We return by train from the station we travel out to, unless otherwise stated in the listing, so a return ticket is generally best. Use a railcard if you have one, and if not ask if anyone else in the group has one – a Network Railcard gives a discount of 33% for up to three people, in addition to the cardholder.

For journeys in the Oyster zone using an Oyster or contactless card is more convenient and almost always cheaper.

Bicycle reservations are not required (nor indeed possible) on the rail lines we use for our day rides.

Generally no, though you are welcome to do so if you have questions that are not answered here. You can also ask questions in our forum.

You should however check the website before setting out for last minute changes, as we sometimes have to make late alterations to cope with railway engineering closures or for other reasons (such as unsafe riding conditions in wintry weather), and if you are joining us other than at the advertised meeting point it may be best to email or phone the leader beforehand.

Our running expenses for the website, supporting social events, etc, are covered by voluntary contributions from riders. We suggest a contribution of 50p per person per ride. You can see how this is spent in our annual accounts.

You should also bring enough money to cover lunch and any other refreshment stops, and your train fare.

No. Central London CTC are a local group of Cycling UK, but non-members are welcome to come along and try up to three rides without joining. If you then want to continue riding with us after the three rides you will expected to join Cycling UK.

For a 1* or 2* ride, almost any well-maintained hybrid, touring or road bike is OK. For 3* rides a road bike or light tourer, and for 4* rides a light summer or winter road bike (depending on season). On any type of ride in bad weather your fellow riders will appreciate you having full mudguards and ideally, a long rear mudflap.

Rides marked as including bridleways and tracks are great for gravel, adventure or "all-road" bikes, and fine for most touring and hybrid bikes with good tyres and mudguard clearance, but not suitable for lightweight road bikes.

Ensure your bike is roadworthy. Bring a spare inner tube and pump to fit your tyres, and tyre levers. You should also bring suitable clothing, including a waterproof and gloves. Lights are essential from October through to March when we are likely to get back into London after dark.

Keeping safe

• When on narrow roads please help to ensure the group is aware of traffic: "car up" means a car behind is waiting to pass the group, "car down" that a car is approaching from the front. Please allow motor traffic (and faster cyclists) to overtake whenever safe and reasonable to do so.
• Please signal potholes or other hazards to to other riders, and be aware of and act on the signals of others.
• When slowing down or stopping please make sure you call "stopping" or signal, to avoid cyclists behind running into you. Once stopped please stay off, or to the side of, the roadway, keeping the road clear for others. Avoid stopping where you may not easily be seen, such as just after a bend or junction.
• Please do not wear headphones – to ride safely in a group you need to be able to hear what's going on around you.

Keeping together

• Please avoid riding ahead of the leader, unless invited to do so. If you do get ahead, please wait for the group at the next junction.
• Where the group turns into a side road or at a T-junction, please ensure the rider(s) behind you have seen you turn. If no rider is visible, please wait at the turn until he or she arrives.
• We usually appoint a backstop who will keep at the back of the ride to ensure no-one is left behind. If you decide to leave the ride before the end point, please let the backstop and/or the leader know.

Finally, please remember that you remain responsible for your own safety when riding with us and should always follow the Highway Code.

Cycling UK has produced a guide to cycling with groups like ours – read it here.