Weekend Rides

Saturday leisure rides

25 – 35 miles, 12-14mph, 10:00 on a Saturday morning from the start location shown on the club calendar

An introduction to group and club cycling. Suitable for cyclists wishing to advance their skills and enjoy the company of others. These are rides for mixed ages and abilities, using the local lanes around Chippenham avoiding main roads wherever possible. A guided ride (with downloadable route file) and a mid-way coffee stop. Riders should carry tools and a spare inner tube. Bottle of energy drink and a snack is recommended. Rides may be cancelled due to severe weather conditions.

Where there are a larger number of riders present, groups maybe formed based on abilities. Group sizes would be looked to be maintained at 8 to 10.

SUNDAY CLUB RIDES

40 – 60 MILES, 13-17MPH, 09:30 ON A SUNDAY MORNING FROM THE START LOCATION SHOWN ON THE CLUB CALENDAR

Aimed at the slightly fitter and more self-reliant rider with some experience of group riding skills but still within the boundaries of most people. Again taking to the lanes of Wiltshire avoiding main roads wherever possible. These are longer routes and therefore encompass some of Wiltshire’s great countryside and sights of interest. An electronic route file will be available for download through the diary for each ride. A coffee stop is planned for mid-distance refreshment.

Subject to numbers on the day these rides may break into faster and slower groups simply to ensure there are manageable numbers on the road. Groups of 8 to 10 recommended. Traditional cycling club etiquette is encouraged at all times to ensure no one gets lost or in mechanical trouble. Riders should carry tools and spares for mechanicals. Bottle of energy drink and a snack is recommended.

STRUCTURED GROUP RIDE (AKA CHAIN GANG)

40 MILES, 17+ MPH SATURDAY MORNING 09:30 STARTS FROM CHIPPENHAM CEMETERY GATES

A structured faster group training ride for those who wish to develop their fitness and group riding skills and etiquette. Aimed at more experienced riders who are confident in their riding. A 40 mile fixed route ride around Chippenham villages. More information about riding the chain-gang can be found here Chain ganging.

Groups will be formed depending on number of riders present and ability. Riders should carry tools and spares for mechanicals. No stopping so bring snacks and drinks for consuming while riding.

This traditional ride that has been running for decades.

CHALLENGE RIDES

60+ MILES, 14-18MPH, GENERALLY SUNDAY MORNING START FROM THE START LOCATION AND TIME SHOWN ON THE CLUB WEB SITE.

Aimed at the more experienced rider capable of maintaining a steady pace over a longer distance. Still using quiet roads wherever possible. Traditional cycling club etiquette is encouraged at all times to ensure no one gets lost or in mechanical trouble. Riders should carry tools and spares for mechanicals. An electronic route file will be available for download through the diary for each ride. The route involves one or more cafe stops through the ride but due to the distances and time involved it is recommended that riders bring enough food and drink to consume in the saddle. Good training for the sportive riders out there.

NOVICE AND FAMILY RIDES

10 MILES, 8-12MPH, ON A WEEKEND LUNCHTIME.

Intended to be an introduction for those new to cycling or looking to gain confidence on the bike. All abilities welcome. Open to existing and non-members. These rides are not regularly scheduled but can be arranged where there is demand. Please contact the club secretary and advise of interest.

Minimum of two experienced supporting riders will guide and advise on this short ride. Support riders will be joining from an earlier ride and whilst expect to arrive on time, may vary by 5 or 10 minutes depending on conditions. Ride will not take place in extreme weather (frost or heavy rain).