A LITTLE HISTORY LEsSON

In June 2001, five friends decided to cycle from London to Cannes in France. Their aim was to join fellow industry professionals at the Cannes Lions event but more importantly to celebrate and support a friend who was fighting leukaemia. From this humble beginning, the band of five has grown to many hundreds who have made the challenging ride across the Alps from Lake Geneva to Cannes in June each year. Each has committed to months of training and to raising as much money as they can to support charities fighting blood cancers.

On one fateful night the group was caught on Col de Turini facing a descent in pitch darkness. Without lights or support vehicles, they began their descent when an apparent miracle occurred: thousands of fireflies, which had been absorbing the sun’s heat on the tarmac, rose as one and escorted the riders safely down the mountain. The “Fireflies” were born that night and they went on to encapsulate their purpose further via their motto “For those who suffer we ride”.

Over the years the ride has expanded to all corners of the globe, from the west coast of America to the Antipodes. The suffering of the riders and their collective will to fight this insidious disease, by supporting research and patient care, inspires each offshoot ride.

1.     Riders must adhere to all applicable laws at all times and ride with courtesy and respect toward other road users.

2.     When you ride in FFCC colours we represent the club and its ideals.

3.     Always extend a warm welcome to new riders. Cancer affects us all and it will take all of us to cure it.

4.     If you invite a guest introduce them to your fellow riders and ride with them.

5.     You are responsible for ensuring your bike is road worthy, nothing frustrates more than waiting for a rider to make adjustments before setting off. Do it at home! It is the responsibility of each rider to carry the necessary tools and equipment and know how to use it!

6.     If someone punctures or has a mechanical the group will stop and wait.

7.     Dress appropriately. It is strongly recommended that riders wear a helmet.

8.     Riding in a group brings responsibilities for the safety of your fellow riders. Do not cross wheels and follow all instructions from the ride leaders.

9.     Group rides are a social ride NOT a RACE. Do not ride ahead of the lead rider.

10.  Aim to ride with less than a metre between you and the rider in front. Ride in pairs, NEVER more than two abreast. Single out if the road is narrow or other road conditions make it sensible and safe to do so.

11.  Front riders should warn of hazards ahead and inform the rest of the group. This doesn’t mean shouting out “hole” “Car up/down” at every opportunity. Use your judgment as to when a hazard is a threat to the group.

12.  When approaching a junction slow down to allow the group to cross as one. Do not swarm around cars that have stopped at lights, imagine the group as a large vehicle and keep the group together. Do not surge away from a stop. Everyone takes time to clip back in. Stay together.

13.  People will naturally ride hills at their own pace. Either wait at the top or at the bottom of the descent to regroup.

14.  FFCC etiquette is the true way. Marmots and Magnum ice creams always. 

The FFCC will not accept responsibility for loss or damage to riders or equipment whilst on a club ride. We highly recommend that riders have appropriate personal insurance.