Road Ride Classifications
Descriptions of the rides follow. Press the buttons below for examples of typical routes and profiles for each pace of ride.
An open-invitation morning ride at an easy pace on quiet and flat minor roads; typically 18 to 25 miles to coffee, 35 to 40 miles round trip. Average speed will depend on attendees but is usually 9 to 12 mph.
Experience of group riding is required. Hills are likely. Typically, 24 to 30 miles to coffee using minor roads; 40-50 miles round trip if returning from coffee, 60 to 70 miles for the full day. Average speed 11 to 14 mph.
Like Steady, but longer: usually over 80 miles with no short route home from coffee. Good stamina and food supplies are needed. Average speed 12 to 15mph. Check with the Captain for details.
Like Steady or Endurance, but faster. Riders typically ride in a tighter formation and the route, though often to the same coffee stop, is generally longer and/or hillier. Average speed 14 to 17 mph.
Rides are around 50 miles riding through and off at speed, on A and B roads. Mid week chain gangs are as noted in the calendar. Average speed of about 18-20 mph. Rides regroup after climbs, but dropped riders should be able to make their own way back.
The emphasis is on cross country riding, using bridleways and byways. Rides are in the Calendar as “MTB” or “Gravel”. MTB rides are at the red or blue standard of the MTB trail grading system and a mountain bike is recommended. For Gravel low gears and tyres at least 28mm wide will suffice.
Sunday Rides – what to expect
- Sunday Rides depart from Kings Square, USUALLY at 09:00 – but please check the Events Calendar, News and/or Facebook because longer rides sometimes start earlier, and weather or roadworks may enforce a late change.
- On all rides participants are expected to be self sufficient. Please bring a water bottle and a basic tool kit such as a multi tool, a spare tube (or two), tyre levers, and a pump. A waterproof cape and an energy gel are worth considering, depending on the weather forecast and ride distance.
- Newcomers and Juniors should introduce themselves to the Ride Leader, Club Captain, or Vice Captain who will suggest which group is suitable.
- Newcomers can attend three GCCC organised rides (including chain gangs) as a non member. For rides after this they will be required to join. Membership forms will be available at these events and can be found on line here.
- Ride notes are usually recorded in the Club Ride Diary
- There may be over forty riders in Kings Square, going in perhaps several groups ranging from very easy (Novice) to very quick (Fast). Not every week features a Novice ride so check the Calendar beforehand.
- The Ride(s) in the Calendar will take place, and depending on numbers and preferences there may be additional options. The aims are to give everyone the ride they want and to keep each group to a reasonable size.
- Club Rides aim to be at the coffee stop between 11:00 and 11:30. Usually most riders choose to go back to Gloucester after coffee, while others will stay out for a further ride to a pub for lunch before heading home.
- The Club Ride will keep together, making sure to regroup at junctions and hilltops. Special care will be taken of young riders (see our Young Riders Policy, included on the Membership Application), weaker riders, or newcomers.
- There are some simple conventions for bunch riding (see, for example, here) which new riders will soon pick up.
- If you decide to leave the ride, please tell the Ride Leader you are leaving the ride or everyone will be waiting while he/she looks for you. Choose riding companions of similar ability or make sure you are happy to return on your own.
- Note that Fast Ride participants need to be capable of 20+ mph bunch riding for at least 3 hours. Riders do not usually stop for coffee until after their return to Gloucester. Towards the end of the ride the group will cease to regroup after climbs so participants must be prepared to be dropped on the reurn to Gloucester as speeds often increase towards the end of the ride. If the ride is split into groups to support mixed abilities anyone dropping out of the faster group may be picked up by the next one. Check out a video of the Tuesday night Chain Gang to see what is involved
- There are a few season long competitions associated with the Club rides, which can be viewed here.
Mid Week Social Rides – what to expect
- The Midweek Rides depart from Kings Square at 7 pm, but please check the Events Calendar, News and/or Facebook because weather or roadworks sometimes force a late change.
- The difficulty level can vary considerably, even though the ride always goes at a moderate pace for typically about 1.5 hours to one of a selection of the best pubs within a 15 – 20 radius of Gloucester.
- Anywhere in the Cotswolds will involve some climbing, whereas North or South in the Severn Valley can be much easier – so pick your destination!
- Occasionally an MTB option is available too.
- Full lighting must be fitted, even in Summer. You will probably be coming home in the dark on quiet country lanes.
- Occasionally there is an off-bike event instead, such as a quiz.
Social Media use for Club Rides
Various social media are used by the Club and its members to discuss rides and their arrangements, especially with regard to last minute arrangements. These include Facebook and WhatsApp. More information on them may be found here.