Saturdays
From this month, we have added a second Saturday Short Club Run each month, at least for the rest of the summer. In addition to the third Saturday of the month there will now be a ride on the first Saturday of the month. This initiative actually started last Saturday (July 6th ) These rides will continue to start from the Unicorn, West Heath at 10:00 a.m.
Sundays
There appears to be interest amongst some members for a club ride at a somewhat brisker pace on Sunday rides.
The Club Committee is happy for two groups each Sunday, whenever there are sufficient riders for this to take place. We propose to operate a pilot for the rest of the summer. If the demand is confirmed, we will make it a permanent feature of the club run program.
From this Sunday (July 14th ), we will offer two rides on Sundays.
‘A’ Ride. The intended pace is perhaps 2 mph faster than the traditional club ride at 15 – 17 mph average for a flat Cheshire Plain ride, slower for hilly rides..
‘B’ Ride. This will continue at the current pace which is 13 – 15 mph average on flat terrain.
The idea is simple: The Runs list, café destination will apply to both rides and normally on a similar route with an extra loop of say 4-5 miles for the ‘A’ ride.
Both rides will meet at 09:30 with the ‘A’ ride going off a couple of minutes ahead.
To be successful, each time two groups are formed; we will need a second ‘leader’ or navigator so it will help if members check the destination and envisage a route the day before. For the next 2 Sundays Bill Boynton has volunteered.
Club etiquette
The same rules apply to all Club Runs, so please read the attached “Rules and Etiquette of Club Runs” which were approved at the last committee meeting. In particular the principle of “pace of the slowest” will apply.
How will I know if there will be two groups on Sunday?
You won’t know in advance. We’ll see who turns up, and if there are no more than 8, then we’ll probably ride as one “slower” group If a bigger group shows up, we’ll quickly see whether we have enough members for two groups and have someone willing to lead a faster group.
Remember, this is not about training. The idea will be of benefit if it increases the total number of members turning out on club runs.