What is UK riding like (From a Newbie)?

[Brad_from_CapeTown]

So, as you may have noticed. VERY new to this forum and moving to the UK in 2 months. As a little background on me..... Live in Cape Town (South Africa), have cycled 10 years +, racing about 6 years. Not a newbie to riding and racing, but going to be a complete newbie to the UK roads and cycling culture.

Been reading quite a few posts and wow, things seem VERY different in the UK to what its like over here. We have to fight to stay on our roads (On average 1 cycling related death per week and a least 1 bike hijacking per week). We are a hardened bunch out here .
My question is this...... Please share some insights into the culture over there. In SA, we are a pretty close knit cycling community / racing league. We welcome with open arms anyone who rides our roads and try and bring them into our culture and give them advice where needed. What is it like over there? Will I be greeted by fellow riders on the road? If I ride up behind someone or a group, would a short chat be frowned upon?
Also... roads and motor vehicles??? I read a short forum on A roads and B roads and was VERY confused.... Where must I ride? Where am I allowed to ride? What is the general attitude of the drivers out there? (over here, we are used as speedbumps..... motorists seem to think its funny driving as close to a cyclist as possible).
Over here, in season we have active races every weekend. I have been reading about Sportive's, Audax's and Night rides over there, things we dont do here in South Africa?
We have seeded start times and all times are correlated for points? How does it work over there. I have looked at one or two events and I see start times as "between 8am and 9am"? Do you just arrive and ride?

Sorry for some of the silly questions, but completely new to yoru country soon and just looking for a bit of a helping hand.
Really looking forward to your views on your cycling culture, any advice would really be greatly appreciated.

 

[asterix]

What part of the Uk are you coming to. It's a big place, y'know

The best part is the middle bit where you have the Dales, Peak District and North York Moors. Some of the other bits are ok'ish.

 

[Brad_from_CapeTown]

What part of the Uk are you coming to. It's a big place, y'know

The best part is the middle bit where you have the Dales, Peak District and North York Moors. Some of the other bits are ok'ish.

Ha Ha..... that would have made sense (to add to the OP)

Initially Bridegend (South Wales) for 3 months, then more than likely Bristol Area.... Does that help a little more with the feedback??

 

[Moodyman]

The UK's cycling community is pretty big, but it's not homogenous.

There's the racing/sportive/audax community, the MAMIL community, the mountain biking community and the commuting community

Many riders will cross-over but there are distinct boundaries.

I've found all communities friendly.

Riding on UK roads, despite what you read here, is not that bad and getting better as more and more people take up / return to cycling.

As Asterix says, the middle to northern bit is nice (greener) and quieter.

 

[Brad_from_CapeTown]

Admittedly, the MTB community and the Road Community here as well dont mix too well , but on the Forums it makes for a good bit of friendly banter
Good that the riders are a bit more welcoming and open. Over here, its all about your bike and Kit.... You get scrutinized before you are accepted or rejected, even when joining a club ride for the first time. Dont know how many Dogma's I have left behind trying to suck my wheel .

 

[fimm]

Well, one place to start is the Highway Code
http://www.direct.go...ycode/index.htm
It is not itself law, but is a mixture of laws put into layman's language, and advice. The legal bits are in capitals (so, for example, when it says "you MUST NOT cycle on the pavement" that means there is a law that says you must not ride a bicycle on a pavement, but when it says "you should be considerate of other road users" that means there isn't a law to that effect, but it is a good thing to do). If you can be bothered to read the whole thing I don't think that would be a waste of your time, otherwise there's a section for cyclists.

... a complete newbie to the UK roads and cycling culture.

Been reading quite a few posts and wow, things seem VERY different in the UK to what its like over here. We have to fight to stay on our roads (On average 1 cycling related death per week and a least 1 bike hijacking per week). We are a hardened bunch out here .
My question is this...... Please share some insights into the culture over there. In SA, we are a pretty close knit cycling community / racing league. We welcome with open arms anyone who rides our roads and try and bring them into our culture and give them advice where needed. What is it like over there? Will I be greeted by fellow riders on the road? If I ride up behind someone or a group, would a short chat be frowned upon?

I would say that there isn't a homogeneous "cycling community" in the way you are describing. People cycle for a variety of different reasons. However, in spite of the stereotype of the stuffy, stand-offish Briton, I think if you ride up behind someone and start chatting most people will be friendly (especially as you are a visitor).

