Welcome to the Nova Scotia Ramblers Bicycle Club website! The Ramblers strive to be a very social, relaxed paced bicycle club; one that appreciates the exercise aspect, without the competitive stress in having to maintain pace lines. The distances are generally moderate, suitable for new cyclists as well as folks re-entering cycling after a period of absence. We look for scenic trails that are suitable for cycling as well as quiet back roads in beautiful rural settings. We tend not to ride in rain, as the trails can get soupy. And of course, we seldom pass a good café, chocolate outlet, winery..... you get the picture.

    The Ramblers has been designed to be an adult club, as the trail rides, day tours and multi day camping events are centred on adult activities. Membership is open until June 15th annually to all residents of Canada. The fee set for 2012 is $35, which includes the $30 membership in Bicycle Nova Scotia (BNS) as well as the Canadian Cycling Association (CCA). Included in this fee is ride / tour/event liability insurance – for more detail see this summary of the insurance policy. If you hold a BNS membership, then the fees is only $5.

    We welcome newcomers, who may “test ride” us up until June 15th for one trail or day ride (only); although waivers / applications need to be signed to ride with the Ramblers. We have many seasoned cyclists willing to share their knowledge on all aspects of cycling, camping and the like. Be sure to read "Your First Ride".

Ramblers list server

   The club maintains a list server so members can receive news about rides or communicate with the group to buy or sell, to arrange off schedule rides, etc. Members receive an e-mail invitation to subscribe and must click the confirm link to accept or can ask to subscribe by using the contact form. Some spam filters may put these invitations in the trash so if you are expecting one and don't get it check your spam or trash folder. You can unsubscribe at any time by using the link that appears at the bottom of every message.

   To use the list send an e-mail to ramblerslist@googlegroups.com. 'Reply' goes back to the sender; 'Reply All' goes back to the entire group. Only members can post. E-mail address are not revealed beyond the group. Access online here.

   A defining characteristic of Rambler rides is that they are group events, intended to provide an opportunity to experience the countryside and our fellow riders, not just the cycling. We like, for the most part, to stay together regrouping as necessary to accommodate different riding paces and to take the time to enjoy the journey. Sometimes our 'stops' (usually food-related) are the most enjoyable parts of the event.

   We accomplish this by having a group coordinator (normally the Event Coordinator or EC) that leads the ride, setting the route and the pace, and a designated sweep that ensures that no one gets left behind.  The formal 'ride group' consists of all riders including and between the group coordinator and the sweep.

   There are times when riders may wish to leave the formal ride group for various reasons by either going ahead of the group coordinator or dropping behind the sweep. In order that the group coordinator and sweep can perform their intended roles, we ask that any rider wishing to leave or rejoin the ride group inform either the group coordinator or the sweep as they do so. Those that leave the ride group should understand that the EC may make changes to the ride in progress and will do so without consideration of those who have chosen to ride independently of the ride group.

   When there are a large number of riders, the EC may decide to establish more than one ride group by identifying a second group coordinator and sweep. This may be done to accommodate different pace expectations or equipment and route options. Riders should feel free to change groups at any time but should inform the group coordinator or sweep in each group as they make the change.

   While Rambler rides are generally appropriate for all reasonably fit and capable cyclists, the speed of the group is ultimately established by the slowest riders. We therefore expect that riders will read the ride description and classification to determine if they will be comfortable participating on any given ride. In order not to unfairly impact on the enjoyment of the majority of the group, in the event that any riders are not able to maintain a reasonable minimum pace on a given ride, at the first regroup, the group coordinator, in consultation with the sweep, may suggest that one or more riders leave the ride group and ride independently.