East Essex Tri Club Sunday morning club bike rides

The Sunday morning club bike rides are proving to be very popular this year. On the 6th of January 20 riders turned up at the Crown Pub in Rayleigh to participate in the ride.

With groups this large there are going to be differences in peoples riding skills, fitness and ride distance requirements. For example someone preparing for a season of sprint and/or Olympic triathlons may need to cycle at a faster pace and over a shorter distance than someone preparing for a half / full Ironman. We are now into a time when many of our athletes have training plans which require 3 to 4 hours of constant riding in order to build their base fitness. Having to stop every couple of miles causes frustration both to the stronger riders and those riders who struggle to keep the group pace.

With this in mind and considering the safety concerns we have with a single cycle group of 20 riders, we have decided to alter the format of the Sunday morning bike rides.

Each ride will continue to have two named ride leaders who will plot the course and split rides into appropriate groups on the day of the ride. Groups will be no bigger than 6 riders each and groups will consist of riders of similar abilities / ride  requirements.

If you disagree with the group you are asked to cycle with then you are free to ride in any group that you feel appropriate, however riders will be expected to keep to the pace of the group leader and if a rider is dropped they will be expected to make their own way home. There are obvious exceptions where riders struggle due to illness or mechanical problems, in which case the group leader will make arrangements to ensure the rider makes it home safely.

Riders who take part in the Sunday morning cycle rides from Rayleigh will be expected to maintain a minimum speed of 15 mph over a minimum of 35 miles.

If you are not confident that you can maintain this speed/distance then you are encouraged to participate in the cycle rides from Canewdon Village hall. These cycle rides are really useful training rides where expert advice and encouragement will be provided by Southend Wheelers. Many East Essex members are already making use of the Canewdon rides and are improving their fitness and bike skills.

If you have any concerns or suggestions re the Sunday morning bike rides then please don't hesitate to contact Richard Fuller (richard@east-essex-triclub.co.uk) or any of the East Essex Tri Club committee members.