There are usually three rides in order to suit most people’s abilities and aspirations, and we try to keep numbers per group under 15 or 16 riders, to make sure the group can stay together under today’s road conditions.

Routes vary, but will usually include a cake and coffee stop half way around the ride.

For new riders we suggest going with the particular run that appears at first easy for your ability, you can always step up the following week.

On all rides we will not leave you behind, but be aware of each group’s differing speeds (listed below).

Each ride has a leader who is responsible for keeping people on route, and ensuring everyone is accounted for.

Obviously as numbers change, rides can be split down further, or amalgamated (if two rides are put together the pace will be at the steadier level).

1.      The Sociable Ride

As the name suggests this is a steady ride for those who want to do club riding at a moderate pace, speeds vary according to the distance and route, but generally average around 12 -14 mph.

As the name suggests this is the ride for members who want to ‘socialise’ while out on the bike

The ride will normally be 40 + miles.  The group will go at the speed of the slowest rider and regroup as necessary to keep everyone together. The ride is at a steady pace, with no accelerations on hills or stepping up of pace.

2.      The Improvers Ride

This is the ride for riders who want to improve their fitness and ability on the bike, the pace is steady to brisk averaging 14 -16 miles per hour. The ride regroups after hilly or hard sections.

The route is usually the same as the sociable ride which allows people to drop back to the other ride or step up at the coffee stop.

3.     BRANDONS Training Ride

This is the ride for riders who are serious about racing and sportive events. Routes are usually longer and could be more demanding than the other rides. Pace is brisk and averages speeds of 16 -18 mph. The ride regroups momentarily at times, but is ideally a one stop ride.

Ride Etiquette

Riders should ride paired up, or in single file if on a busy road.

All riders should try and take their turn at the front.

Riders should maintain, not lift the pace when at the front (no half wheeling) especially when on hills.

Riders at the back of a group should try and maintain contact with the group, or if this is difficult call out for the group to slow down.

If the ride breaks up it must regroup and account for all its members.

The group will wait for any rider with a puncture or any other problem.

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sunday rides

Brandon’s Training Group Runs

 

Jan - March 2010

 

 

 march 7th somerset levels

 

March 14th Pawlett

Route: Chard – Kingstone- Seavington- West Lambrook – Kingsbury Episcopi – Huish Episcopi – Aller – Henley – Pedwell – Shapwick – Westhay – Burtle

-River Bridge – East Huntspill – Huntspill – Pawlett (Stop) – Bridgwater – Weston Zoyland – Burrowbridge – Athelney – North Curry – Wrantage – Hatch Beauchamp

Bickenhall – Broadway – Donyatt – Chard (+/- 71 miles).

 

March 21st

Biships Lydeard

Chard – Donyatt – Horton – Curland – Staple Hill -  Wallaces – West Buckland- Bradford-on-Tone – Milverton – Bishops Lydeard (stop) – Cushuish – Cheedon Fitzpaine – Monkton – Creech – North Curry – Wrantage- Hatch Beauchamp – Bickenhall – Horton – Chard (+/- 65 miles)

 or

March 21^st

Exmoor Spring Audax

 

March 28^th

Westbay via Maiden Newton (extended)

Chard – Winsham – Drimpton – Little Windsor – Whetley Cross – Beaminster Down – A356 – Maiden Newton – Wynford – Compton Valence Crossroads – Two Gates – Spyway – Uploders – Loders – Bridport – West Bay (Stop) – Bridport – Salway Ash – Broadwindsor – Drimpton – Winsham – Chard  +/- 60 miles.