The Seaburn centre at 9am- rides from here are generally no longer than 2 hrs and it's a more sociable session.
Herrington Country park car park at 9am- groups that meet here often head out for significantly longer sessions (50 miles plus) with more in the way of hills and slightly less chatting.
For either type of ride you would bring along: Bike in good mechanical condition, clothes to suit the weather forecast, your helmet (no helmet, no ride- we know there's a debate about their effectiveness and whether they should be compulsory but, on a practical level, you have to wear one for racing, so you may as well train in one), spare inner tubes and a pump, basic tools, and enough food and drink for the ride.
Co-ordinating the rides is getting trickier so it's advisable to check at the pool to see if anyone is heading out, or use the soapbox feature on the website. Try and check it's on before you turn up!!
The Sunday rides are steady paced with the main emphasis being on endurance building and sociability. We will always try to have at least two groups so that everyone can get a ride at a pace they're happy with. Distances will vary depending upon who turns out and the time of year. During the summer months, when racing takes precedence, the Sunday Ride will only take place on non-race days.
Please don't be put off by what may seem to you impossible distances. If you are new to cycling you will be appointed an experienced cyclist to stay with you, and the group themselves will be supportive to your needs. You will NEVER be left alone. Our club policy is to encourage new members, not to grind them into dust, as some other clubs have a reputation for doing. Within a few months you will be amazed at what you can acheive.