bikerider wrote:Is it head office policy that non ctc members should not ride with their local group even if they have some form of insurance cover after the initial trial period or do the individual member groups formulate their own policies on this? John
You're unlikely to have the same cover as offered by membership - that is the group is covered against any claim made against them as a result of your claimed actions. Even if you did, who's responsibility would it be to check that?
The three rides guidance (It's five elsewhere on the website) is just that, guidance, it was extensiveness discussed at the ride leaders workshop I attended. I understand it's under review. I doubt anyone is going to turn a rider away on the 4th ride if they're still considering whether the group suites them, or if they came on three rides some time in the past, but anyone becoming a regular rider would be expected to join.
The rides are primarily there for members, groups can run events (Subject to registering them and doing a risk assessment) if they wish to do something open to all.
If you're looking to do it on the cheap, there's the option of Individual Affiliated Membership, which costs considerable less and still entitles you to ride with any Member Group. You do of course also have to be a member of the affiliated club, but this is often free or very cheap.