a helmet) as per the guidelines displayed on the club website for all club activity sessions

WARM UP

Warm up in preparation for sessions as directed by the club’s coaches

FAIR PLAY

Play within the rules and respect coaches and officials and all their decisions

SPORTSMANSHIP

Be a good sport by applauding all good performances, whether they are made are linked to Horsham Youth CC or its opponents.

TEMPERAMENT

Control their temper - verbal abuse of officials, coaches and other riders, or deliberately distracting/ provoking an opponent is not acceptable or permitted behavior 

COMMITMENT

Work equally hard for both yourself and Horsham Youth Cycling Club - remember, the club’s performance will 
benefit, and so will you.

EQUALITY

Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of their gender, ability, disability, cultural background or religion. 

PAYMENTS

Pay any fees promptly.

NO SMOKING

Abide by the rule that junior members are not allowed to smoke on club premises or while representing the club at competitions.

NO ALCOHOL

Abide by the rule that junior members are not allowed to consume alcohol or drugs of any kind on club premises or while representing the club.

NO BULLYING

Treat all participants in cycling as you would like to be treated - not bullying or taking unfair advantage of another participant or staff member.

COOPERATION

Cooperate with coaches, club mates and opponents - remember, without them there would be no competition.

GRATITUDE

Thank officials and opponents after competition.

WE ARE AN INCLUSIVE CLUB THAT WORKS HARD TO MAKE SURE ALL OUR MEMBERS FLOURISH, LEARN NEW SKILLS AND GROW IN CONFIDENCE. WE AIM TO PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY TO YOUNG PEOPLE TO DISCOVER THE JOYS AND HEALTH BENEFITS OF CYCLING IN A SAFE & FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT.
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