Why are we called the Old Farts?

There we sat, The Bear (Alan Bozzola), Itchy (Paul Ring), Paddy (John Mulqueen) and Big Eric (Garry Nyhan) – all quite happily quaffing our beer of choice, having just witnessed another depressing Cardiff Blues display, when… up pipes Itchy with, and I quote – “Why don’t we do a charity bike ride from Cardiff to Tenby?” <<read on …>>

Do I need to be a member to ride? 

We do not have a member’s scheme. If you would like to ride and raise funds with the Old Farts, please use the contact form available on the Contact Us Page

Is there an age restriction for riders? 

All ages are welcome.

I am under 16. Do you have junior members? 

We do not have a Junior section, but for safety purposes, under 16s should be accompanied by a responsible adult.

How do I Join the Whattsapp Group?

Once you have started to ride with the Old Farts, you should join the Whattsapp Group where we share information about social rides and keep in touch with each other. When you have provided your details to the Old Farts Group, please apply to the secretary to join the Whattsapp Group.

Is there a Facebook Group I could follow?

Yes there is a Facebook Group which we use to announce weekend social rides as well as general news.
@oldfarts.bike Old Farts Fundraising Cycling Group

What personal data does the group hold and why?

We only hold data about you that is necessary to run the group, and we are permitted under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) to hold this information. We store your name, address, email address and for some people who have volunteered it, a mobile number. You control for yourselves whether you opt in to the Facebook, Whattsapp and Mailchimp groups, and are at liberty to remove yourselves from those whenever you wish.

Where can we meet to ride with the group? 

We meet at the Three Arches Pub, Heathwood Rd, Cardiff CF14 4HS. If the meeting place changes for a ride, this will be advertised on the site and / or The Old Farts Facebook Group.

When do you go on Social Rides? 

We meet most weekends to ride on a Saturday and / or Sunday. Please look here, on the website, The Old Farts Facebook Group or Whatsapp Group.

I’ve never ridden in a group before, does that matter? 

No this will not matter. You will be looked after and instructed by the more experienced riders. <Group Etiquette>

Where do the Cycling Group ride? 

We cycle various routes from the Three Arches Pub. Each year we have progressive rides starting at approx 25 miles and rising weekly. Some of the popular routes are to the Seawall Cafe, The Wetlands, Magor, Barry island, Bridgend, Margam Park.

How fast / slow do you ride? 

The speed of rides will depend each week on who is riding on a particular day but we do not leave anybody behind. <Group Etiquette>

What about traffic? I find riding in traffic scary.

Traffic is a hazard which we cannot ignore and can be a bit daunting to begin with. Read our <etiquette page >here on the website and bring a good dose of common sense with you. There is no reason why you cannot get used to traffic conditions and enjoy the rides. We have developed an Old Fart Cycling Code of Conduct which provides some great advice for riding in traffic to stay safe.

I’ve heard of Cycling Etiquette. What’s that?

Cycling Etiquette is simply how we should behave when we are on a bike – for our safety and the safety of other road users. Read our guide here.

What happens if I fall behind or get lost? 

We always make sure nobody is left behind. At least one of the experienced riders will stay at the back of the group to make sure you get to the destination.

What if I don’t know how to change a puncture? 

Hopefully you won’t be getting too many punctures, but if you do put your hand up and shout “puncture” and coast to a suitable place to stop well off the road. One of the experienced riders will assist you in its repair. You will pick this up pretty quickly.

What should I eat before riding? 

A breakfast of Porridge and banana and maybe some Brown Toast will get you through the initial rides. 

Do you do off-road cycling? 

No.

Who do you raise funds for? 

We raise funds for various causes which are proposed by riders or close friends. We tend to raise funds more for individuals who could do with some sort of financial help rather than larger charities. Raising funds for children forms a large part of our causes.

Do I have to raise funds?

Should you wish to take part in the fundraising raising ride, you will be expected to raise a minimum of £100. Please note this is £100 of sponsorship via your sponsorship form, and does not include any donations made by family / friends via the Gofundme page. 

How far do you go on your Fundraising rides? 

For the past few years our rides have taken us to Tenby, Oxford, Torquay and Exeter. So our rides have ranged from 92 to 130 miles.

The fundraising rides seem too far for me to ride. Can I still join in?

In 2020, we are delighted that we shall be starting and finishing our Fundraising Rides in Cardiff. We are planning a range of distance rides from 25 miles to 100 miles.

Do you have to wear an Old Farts’ shirt on rides? 

You do not have to wear your Old Farts’ shirt on a ride however certain rides we will call for riders to wear their Old Farts’ shirts.

How do I purchase an Old Farts’ shirt? 

Please check the website for a link.

What type of bike do I need? 

A road bike is ideal, but before you spend a lot of money please try a few rides maybe borrowing a bike to see if it is for you.

What other equipment do I need? 

Cycling helmets must be worn on Old Farts’ Rides – they cannot provide total protection against head injuries but give considerable protection and may save your life. Glasses, gloves and a high visibility top are recommended. We also recommend carrying a puncture kit. 

Wear plenty of warm clothes; you can always take layers off, if too warm. Carry the following with you:

• A rain jacket
• A pump
• Essential tools for bike maintenance
• Spare tubes
• Food
• Plenty of drink 

Also carry a mobile phone and worth having a little money for a tea stop or emergency supplies.

Do I need insurance to ride with the group?

Consider your own insurance needs. In particular it is highly recommended that you ensure that you have Third Party (Public Liability) insurance that covers you whilst cycling. You should consider joining either British Cycling or the Cycling Touring Club. Membership includes both Third Party insurance and free legal assistance.

Insurance is purely down to the individual, but we recommend you take insurance out.  We do not make this compulsory, but by riding with us, you agree to acknowledge that the group advice has been understood.

Is there a social scene? 

We have a very active social scene with three or four social events each year. The highlight of our year is a very successful end of season Ball. These events will be advertised on the Website, The Old Farts Facebook Group and on the Whattsapp Group chat.

I want to join, what do I do? 

Please contact the Old Farts’ secretary using the Member / New Member Form on the Contact Us Page.