Also... roads and motor vehicles??? I read a short forum on A roads and B roads and was VERY confused.... Where must I ride? Where am I allowed to ride? What is the general attitude of the drivers out there? (over here, we are used as speedbumps..... motorists seem to think its funny driving as close to a cyclist as possible).

Although we complain about the attitudes of some motorists, and things could definitely be better, it sounds as though you will find cycling here much more pleasant than in SA. You can cycle on any road except a motorway or a road that has a "no cycling" sign (see the highway code).

Over here, in season we have active races every weekend. I have been reading about Sportive's, Audax's and Night rides over there, things we dont do here in South Africa?
We have seeded start times and all times are correlated for points? How does it work over there. I have looked at one or two events and I see start times as "between 8am and 9am"? Do you just arrive and ride?

I know little about racing, hopefully someone else will give you some advice on that. There's a quote "Sportives are for cyclists to pretend that they are racing, and Audaxes are for cyclists to pretend they are not racing" which although not serious does sum them up quite well... Sportives tend to be more formal, have route markings, and cost more to enter; Audaxes don't have route markings (just a route card which you have to follow) are less formal and cheaper. That's a fairly crude summary! Both kinds you usually enter in advance, I think.

Welcome to the UK, and I hope you enjoy your time here.

 

[HLaB]

Welcome Brad

So, as you may have noticed. VERY new to this forum and moving to the UK in 2 months. As a little background on me..... Live in Cape Town (South Africa), have cycled 10 years +, racing about 6 years. Not a newbie to riding and racing, but going to be a complete newbie to the UK roads and cycling culture.

Been reading quite a few posts and wow, things seem VERY different in the UK to what its like over here. We have to fight to stay on our roads (On average 1 cycling related death per week and a least 1 bike hijacking per week). We are a hardened bunch out here .
My question is this...... Please share some insights into the culture over there. In SA, we are a pretty close knit cycling community / racing league. We welcome with open arms anyone who rides our roads and try and bring them into our culture and give them advice where needed. What is it like over there? Will I be greeted by fellow riders on the road? If I ride up behind someone or a group, would a short chat be frowned upon?
Also... roads and motor vehicles??? I read a short forum on A roads and B roads and was VERY confused.... Where must I ride? Where am I allowed to ride? What is the general attitude of the drivers out there? (over here, we are used as speedbumps..... motorists seem to think its funny driving as close to a cyclist as possible).
Over here, in season we have active races every weekend. I have been reading about Sportive's, Audax's and Night rides over there, things we dont do here in South Africa?
We have seeded start times and all times are correlated for points? How does it work over there. I have looked at one or two events and I see start times as "between 8am and 9am"? Do you just arrive and ride?

Sorry for some of the silly questions, but completely new to yoru country soon and just looking for a bit of a helping hand.
Really looking forward to your views on your cycling culture, any advice would really be greatly appreciated.

Welcome Brad,

You can cycle on almost any road other than a Motorway. A roads do tend to be busier than B roads, but the specifics is down to local knowledge; I know of one trunk A road which is quieter than nearby B roads. You do occasional get local bylaws prohibiting cyclists (ie parts of the A90, A68 and Edinburgh Bypass) but then again you probably wouldn't want to cycle these roads anyway.
I say about 50% of drivers (at least) are positive towards a bike and are patient give plenty of room etc; 49% are oblivious (don't treat cyclists particular bad or good); unfortunately there is a small element of numpties out there (1% or less) and you have to be alert for them but its nothing compared to what you are used to.
I find that within a city the welcoming nod of another cyclist is infrequent but almost everybody nods/ smiles/ says hello outside this.
With Sportives it varies (depending upon the numbers) with many it is just arrive any time between say 8-9 and they set you off in groups. However larger events like the Etape Caledonia you have a specific starting slot based upon your previous time, expectations (ie under 5hours, under 4.5hours etc). If you want the more organised stuff there is of course a large racing scene if you want to get involved.

