We loosely classify our club rides into “Relaxed”, “Steady”, and less loosely, we have a category for “Off-road”. Ride Leaders are appointed by the Club and offer rides to members through the Anerley Ride Register spreadsheet. This gives some information regarding distance and destination and anything else riders that the Ride Leader wishes to highlight. Often a route will be provided as a gpx file or similar. All club rides are intended to be “no drop” rides, but members are expected to join appropriate rides for their fitness level and equipment! Most club rides will have a cafe stop.
Relaxed
Relaxed rides are nominally indicated as a 10 or 11 mph pace. Distances vary between 25 and 40 miles give or take. Destinations are varied and rides usually have a stop for refreshments and chat at a cafe or similar.
Relaxed rides can be very popular and for safety reasons we try and have a maximum on-road group size of 8; if more than 8 sign up then the ride will split appropriately.
Steady
Steady rides are a bit faster, maybe 12 to 14 mph pace, and distances are likely to be a bit further say between 30 and 50 miles usually, but can be further.
Some ride leaders have their favourite routes, others like to push the envelope. Train assist coastal rides are popular in summer and Hastings, Bexhill, Eastbourne, Whitstable and Chichester have been destinations over the last couple of years
Off-Road
Off-road rides are generally aimed at being suitable for gravel bikes, but some riders prefer mountain bikes depending on the specific route planned. There are inevitably road sections on these rides.
Rides tend to be shorter, slower, and significantly hillier on average as off road riding is harder work. Again, train assist is an option sometimes used so that we can ride further afield.