Ride Information

Our rideouts normally run from April to November and typically start at 9.30 a.m. usually at Montford Bridge Cafe. They are normally between 120 to 200 miles long with one or two stops on the way. They are open to members and non-members, although we may restrict non-members to three rides before they join SaPAR.

The ride leader will always be a SaPAR member who has passed their RoSPA test and along with other members on the ride it will give non-members and insight into Advanced Riding. We try to vary the routes to see the delights of our surrounding area.

Our next rideout on Sunday 4th May will be to Aberystwyth, taking a route through South Shropshire and into the Welsh Hills with a coffee break at the Dolwen Cafe before heading over to Devils Bridge and Aberystwyth where we’ll take our lunch break. Fish and Chips are an option. After lunch we make our way across some lovely country roads with a break at the Seasons Cafe. The ride ends at Craven Arms.
The 152 mile ride should take around 6 hours with breaks. A petrol stop is planned shortly after lunch at 85 miles.

Routes are available to view and/or download to your sat nav from the Route Library pages. Please be aware that the routes are in the ‘Open Street’ format so you will need to export as Tom Tom or Garmin.

Please read the Important Information below for more detail regarding what to do on a Rideout.

Ride Leaders

We have a small group of volunteers who plan and lead rides. We’d welcome members who have passed their test at Gold or Silver level who’d like to lead a ride. Please contact our Ride Coordinator if you’re interested

If there’s a ride you’d like us consider using please click the button below to get in touch.

Joining us on a Ride?

As we plan stops at cafes and other places for refreshments on the rides it really helps us to know how many are going to join us. Please let us know if you plan to join us by using the ‘Click 4 Form’ button below or email direct to [email protected]

Previous routes are available for download to MyRoute-App in the ‘Route Library‘ Most routes are saved as OpenStreetMap, but do remember to change the Map format to suit your device and check for changes to the original. Please note, if exporting to a Garmin device and you get straight lines instead of nice curvy lines then choose Garmin Old (GPX 1.o).MyRouteApp is a free app that allows routes to be created or existing routes to be used. Our Ride leaders use the software to generate their routes.

There is also a MyRouteApp navigation system available for phones that can be paid for Navigation Phone App.

Advanced riding in action and great days out!

Important Information – Please Read

Please note that some rides can be long, especially during the summer months and will almost certainly include some ‘interesting’ roads. Riders are reminded that they must ride within their capabilities at all times. There are opportunities to leave the ride at any time so long as Tail End Charlie is notified.

Marking: To ensure that the ride makes progress in a safe and positive manner it is important that markers are confident and ensure that the route direction is maintained and that their personal safety is ensured. The ride leader expects that the rider following him/her will mark the junction correctly and safely and will point to the location that requires marking. The marker will indicate with arm gestures the direction that he wants following riders to take and watch for Tail-end Charlie then re-join the group ahead of, or behind them considering the safety of each method. If re-joining the ride after TEC then overtake as soon as it is safe to do so. To achieve this process the rider following the leader should be close enough to the ride leader to observe any signal given by him/her and take the appropriate action. That said, if any new members or guests find themselves riding behind the leader and are not confident to mark the junction then they should slow down and let a more experienced rider pass in order that they may mark the junction. Failure to do this could result in the junction being left unmarked and following riders not taking the correct route.

Lunch and Comfort Stops: It is usual when stopping for a lunch or coffee break to scurry off, usually to the toilets. Before doing so please check with the ride leader what time you should be ready to depart. This will depend on the time that tail end Charlie arrives which could be significantly later than the ride leader. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are back in the car/bike park in time for departure. The ride leader WILL NOT go searching for you.

Don’t be shy: If you are a new member or have come along to see the rideout in action please introduce yourself to a SaPAR member with a Hi-Viz jacket (with the SaPAR logo on it). They will make you welcome and introduce you to other members of the group.

Disclaimer:
All riders must complete the disclaimer before commencing the ride. This explains that you are responsible for your own riding and safety. SaPAR cannot be held responsible should you have an accident, incident or breakdown.

In the event of unsafe conditions, floods, ice etc. It is the ride leader’s prerogative to cancel the ride. Better to miss a ride than cause harm to riders or machines.

There are rules regarding the rideout and by taking part you agree to adhere to these rules:

Tutors and full members will have been issued Hi-Viz vests with the SaPAR Logo printed on them. Can I ask that those attending the rideouts wear them?
If you are marking a junction, be sure to indicate with strong arm gestures where the following riders should go. This is not a good time to be checking your Emails.
Whilst riding, try to keep an eye on other riders in front and behind you, if they disappear they may be in trouble.
If you intend leaving the rideout before the end please let TEC know and leave either before or after the group so as not to confuse things. A rider suddenly veering off course causes concern and TEC could go chasing after them. If you leave and have a loaned Hi-Viz please return it to TEC before you leave.
Protective clothing must be suitable for riding a motorcycle in the current and expected conditions. Riders arriving at Montford Bridge expecting to ride with the group in shorts and flip flops will be disappointed.
You are responsible for your own riding.
Speed limits will be obeyed.
Overtaking within the group is allowed so long as it is done safely and courteously. Do not overtake the ride leader.
You must be in control of you motorcycle at all times.
Motorcycles MUST be taxed and where necessary MOT’d.
You must have a driving licence and insurance for the machine that you ride.
Tail End Charlie will always ride to the slowest riders abilities.
This is a social event, neither SaPAR, it’s officers or RoSPA can be held responsible for any injury or damage however caused. It is your responsibility to ride responsibly and within the law.
Always be punctual and with sufficient fuel. (Fuel stops will be made during the day.)