How we ride. What we expect.
How we handle it when things go wrong.
How we handle it when things go wrong.
Every DCC ride is no-drop. Ride leaders regroup, faster riders pull back, and the pace reflects the group.
Domestique Cycling Club is built on a clear culture. This page describes how we ride, what we expect of each other, and how we handle situations when things go wrong.
It is also the club's Code of Conduct.
Ride leaders enforce it. The board upholds it. If you ride with us, you're part of it.
How we ride
Show up early. Wait at the top. Ride for the group, not your numbers.
DCC is a no-drop club. Ride leaders regroup. Faster riders pull back. The pace reflects the group, not the fastest person in it.
Safety first. Mutual respect always. Cycling culture gets better when clubs hold each other to a high standard.
DCC rides are led by club members who have been nominated, trained, and approved as ride leaders. They wear the pink jersey — the visible mark of someone you can trust to lead the group, hold the pace, and make sure no one is dropped.
A short list, one explained call-out, the A/B split, and three things about how we behave together.
Call out hazards so the riders behind you hear. Call "on your left" when passing. Point out potholes and debris. Signals and voice work together to keep the group safe.
Choosing the right group keeps things safe and makes for a better ride for everyone.
Longer effort, more climbing. For experienced riders who can hold a steady pace and want to push themselves.
Same or similar route, ridden at a steady, conversational pace. For riders who want to stay connected and ride with the group.
If you belong in B but join A, the group sweep ends up babysitting, and that isn't fair to them or the group. No shame in choosing the right pace for your day. For the full pace tier breakdown, see the Rides page.
They volunteer their time to prepare routes and keep the ride safe, smooth, and fun. Follow their lead, call-outs, and regroup points, even if you'd do things differently. Share feedback after the ride, not mid-peloton.
We believe in showing up, for yourself and for each other. You do the work, earn the miles, and we have your back. Repeatedly holding the group due to avoidable delays is unfair to our volunteer ride leaders and becomes a safety concern.
If you need to peel off early, tell a ride leader or someone in the group before you go. It keeps everyone accounted for and the group riding safely.
Five non-negotiables. Show up with these and you're ready.
The most important section on this page.
DCC welcomes riders of all paces, backgrounds, and experience levels. In return, we ask that every member rides with care for the group and treats every other member with respect. This is the standard. It applies to all club rides, club events, and member-to-member interactions related to the club.
Membership signals agreement with this Code of Conduct.
Guests are welcome on most DCC rides. All guests must complete the DCC Guest Rider waiver before the ride starts. Ride leaders carry the waiver QR code and can help guests complete it on the spot. Guests follow the same etiquette and safety standards as members.
After two DCC rides, we ask guests to become members. Membership supports the club's insurance, ride infrastructure, and the volunteers who make every ride happen. If you've enjoyed riding with us twice, you've had the experience. The third ride is for members.
A club's culture is the sum of the small choices its members make on every ride. Wait at the top. Pull back when the pace splinters. Yell "wee" while descending. Call out the pothole. Welcome the new face. Point out cute dogs. Address the behavior that needs addressing. It's how the club gets better, ride by ride.
