The Ulysses Club Road Safety Committee (UCRSC) compiled a list of tips which you may find useful (e.g. when planning your ride to the National Rally) - or for any long ride.

• Stay Hydrated  - pack a bottle of water and have a drink at every stop – preferably water rather than sugary drinks.

• Check your tyres before you leave, and each morning at least.

• Take a puncture repair kit and you can never have too many cable ties!

• Make sure you carry a spare key!!

• Eat light, better to stay hungry than to lose focus -beware the after lunch nods.

• Weigh your loaded saddlebags before the trip and try to keep even load distribution, you don't want to be accused of being unbalanced.

• Don't trust Google Maps for riding time, add extra time for breaks and refuelling 

• Plan to stop every 90 mins, when covering big distances two hours is too long without a stop

• Stop before you are thirsty, stiff, sore or tired

• Take chain-lube and use it

• Have a group first aid kit and a PLB if riding a remote route

• Look after each other, if you see other riders' concentration drop, signal for the group that you need a break

• Check https://www.livetraffic.com/ for road works and major traffic delays

• All riders should download the Emergency Plus app

• Always carry a roll of 50mm 'gaffer' tape - often handy when things start falling off or rattling loose (this applies equally to the bike and the rider!)

• Ride your own ride. When the rider in front overtakes, don’t blindly follow. Be satisfied that you can safely pass before moving out.

• Ear plugs. If you’re not wearing them already, you should be!

• Stop for the coffee. Stop for the photo. Don’t let the world pass you by entirely. 

(Source: UCRSC, Jan 2025)