Open for discussion and posted in the Bunch Ride Finder Forum, ‘orrsome153′ give his personal view as to why he thinks Bunch Rides are better than racing:

“Non regulated riding”

by orrsome153 on Sun Feb 07, 2010 4:26 pm

I am fortunate to live on the Tweed/Gold Coast. We have many,many bunches. I am also a licence holder for Cycling Australia. Whilst I participate and enjoy the odd club race that can not compete with bunch rides. My reason for saying that is over regulation. I know club racing has it great points, well orgainised, support, competition and the great atmosphere. What club riding does have is freedom. All bunch rides have their unwritten rules tht is a given. In the main though they are just plain good manners and safety. What I believe they have over orgainised/sanctioned cycling is the freedom they offer. In the main you can jump on or off when ever you feel like it, there are no fee’s, rules or commissairs. I have found that there is a bunch for every one, the social rider, competitive rider or the person wanting to get a little fitter. There are no trophies, prize money or press releases and all the rides I have participated are welcoming and friendly.

I believe there is far too much regulation in our lives and when I want to get away from all that and go for a ride the last thing I want is another set of rules telling me how far, how fast or what grade I have to ride in. Some of the bunches I ride with always stop for the slower riders others expect you to do your best and if you can’t hang on well…bad luck. This is what I like. Cycling Australia and Cycling QLD have these draconian rules that tell you what races you can compete in, when you can ride club races and for that priviledge they charge you a small fortune. Don’t get me wrong I enjoy our club races immensley but regulation is realy dampening the fun as it is with most sports.

So I urge of you who enjoy their bunch rides to stick to the road RULES (I suppose we have to tolerate them) so the drivers of this world appreciate how much fun we are having and instead of whinging to anyone who will listen will sell the car and buy a bike. Ride on.

So what do you think?
Leave a message below, or join the action in the Bunch Ride Finder Forum

Want to chat about a ride?, maybe find out more about a ride?, or even just talk all things cycling? – Join in on our Bunch Ride Finder Forum!

We’ve added a new feature to the site by popular request – A Bunch Ride Forum

In  the forum you can chat with like minded cyclists about all things cycling. You can use it as a tool to ask local riders about a ride – or even give your thoughts on a particular ride – good or bad!

It’s free and it’s here: Welcome to the Bunch Ride Forum