I hope that answers some of your questions,
Welcome again :-)

 

[Brad_from_CapeTown]

Thanks for the replies and useful comments. Just by reading the above, I should "fit in" somewhere along the line. Might be a nice change riding where I dont have to constantly be worried about the "car sound" behind me, thinking of evasive techniques when riding on our roads and looking at every pedestrian with suspiscion. Obviously here as well, no riding on our "National Roads / Freeways", I think the equivalant of the UK Motorway, but anywhere else is fine. I will just make to look out for Restricted signs.
Think that a weekly round trip from Bristol Area to Bridgend shouldnt encounter too many difficulties then, from what I can see.
Will look more into the racing scene when I am there, want to look at a few of the Sportives before then and see how they go (I will try to not pretend I am a racing snake ).
Will make sure to speak loudly with my SA Accent, maybe get some friendly smiles back
Good idea too to read the Highway code, thanks for that Fimm. Will go through it and make sure I adhere to the law

 

[Arch]

Good idea too to read the Highway code, thanks for that Fimm. Will go through it and make sure I adhere to the law

If you have a few quid spare, it might also be worth getting a copy of Cyclecraft:

http://www.cyclecraft.co.uk/

It's a sort of advanced manual for cyclists. If you're an experienced rider on the roads, some of it may be second nature already, like positioning, but it might help with the specifics of UK road layouts and laws. Or if you don't want to spend the money, you might be able to pick it up in a local library once you're here. Top rule is: expect everyone else to be an idiot, and ride accordingly.

There is no single cycling culture. Especially round Bristol, I think there will be a fair proportion of utility riders, hippies with dogs in trailers, car free people etc (we have a lot in York too), the odd loony on a recumbent. Then there are the chavs on BSOs (you'll learn all these terms!), the commuters, the racing types, the day to day pootlers out for cake and company. You'll see some dreadful driving, and some dreadful riding too. Some will be happy to chat, some will prefer to stay politely aloof, some will blank you for having the wrong sort of rear mech. Say hello, but don't take offence if they prefer not to chat.

Oh, I'm in the "moderately chatty, car free category", with occasional dips into "pootle for cake, loony on a recumbent"

 

[henshaw11]

>Might be a nice change riding where I dont have to constantly be worried about the "car sound" behind me

I've just been quizzing a SA colleague and got the same impression !

Whilst the Highway Code is a useful read, it's not much cop as a how to ride amongst traffic.

It's mostly common sense/experience - and probably not that different to evasive riding in SA I suspect - but one or other of the John Franklin books:
How To Be A Better Cyclist
http://road.cc/conte...n-says-iam-book
or Cyclecraft
http://www.amazon.co...03387387&sr=1-3

might have some useful UK-centric tips (I must admit I've not bought either).

Which bit of the UK are you moving to ?

(Edit - damn ! - got beaten to it )

>the odd loony on a recumbent.

Oi ! - I resemble that remark !

 

[Brad_from_CapeTown]

Arch, your reply made me laugh.. Thanks for that
I am pretty adept on the roads (you need to be to ride here ) , but most certainly, road layouts and laws will be very different. Will have a look for that book. That top rule you quoted is universal I believe
"Chavs on BSO's" . . . . . Goodness me, you might as well be speaking Greek??? Wow, lots for me to learn......
Dotn take offense easily, thank goodness and am always the first to pull a "Good Morning gesture"..... Will see what comes of it and maybe make some friends along the way!!!

 

[Globalti]

Howzit Brad, I'm just back from Cape Town, rode the Argus (4.05 - just outside my target!) and had a great time. The week before I went out with the Fourways Cycle Lab crowd for a Saturday morning run and couldn't believe the numbers and the organisation.

We don't do as many mass events here in the UK, most of our riding tends to be alone or in a small group of buddies. The further you can ride away from the industrial conurbations the safer you will be from muppets in cars and idiots who throw bottles at cyclists etc. Up here in Lancashire we can ride for several hours and only see a few farmers' Land Rovers and the odd old couple out for afternoon tea. By contrast, if you read the commuting forum on CC you'll get a sense of the stressful lives our city-dwelling compadres lead. Don't be complacent about security though, just because there's less street crime here doesn't mean there aren't bicycle thieves and quite typically people arrive here or go off to Uni to get their bikes stolen within a few days. Never let the bike out of your sight, keep it locked indoors if you can, not in a garden shed and buy a decent lock if you must leave it in public.

The good news is that you'll be able to drink proper beer here not that Euro-fizz they serve all over South Africa. The cyclists' café culture is pretty good, you'll find that the typical Saturday or Sunday ride usually involves a stop at a place that welcomes cyclists where you'll find racing snakes and old-timers alike drinking endless cups of tea (no Rooibos here) and eating cake.

