Group A
Distance 15-20 miles (24-32 km) – steady pace as appropriate – arranged when needed
This is our entry level group ride. This ride is aimed at those people who may not have been on a bike for some time, but would like to start cycling more frequently and for those people who are working towards riding with Group B. It is a very friendly and sociable ride and aimed at encouraging riders to take up this sport. No experience of group riding is required before hand. An experienced club member will be on hand to offer basic advice on things such as gear selection, position on the road and group riding skills as well as more general topics such as bikes and clothing.
Group B (Short)
Distance 25-35 miles (40-56 km) – medium pace
Elevation: Tends to be 1000 ft per 10 miles (189 m per 10 km) dependent on route
Speed: 10.5-12 mph (16.9-19 km/h)
This ride is a medium pace ride but is intended to be sociable and includes a café stop. It is expected that riders will be able to cover up to 30 miles (48 km), in approximately 3 hours riding time, to equip riders with the skills to move to other similarly paced groups that ride further if desired. The group will stop regularly to re-group, particularly after hills.
Group B (Long)
Distance 40-50 miles (64-80 km) – medium pace
Elevation: Tends to be 1000 ft per 10 miles (189 m per 10 km) dependent on route
Speed: 10.5-12 mph (16.9-19 km/h)
This ride is a medium pace ride but is intended for riders who prefer a slightly quicker pace and does include a café stop. It is expected that riders will be able to cover up to 40 miles (64 km), in approximately 4 hours riding time, to equip riders with the skills to progress to quicker paced groups that ride further if desired. The group will typically stop to re-group, after hills.
Group C (Short)
Distance 40-50 miles (64-80 km) – fast pace
Elevation: Tends to be 1000 ft per 10 miles (189 m per 10 km) dependent on route
Speed: 12-14 mph (19-22.5 km/h)
This ride is aimed at cyclists who like a quicker ride than our Group B rides. Routes and café stop options will often be decided on the day amongst those present, although a route planner has usually been agreed the previous week.
Group C (Long)
Distance 50-70 miles (80-112 km) – fast pace
Elevation: Tends to be 1000 ft per 10 miles (189 m per 10 km) dependent on route
Speed: 12-14 mph (19-22.5 km/h)
This ride travels at a similar pace to Group C (Short) but covers more miles.
As such, this ride aims to be back by 15:00.
Group D
Distance 70-95+ miles (112-152+ km) – faster pace
Elevation: Tends to be 1000 ft per 10 miles (189 m per 10 km) dependent on route
Speed: 13.5-15.5mph (21.7-25 km/h)
The rides are “social” with a cafe stop, but will require a decent level of fitness and bike ability. We ride in “tight twos” and sometimes “through and off”. The group only tends to break up on the bigger hills. This creates a smoother and faster ride for us all, but does take some discipline from the whole group. Don’t worry if you have not done this before many of our new riders have not, other group members will help you. However, if you are not comfortable trying to ride in this style, Group D is not for you.
Group D rides may start earlier than other groups, and may include gravel rides when conditions are favourable.