Ride Manifesto
It’s a ride, not a race. There is no finish line, and we’re not there for intense training or intervals. We chat to each other as we ride, enjoy the sunrise, and generally have a great start to the day.
We ride steadily, predictably, and safely. We smooth out fluctuations in speed, and don’t sprint up hills and out of corners. And we think of people behind us when braking! Keeping the pace smooth and steady makes it easier for everyone to stick together, makes accidents less likely, and results in a more chilled, fun experience for everyone. It also makes us faster for less effort.
We leave at 6am sharp. Most of us have jobs to get to after riding, and don’t want to wait to work out whether someone has overslept. If you’re not there at 6, we leave without you. Sorry not sorry…
We ride side-by-side. This means 2-by-2, shoulder-to-shoulder (aka “two abreast”) by default, single file where necessary — and never three abreast. So no edging half a wheel ahead (“half-wheeling”) or overtaking the lead pair: that makes the group speed up. And no overlapping wheels: that increases the risk of a crash if someone moves unexpectedly. This way it’s safer for everyone, and easier to chat to your riding buddies.
We warn each other of hazards. We use the conventional verbal and hand signals to point out potholes, obstacles, and vehicles. Ask if you don’t know what these are.
We aim to be inclusive — but you need some basics to join. You need to be reasonably comfortable riding 50km in approximately 2 hours and in a group, be able to drink without stopping, know how to do basic repairs to get you moving again, and have the tools and spares to do so. The group will help everyone out, but you also shouldn’t rely completely on them by turning up unequipped.
We follow the rules of the road. Meaning we stop at red lights, stay on the right-hand side of the road, etc. We have the patience to wait. If we’re 8 riders or more, we’ll stick to the road rather than any cycle paths, as per the Belgian Highway Code.
We ride road bikes. That’s to say bikes with drop handlebars and a free hub in the rear wheel. Track/fixed gear bikes can be dangerous for the group; for the same reason, triathlon/aero bars should not be used.
We will pressure you to join for post-ride coffee. Otherwise it wouldn’t be Breakfast Club ☕️
What to bring
Helmet — obligatory.
Lights — ones that are bright enough to see by in unlit lanes.
Basic tools — pump, tyre levers, multi tool, and a spare inner tube.
Appropriate clothing for the weather conditions — and remember it can be 3-4 degrees colder in the countryside than in the city.
Mudguards if it’s wet — think of the people behind you, and the cow shit on the roads.
No fixed gears — you have a different rhythm to freewheel-equipped bikes going up and down hills, which is disruptive, and can even be dangerous for a group.
No mountain bikes or bikes with tri-bars/aero bars.
No headphones, earpieces, etc. Talk to your buddies instead!
Water and some food.
Finally…
…tell your friends about Brussels Breakfast Club!
Tuesday mornings, Porte de Namur, leaving at 6am sharp for a 50km ride in the Pajottenland. Back around 8am for coffee and breakfast at Place Fernand Cocq.
In winter, we don’t ride if there’s a risk of ice on the roads.