It's a pity you're not coming up to Lancashire as I'd be delighted to take you out and show you some decent routes. Stay in touch via the forum and keep us all posted on events and progress.

 

[Brad_from_CapeTown]

>Might be a nice change riding where I dont have to constantly be worried about the "car sound" behind me

I've just been quizzing a SA colleague and got the same impression !

Least I am not the only Saffa that feels this way Its like a game of Russian Roulet when going out there for your training rides.

How To Be A Better Cyclist
http://road.cc/conte...n-says-iam-book
or Cyclecraft
http://www.amazon.co...03387387&sr=1-3

might have some useful UK-centric tips (I must admit I've not bought either).

Will look into the above as well. The more the better.

Which bit of the UK are you moving to ?

Wales to start, the Bristol more than likely

 

[Arch]

Arch, your reply made me laugh.. Thanks for that
I am pretty adept on the roads (you need to be to ride here ) , but most certainly, road layouts and laws will be very different. Will have a look for that book. That top rule you quoted is universal I believe
"Chavs on BSO's" . . . . . Goodness me, you might as well be speaking Greek??? Wow, lots for me to learn......
Dotn take offense easily, thank goodness and am always the first to pull a "Good Morning gesture"..... Will see what comes of it and maybe make some friends along the way!!!

Glad to be of service!

Chavs are a certain class of citizens, much derided for lack of work ethic, dependence on welfare and general criminality. We Brits are terrible snobs. Mostly chavs are working class, but even with money, someone can have 'chavvy' tastes. Footballers and their WAGS spring to mind.

BSOs are Bicycle Shaped Objects, often sold in supermarkets, garages, catalogues etc. Nearly always full suspension, heavy, very low quality, almost certain to put someone off cycling for good. In the best cases, they will be displayed, or photographed for adverts with the forks fitted back to front. because the person assembling them hadn't got a clue.

Oh, and then there's Halfords.... But I should get back to work....

 

[Brad_from_CapeTown]

Howzit Brad, I'm just back from Cape Town, rode the Argus (4.05 - just outside my target!) and had a great time. The week before I went out with the Fourways Cycle Lab crowd for a Saturday morning run and couldn't believe the numbers and the organisation.

We don't do as many mass events here in the UK, most of our riding tends to be alone or in a small group of buddies. The further you can ride away from the industrial conurbations the safer you will be from muppets in cars and idiots who throw bottles at cyclists etc. Up here in Lancashire we can ride for several hours and only see a few farmers' Land Rovers and the odd old couple out for afternoon tea. By contrast, if you read the commuting forum on CC you'll get a sense of the stressful lives our city-dwelling compadres lead. Don't be complacent about security though, just because there's less street crime here doesn't mean there aren't bicycle thieves and quite typically people arrive here or go off to Uni to get their bikes stolen within a few days. Never let the bike out of your sight, keep it locked indoors if you can, not in a garden shed and buy a decent lock if you must leave it in public.

The good news is that you'll be able to drink proper beer here not that Euro-fizz they serve all over South Africa. The cyclists' café culture is pretty good, you'll find that the typical Saturday or Sunday ride usually involves a stop at a place that welcomes cyclists where you'll find racing snakes and old-timers alike drinking endless cups of tea (no Rooibos here) and eating cake.

It's a pity you're not coming up to Lancashire as I'd be delighted to take you out and show you some decent routes. Stay in touch via the forum and keep us all posted on events and progress.

Hey there Globalti
Did you enjoy the Argus?? What a spectacular day that was... warm, sunny and no wind... (first for a while ). Thats a pretty decent time there, I JUST managed my sub 3hr... wanted to come in nicely under the time, but made it by just 2 mins. Great morning inthe saddle though!
Admittedly, my precious carbon beauty will NEVER be left alone... She lives inside and is ALWAYS in my sight... (Must be living in SA that has done that to me ).
Our weekend or club rides are pretty well organised, did you enjyo the Fourwarys guys? Quite friendly with a couple of them on the Hub. Hope that they were welcoming to you
I would be delighted to make a trip up to Lancashire area and come a do a ride with you folks, will make a "getaway" weekend for the family.
You dont like our Euro-fizz we lable Beer?? Wow, then I am in for a treat over there Not much of a Rooibos fan myself, but my wife is already pining for the stuff....... not much a tea man (maybe I shouldnt say that here )..... Stick to the Java rather!!!