So that members know what to expect and can choose the club ride that they want to join it may help to describe the different types of groups and rides there are.
It is expected that every group agrees upon one of these published ‘ride levels’ before setting off, and adheres to the principles below in order that all riders get the experience that they signed up for.
Not every ride level will be available every time the club meets, but we can almost guarantee something for everyone at the Sunday Club Run.
Name
Description
Avg. Speed
Group 5:
Intro
A ride to introduce new members to the club – so they get a feel for what we do and how we do it.
- A chance for new members to get an idea of what sort of ride(s) they might like to do with the club, and to assess their confidence on a bike and in a group
- An opportunity to share the club calendar and welcome prospective members so that they want to join and feel that they belong
- Introduction to group riding on a chatty café ride
- Stay together as a group
- 19-22 kph
- 11-14 mph
Group 4:
Social
A ride for all members of the club to enjoy – catch up with friends and chat.
- Stay together as a group
- Practice group riding at a manageable safe speed.
- Café stop during and/or at the end of the ride.
- 20-24 kph
- 12-15 mph
Group 3:
Medio
Riding purposefully at consistent pace but still able to chat.
- Generally stay together as a group – regroup at top of hills and at junctions.
- Group should respond to requests to adjust pace so that group stays together
- A chance to increase confidence, fitness, share riding skills and advice.
- There will probably be café stop mid-way and/or at the end of the ride.
- 24-26 kph
- 14-16 mph
Group 2:
Pacey
This is a harder pace to maintain over a long duration so a good level of fitness is required, along with experience, confidence and good etiquette in group riding.
- Stay together as a group – alert group to modify pace to ensure that group rides together.
- For rides close to home this ride may be a ‘drop ride’ – this should be agreed by all participants at the start of the ride.
- Option to regroup at top of hills and junctions.
- A ride that members may use to increase fitness.
- 27-30 kph
- 16-18 mph
Group 1:
Fast
This is a ride for people who have high level of fitness and confidence riding in groups.
- For rides close to home this ride may be a ‘drop ride’ – this should be agreed by all participants at the start of the ride.
- There will usually not be a stop during the ride, but there may be a social coffee afterwards.
- 31+ kph
- 19+ mph
Women’s only rides
- Women’s rides are designed to be supportive and non-intimidating and aim for every rider to feel comfortable and encouraged.
- Whether you’re building confidence, rediscovering your love for cycling, or simply want to enjoy a ride without pressure, we aim to offer rides that suits your style, ensuring no one is left behind.
- There is a women only WhatsApp group that members will be invited to.
Children and young riders
- There is a greater duty of care for riders under the age of 18 years.
- If there are riders aged 12-18 years in the group, somebody will need to take responsibility for these riders and ensure they are not left on their own during the session.
- All riders under the age of 18 years must have a signed parental consent form that is given to and stored by the club Chair, Secretary or Membership Officer.
New riders, or new to the club
- We understand that joining something new can be daunting – perhaps new members are worried about keeping up, not knowing anyone, or not having the right gear. The club and it’s members are a great place to find out about all aspects of cycling.
- New riders and prospective members are encouraged to try 2 club rides and then they will be asked to join the club.