Condors: exiting lockdown

England moves to Stage 4 of the government roadmap for easing Covid restrictions on Monday 19 July. This means that almost all legal restrictions on social contact, distancing and gathering will be lifted. 

As result, the club can now move to the next stage of its phased return. This is in line with British Cycling guidance.

The following updates are given with the caveat that cases in Oxford remain very high, particularly in the 18-29 age group. Please think carefully about your fellow club members and the wider community when making decisions about where and when you ride. 

We would also encourage members to take advantage of the free lateral flow tests on offer. While the link between cases and hospitalisation has been hugely improved by vaccinations, it is not broken and there is a good chance we will see a return to lockdown style restrictions in the coming months.

Condors guidance that has been updated:

• Rides may now start at the same time, in the same location. This means that groups can meet at Beeline if they so wish.
• Rides may now meet or finish at the same location. This means that groups can meet at cafes during a ride, or at the pub after a ride.
• Groups may follow the same route, for example, a Strengthener group may like to follow a Screamer group to pick up dropped riders. 

Important: There is no obligation for ride leaders to meet at Beeline. We would simply like to offer that option for those who have missed seeing fellow club members. If you would prefer to continue starting rides from the outskirts of town (e.g Buildbase) then please do so. If you would like to join a ride that starts from Beeline, but are not comfortable joining at that location, please indicate to the ride leader where on the route you will join when booking on via the Facebook pink post. This approach is absolutely fine. 

Condor guidance that remains the same:

• Ride Leaders have the freedom to set their own maximum limits, with the following guidance:
  • 6 – Where smaller rides are preferred / newer riders / Meet the Condors or other introductory skills rides
  • 8 – Generally considered a ‘good size’ where there is a mix of experience
  • 10 – Where the majority of riders are experienced
• New or returning riders are welcome
• All club members are encouraged to lead rides or be a ‘second pair of eyes’
• Ride details should be advertised on the pink posts. 
• Riders will need to book in on the post, making sure they confirm with words (e.g. ‘in’), rather than hitting ‘like’. This will help manage the numbers and provide an audit trail in the event that tracing is required. 
• Riders should not turn up for a ride unless they have pre-booked on the pink post
• Lights are required for evening rides

What we expect from you

• We will trust members to act responsibly and assess the risk to themselves and the people they have contact with. This includes their households, bubbles, wider friendship groups and fellow club members.
• Members must not turn up for a ride if they are self-isolating or experiencing any Coronavirus symptoms. In the event that Coronavirus is contracted, the infected party will need to inform others they have ridden with.
• Members must be self-sufficient. This means bringing enough food and water to sustain you, plus basic tools for roadside repairs such as punctures. This will reduce the risk of having to share items during the ride. 
• Members must take extra care with personal hygiene. Please carry hand sanitiser and tissues. Refrain from spitting or attempting ‘snot rockets’. 

What members can expect from us

• The club will post up Tuesday, Thursday and Weekend posts to help you organise your rides.
• The club will provide support to new ride leaders; sharing routes, hosting online training, answering questions and helping build confidence.
• The club will closely monitor this to make sure activities are in line with our phased approach. We will take action where they are not. 
• The club will also keep abreast of Government and British Cycling updates. We are prepared to make adjustments to our plan, or call them to a halt if necessary. 

Photo credit: the wonderful Maciek Tomiczek
Insta @tommy.check
https://tommycheck.com