Bored of riding alone? We’re a social club and we welcome new riders. Our regular Sunday rides are popular amongst all members.
Every Sunday at 08:30am we have group club runs that meet at Marsh Mills, Plymouth at the entrance to the Plymouth Gateway Retail Park (this is newly built in 2018, and we meet near the Costa Coffee drive-through, it’s the same retail park that has a KFC and a Sofology shop).
Here’s the location on Google maps:
Do I have to be a member to come along for the Sunday Club Run?
No, We welcome all potential new members, so please feel free to come along and as it’s a good way to find out more about the Plymouth Corinthian Cycling Club.
What sort of distance and speed can I expect on your Sunday club rides?
The distance varies according to the weather and what people feel like doing.
We normally have 3 group rides starting together (please check out Facebook group for up to date details for each week). They are led on a voluntary basis so are reliant on members to ensure they run.
The ride descriptions below should provide adequate details to enable you to choose the correct ride. We recommend any newcomers start with the base ride. It’s better for everyone if you are a slightly stronger rider in an easier group rather than struggling in a faster group.
Base (average speed 15-16mph): this is the steadiest ride suitable for anyone wanting an easier option. It is also recommended for all newcomers unless you have club/group riding experience. The intensity will be knocked right off on the climbs to ensure no one is working too hard and to keep the group together.
Tempo (16-18mph): this ride will have a purposeful feel to it. The intensity will be knocked back slightly on the climbs to ensure no one is working too hard and to keep the group together, but keeping the intensity up on the flat and descents where possible. The group is likely to ride through-and-off frequently, even on hillier terrain, whilst keeping the group together.
Pace (18-20mph): this is a serious ride for experienced riders and racers. Climbs will be hit hard and the intensity will be kept up on the flat and descents where possible. The group will ride through-and-off for the majority of the ride, whilst keeping the group together. This ride may be harder than usual in the early spring to prepare racers for the season, and it may not run through the winter depending on demand.
When you come along, please introduce yourself to some club members and explain that this is your first ride with the club so we can make sure you are ok..
How does the club ride as a group?
Every ride will have a leader and although they will keep an eye on the group and give directions, everyone has a responsibility to ride sensibly, stay disciplined and ensure that no one is left behind.
The group should ride together at all times and aim to keep rolling for the entire ride, apart from natural breaks. This prevents needless stops to continuously regroup. The only possible exception is on a long climb, where, if everyone agrees, the climb can be taken at everyone’s own pace and then regroup at the top. Generally we ride two-a-breast, the front two riders will do a turn (ride on the front) for a few kilometres before allowing the group to ride past them so that they end up at the back of the group. Keep this going so that eventually they will be at the front of the group again. When on the front, you will need to work slightly harder as you will be in the wind. This will allow the group to ride at the correct pace. Then you will have time to recover when sitting in the wheels (riding behind others).
Riders on the front of the group are also the eyes of the group. They must inform the riders behind of any hazards such as change of speed/direction, potholes, manhole covers, road debris, parked vehicles, approaching vehicles. Warnings should be both verbal and by pointing and given in plenty of time. Any warnings or directions given by the lead riders should be repeated by the following riders and passed down the group from pair to pair.
When on the front, it is your responsibility to check that no one is being dropped off the back of the group. If a rider is struggling, they should call forward to inform the rest of the group, or other riders in the group can do this. And the riders at the back of the group can communicate to the rest of the group when vehicles are trying to overtake (not necessary when there is no possibility of the vehicle getting through). On narrow or busy roads, it may be necessary to ride in single file, and this should be communicated through the group.
(FYI. more detailed advice on road riding etiquette is available here).
Do I have to have a racing bike and all the kit?
No. Enthusiasm for cycling is the most important thing. Some members do have flashy bikes but the truth is they don’t help you ride that much faster. For the club run, a road bike (with drop handlebars) is required. You must wear a helmet, bring a drink in your water bottle, some spares (inner tube, tyre levers, multi-tool, pump) and about £5 in cash for the Cafe stop (usually just past halfway). A mobile phone is sensible too.