A memo to Baroudeur Members
On Wednesday 23 September 2020, we joined a call with several of London’s major cycling clubs which was chaired by Rapha. The discussion paved the way for our response to the latest government announcement and reinforcement for the “rule of six” which impacts our training in Regent’s Park and Richmond Park.
The key points which we all agreed on were the following:
1. Six is six :: This means that when riding as a group, its maximum limit is six people. Full stop. This applies when meeting for the ride briefing, during the training session, after the training session and when we decide to go for coffee.
2. Designate a new meeting spot :: Many clubs “mingle” about at the likes of the clear corner. To prevent this from happening we will need to designate new meeting spots for our training sessions in the park. The new spot is at the entrance to the London Business School, outside of Sussex Place on the Outer Circle.
No more than six people should meet at any one spot.
3. Designate cafe stops :: In line with point 2, we must refrain from mingling and stick with groups of six for cafe stops. This should be called the night before the ride. Our designated cafe stops for the first group of six is Laurents and for the second group of six it is Starbucks (around the corner).
4. Everyone must be in club kit if riding with LBCC in Regent’s Park :: This will help ensure we are only riding together as LBCC. If another person latches on to our paceline/group, we must tell them to get off. This is to mitigate large groups joining as one peloton in the park. All new joiners will need to wear LBCC colours such as red, white and/or black so they may be more easily identifiable with the club.
5. Make use of CW laps :: Instead of rolling CCW in Regent’s Park, roll CW.
6. Zwift rides :: Organise club events on Zwift. We can do racing, time trials, work outs or just a good old group ride. Be creative and help take the initiative by putting virtual group events together.
We have agreed to put forth these measures until the Government’s guidance changes. This will benefit everyone’s health, demonstrate our commitment to mitigating the spread of COVID to police, the Royal Parks and other cyclists, and most importantly, will help preserve our sacred training sessions in the park for the long-term. We will continue to update you all again on the next wave of guidance issued by the government.
Ride on
Thank you for your continous support, encouragement and cooperation, The London Baroudeurs Committee: Dave, Glen, Lowell, Nick, Steve and Thomas. A special thank you to Jesse for contributing to the meeting.
