Club rides – days and times

Ride Schedule

Over the past few years club rides have evolved to meet the members’ needs and on this page you can find details of the current regular session. If, however, you want a different sort of ride, feel free to use the forum to get support and start riding. The club welcomes new ideas and aims to encourage riding in all forms.

Our current regular organised rides schedule consists of:

Tuesday Road Rides (all year) Start 7.30pm, meet outside Walkers Cycling Shop. Aimed at stronger riders who can keep a good pace for 2 hours (20 – 30+ miles) in close co-operative pack riding. Average speed is approx 18 mph for a flat ride and 15 mph for a hilly one. Expect to have to concentrate to maintain a tight formation and maximise ride efficiency. Riders will not be dropped but you should be willing to ride to your limit if required. Multiple groups are formed when numbers require it, try to ride with those you think will be at your level. Be prepared to drop back a group if you cannot stay with your group chosen at the start.

Wednesday Road Rides (all year – weather permitting) Start 7.30pm, meet outside Walkers Cycling Shop. Aimed at riders who want a bit of a challenge but in a more relaxed manner than the Tuesday ride. This ride allows members to take advantage of the chance to learn or practise group riding techniques during a more sociable ride. If a coach is riding, some organised exercises may be included. Distance is 20 – 30 miles depending on group and the weather. Stops are included to allow the group to reform after hills or sprints. Average speed is approx 12 -14 mph with stops.

Wednesday MTB Rides (all year – never mind the weather!) Start 7.30pm, various locations – check forum for details. Duration 1.5 – 2hrs typically. For mountain bikers of all abilities. No rider will be left alone at the back. Group regularly stops to reform after fast or hilly sections. Try to have your bike in good condition to avoid unnecessary mechanical stops. Know how to change a puncture, but help is always at hand. Thank drivers or pedestrians who give way to you and close gates behind the group. Be nice to the leader, they are the only one not lost (hopefully!).

Thursday Road Ride – (Easy Paced Ride for Leisure Cyclists & Newcomers)  Start 7.30pm, usually from Walkers Cycling shop in Kilmaurs although this may change from time to time. The aim is to have a group of cyclists out on an easy-paced run of around 15 miles every week. The option exists for the group to split into two if there are sufficient numbers and a clear disparity in ability between the slower and faster participants. This will be decided at the start of each ride by consensus of all taking part. Lights are essential on all rides at either end of the season – March/April and September/October. Routes will vary in length but riders can expect to be back at the start location no later than 9.30pm.

Thursday Road Ride – (Marine Drive Chain Gang Practice)  winter chain ganging practice sessions for those who wish to improve their skills in this area or simply to improve their fitness.  Although the participants are split into ability levels, this tends to be a fast session with even the slowest  groups attaining average speeds of around 18mph.  Don’t blink or you’ll miss the really fast guys and gals.  Leave from shop at 7pm or meet in the layby on Marine Drive near the Magnum at 7.30pm.

Thursday Cyclocross Training Rides  Currently Thursday evenings from September to December. 7.30pm start. Come and have a go! Off-road cycle required – MTB is fine. Cyclocross specific skills and high intensity training (all of which will be useful for roadies and MTBers alike). Rides will vary from skills training, interval training and just plain bike riding, depending on the weather and light.  As this ride tends to vary its start point, please see forum for details.

Saturday Road Ride (all year) Start 10.00am, meet outside Walkers Cycling Shop. Aimed at riders of all abilities who want a more socially orientated ride (with some hard stuff thrown in!). Distance 20 – 50 miles depending on various factors. Bring money for scones or lunch.

Please note:

Details of rides or changes to start points are posted usually on a weekly basis in the club forum.  

All fitness levels are catered for but riders must be competent cyclists.

Please come dressed appropriately for the weather conditions and with your bike in good working order. Riders must wear a helmet and be self-sufficient – carrying at least one spare tube, tyre levers, inflator, a mobile phone, personal ID (preferably with details of any medical conditions and regular medication) and contact details. Please Note: good lights are required on all evening rides. It is recommended that riders also carry an emergency light set (front & rear LED), tube patching kit and a mini-tool for minor repairs.