When, where, how fast/ slow, how often, where is the information etc.etc.?????
Following from the discussion on Monday 9th January, Geoff Caton has updated the discussion document. You can view/ download a copy here.
The committee will consider this at a meeting on 31st January so if you have any comments please get them to Geoff/ any committee member or send them in using the contact form.
SCC Club Rides: Discussion document
Introduction
The purpose of this document is to start a discussion on what members feel about the current arrangements for club rides and what changes, if any, they would like to make to the current arrangements. I’m sure there will be other issues members would like to discuss that I haven’t included here.
1. Summary of current arrangements.
| Day | Ride | Description |
| Weekdays | 9:30 Plough (Wednesdays Ainsdale) | Social ride (15 mph): 30/40 miles |
| Thursdays | 6:00 The Pines | Steady pace (17/18 mph): 40/50 miles, variable terrain, no café stop. |
| Saturdays | 8:30 Club House
9:30 Pumping Station |
Steady pace (17/18 mph): 50/60 miles, variable terrain. Social ride (15 mph): 30/40 miles |
| Sundays | 9:30 Blackgate Lane
3rd Sunday Ride |
Fast pace (18/20 mph): 70+ miles, variable terrain. Social ride: 60/80 miles |
| Current Annual Events (These are events that a number of club members regularly participate in – apologies if I have missed an event) |
New Year’s Day MTB to Crosby (January)Lancashire Lanes Sportive (May)Fleet Moss Audax (June)Buttertubs ride (July)Ben Gautrey ride (August)Rise Above Sportive, North Wales, (September)Velo Café (September)Eureka Ride (October) |
SCC Website – information
The Saturday morning club run of about 30 miles leaves at 9:30; pedalling through Banks village to Tarleton at a lesuirely pace, and through the quiet back roads to Croston village and on to a cafe stop for a brew. The return route over the moss arrives back in Southport by about mid day. There are also faster / longer rides depending on the number of members who are riding on any given Saturday.The weekday runs also depart from the Plough bus stop; Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at 9.30hrs. (see below for Wednesday)
The Saturday and weekday runs are covered at a more comfortable pace, so if you’re new to cycling these runs are the way to start. If you are new to cycling you should make sure someone in the group knows who you are and that this is your first ride with the club.
The Sunday run leaves The Plough at 9:15hrs and Tarleton lights at 9.30hrs. It is for riders who are looking for a longer run – typically around 80 miles – with one cafe stop. It’s normally ridden at a fairly brisk pace, however a ‘groupetto’ often forms if the ‘sociable section’ riders find the going up front a bit on the tough side and a less challenging cafe stop is chosen. There is also a “B” group ride most Sundays which leaves the bus stop at 9.30. and covers a shorter distance at a more leisurely pace. If you are “new” make sure that you check out which group is which.
2. Possible additions/amendments
• Annual club weekend away (Mons, Belgium, some years)?
• Arrangements for Sunday rides from Plough. Do we need to review these?
• Additional Sportives/’rive and ride’ events to be identified at the start of the year so that members can plan for them?
• Annual Challenge Event e.g. Coast to coast in a day or a tough sportive? Possibly linked to fundraising.
• Mountain Bike Days
• ‘New riders ride’ – once every three months, advertised in Visitor, cycling cafes etc? Aim to attract more members, provide a gentle introduction to club riding etc.
Comments/items for discussion
1. Thoughts on the proposed additions above? Suggestions for other additions.
2. Arrangements for Saturday rides.
3. Arrangements for Sunday rides from Plough. Do we need to review these?
4. Organisation. Designated individual(s) to take responsibility for planning routes for weekend rides?
5. Range of rides available to be displayed more prominently on website?
6. Strava feed to be available on website
7. Website information to be reviewed in the light of any changes
