Joining Dulwich Paragon is one of the best ways to get used to riding in a group close to other cycists. For those used to commuting  on their own it can sometimes seem a little daunting that we ride so close but you'll be riding along with everyone  in no time at all. Riding close behind the rider in front of you will reduce the amount of wind resistance that you face and make cycling easier, it'll help you rider longer and faster with less effort. The best place to start is one of our weekend club runs, probably the Saturday ride if you're unsure of your fitness.

Don't forget to bring a bottle of water or energy drink as you'll need it. It's also a good idea to bring something to eat like a banana or flapjack, just to make sure that you don't run out of energy. You'll also need a spare inner tube or two and a pump in case of punctures. A mini tool is a useful thing to have for those mechanical problems. You should be able to fit all of those things into a small saddle bag or jersey pockets.

Depending on the weather you'll need to be wearing the right clothes. Some padded lycra shorts and a short sleeve shirts are fine in the summer but in the winter you'll need long thermal tights or legwarmers and long sleeve thermal tops. If you don't have any kit then the club has plenty of Dulwich Paragon kit available to buy. It's a good idea to have a gilet or rain jacket in your pocket just in case of rain.

Most of the following common sense tips on riding in a group can be picked up by just going out on rides with us but here they are just for good measure if you've not ridden in a group before:

When you ride in a group on the road it's even more important than when you're on your own to pay extra attention to the road and traffic as those behind you can't see what's up ahead.

Don't ride more than two abreast, and only where the road is wide enough. When the road is narrow single out to allow traffic to pass by. When singling out, the rider near the middle of the road slows down to pull in behind the rider that they were riding next to. This avoids the confusion of both riders slowing down at the same time leaving the one in the middle of the road with nowhere to go.

If you're riding at the front you need to let the riders behind know if there are any holes, parked cars, glass or any other hazards by shouting out of pointing with hand signals. Pass these warnings down the group so that the ones at the back aren't left in the dark. If people know what's coming up it makes for safer riding with less swerves and sudden braking.

If you're in a large group it's important not to wait at junctions longer than necessary as you'll get in the way of other traffic and make it hard for them to see. Instead find a suitable place to wait at the side of the road while you wait for others to catch up.

If you have a puncture shout out that you have a flat so that you don't get left stranded with some in the group wondering where you are. Also, it helps people to know that you're stopping so that they don't ride into the back of you when you slow down.

When the group approaches a junction or traffic lights and needs to slow down or stop, shout out, "Easy", to let riders behind know that you're putting on the brakes. If you don't there's a chance they will ride into the back of you!

One thing to remember about Saturday and Sunday club rides is that they are exactly that, rides not races! Be nice to each other.