About the Club
Berks On Bikes (BOB) started in April 1993 as a group of like minded individuals who wanted to organise mountain bike rides in the local area. Since then we have grown into a well known and established club with over 200 members, including many families. We've had considerable success at competitions, ranging from local Gorrick races to international events. We organise local rides around the Crowthorne area six times a week, and regular weekend and day rides to areas like the Isle of Wight, Exmoor, Forest Of Dean, Peak District, Coed Y Brenin, Afan Argoed, Lake District etc. Membership includes a Permit to ride in the Crown Estate land of Swinley Forest.

The main aim of the club is to have fun and enjoy our sport. We have a range of regular rides suitable for reasonably fit novices through to serious racers. The best way to find out about the club is to join an Intro Ride (more details elsewhere on the website) before progressing to the regular rides as a member. You don't need to pay up and join straight away, you're quite welcome to ride with us upto three times and see if you like us. Of course, an existing member can recommend you to BOB membership at any time.

Membership Fees & Application
The club membership year runs from April to March. Please download and send your completed application form to the club secretary. Cheques should be payable to Berks On Bikes MBC.

(Existing members please note that a Membership Form for the new club year will be posted to you before the end of March)

BOB Club Membership Application Form

As part of the membership package you will receive an annual permit to ride in Swinley Forest, you do not have to buy one from Gorrick MBC as well.

New Members
Membership is to be confirmed by the Club and the prospective member is to have been on Club rides as a guest or one of our regular Intro Rides unless he/she is nominated by an existing member. The minimum age for an individual member is 16 years. Family and Junior members under 18 years must be supervised on Club rides by a parent or guardian (in loco parentis) over 18 years of age.

Renewing Members
You need only name, sign and date the application form and advise any changes since last year. Renewal should be made promptly as riding in Swinley Forest requires us all to have a permit. No permit – no ride. There will be no half year reduction if renewing later.

Associate Members
For ex-members who have moved out of the area but want to keep in touch and come on very occasional local rides and limitless 'away' rides. Associates will receive Nine BOB Note and other information. Applicants for this grade are subject to committee approval. No Permit will be issued.

Monthly Club Meetings
These are held at Wellington College Sports Club ( click for map ), starting at 8.00p.m. on the second Monday of the month. Come along, join us for a drink or two, and find out about the club.

Retailer Discounts
Members get the benefit of discount on production of a valid membership card at Mountain Trax, Barkham; Bracknell Cycles, Bracknell; Berkshire Cycles, Crowthorne; Wellington Trek, Sunningdale; 1st Gear Cycles, Alton; Purple Bike Shed, Farnborough; and Pedal-On, Tadley. Discounts may not apply to all products. They are given at the discretion of the retailer.

Rules and conditions of membership

	CTC Rules of conduct apply as well as The Swinley Forest Cycling Code of Conduct.
	Helmets must be worn on all rides, and must be fitted and adjusted correctly.
	Bikes must be suitable for the ride and properly maintained.
	Riders are requested not to join rides that are beyond their level of ability and endurance. Members are responsible for their own personal safety whilst on Club rides. The Club or its officers cannot be held responsible for personal injury, loss or damage to the property of any member. Members have a duty of care to others and property.
	The Club reserves the right to withdraw membership of any member who behaves in a manner that may bring the Club or the sport into disrepute.
	Mountain biking is a potentially hazardous and strenuous sport. You are a member of BOB because you are an enthusiast but do not ride beyond your level of ability and endurance. Come equipped with suitable clothing, spares, refreshment and, if possible, a mobile phone. Also bring a telephone contact list and some money for emergencies.
	The CTC rules require us to have a list of 'Leaders' and this is kept by the Committee. Every official Club ride should have a leader. If there is no leader on any part of the ride it is then deemed to be an unofficial ride.
	A toolkit/spares should always be carried and include, as a minimum: inner tube(s) and puncture repair kit, tyre levers, pump, brake pads, allen keys and spanners or multi-tool, a gear cable (inner), chain link extractor, a few spare joining links to suit your chain and a few cable ties. In the darker months you should also carry ‘get-home’ lights – front and rear.
	It is each member’s responsibility to carry any medication needed for any condition (diabetes, asthma etc.) and you should inform fellow riders of special assistance that may be required.
	The minimum age for an individual member is 16 years. Family members under 16 years must be supervised on Club rides by a parent or guardian over 18 years of age.