Tour of Tweeddale Rider Advice

Peebles Cycling Club are excited to have you taking part in this year’s Tour of Tweeddale Sportive.

Please read the advice below to help you have a successful ride and participate safely, returning to the finish with a big smile on your face….

  • Wear a cycling helmet – no riders will be allowed to start the Tour of Tweeddale event without a helmet.
  • Obey the Highway Code at all times – common sense really, and remember that this is an open road event where you will be sharing the highways and lanes with other road users
  • Respect for other road users – other cyclists, pedestrians, other vehicles; as a rural area, you may also encounter riders on horseback – please slow right down and announce your presence.
  • Ride according to your ability and the conditions – country roads can have variable surfaces (not always smooth!) and can be slippery if wet or muddy – ride carefully. Please take extra care on descents…
  • Bike preparation – ensure you bike is in good working order especially the transmission (chain and gears), brakes and tyres. You should be checking and addressing any issues in the weeks prior to the event – perhaps time for a pre-event service from your local bike shop?
  • Know the route – the Tour of Tweeddale is a ‘self-guided’ event; route instructions and maps are available to download from we will have signage at the major junctions…but take a few moments in advance to study the route and have a general knowledge of where you will be going…
  • On the Course – out on the route you need to be self-sufficient to deal with any problems such as punctures or minor mechanical issues; carry a spare tube, tyre levers, pump and multi tool, and ideally know how to use them! Please stop to assist any riders you see in difficulty; we will have a sweeper vehicle behind the last rider to cover unresolvable problems, but it could be a long wait!
  • Weather check – we always try to plan ‘a glorious day’ weather-wise, but we don’t always get the final say; we would recommend carrying a waterproof, just in case!
  • Enjoy your ride – it is not a race; take in the scenery and the camaraderie of your fellow riders on the road, and stop and have a blether at our food stations

Looking forward to seeing you at registration at this year’s Tour of Tweeddale Sportive.