Our grading scheme
When grading routes we use the following scheme:
- A - Demanding route. Riders should already have experience of, and be prepared for distance, hills and, probably, both. E.g. Liss or Arundel via Houghton.
- B - Hilly route. Involves major hills. E.g. Sustainability Centre or Alresford.
- C - Moderate route. Not especially long or hilly (but will involve climbs and descents). E.g. Bishop's Waltham
- D - Flattish route. Might involve some hills, but not major ones. E.g. Chichester or West Wittering.
- E - Short, flat route. Easy route often designed for people new to group riding.
All day and half day rides
All day rides start in the morning, go to an elevenses stop and then go on to lunch. Some all day rides also stop for tea on the way back.
Half day rides can be:
- A ride out in the morning going to an elevenses destination, then back around lunch time.
- A ride out with an all day ride but coming back from the elevenses stop.
- An afternoon ride.
About easy rides
Our easy rides are designed to be an introduction to club riding. You needn't be concerned about whether you can manage the pace or distance. The easy rides are leisurely and informal. They go at the pace of the slowest rider. We will not leave you behind. If necessary we will split the ride to ensure everyone enjoys it.
The ride is designed for people of average fitness and is open to everyone. There’s no charge for joining the ride. You’ll be riding for two to three hours with a break in the middle at a tea shop. We’ll be using dedicated cycle tracks and cycle lanes wherever possible. We’ll also be using country lanes and back streets.
Inevitably, though, you will be travelling in traffic for part of the way, so the ride is not suitable for people that are uncomfortable cycling on the road.
Typically we have around a dozen people on the ride.
The easy rides usually start at 9:30. There might be a longer ride starting at 9:15. Let people know you’re waiting for the short ride or you might get a longer trip than you expected!
Cycling is a great way to improve health and well-being, and you’ll find we're a friendly bunch. We’d love to see you.
This article describes what you should consider bringing with you.
For more information contact Martine and Andy, the easy ride organisers.
About faster rides
Our other rides go at the pace of the slowest rider or we will split the ride to accommodate a slower rider. 'Faster rides' go faster than other rides and people joining are expected to keep up.
We're not talking about professional or even 'club' riding speeds, but trying to ride at any speed faster than you can manage is an unpleasant experience.
If you want to join a faster ride, but uncertain whether you can keep up:
- Consider trying one or two of our other rides classed as A (Demanding) or B (Hilly) first. If you're able to keep up without difficulty that's a good indication you're ready for a faster ride. The chances are you'll be riding with other members familiar with faster rides that can help you with your assessment.
- In any case, contact the ride leader and discuss your experience to date with them. Bear in mind, however, that subjective assessments of average speed and cruising speed are notoriously unreliable even for those that routinely use cycle computers.
Before you join a faster ride, please review the route and prepare to make your own way back if you're struggling to keep up - and we all have bad days. We will not, however, intentionally drop slower riders; nor will we leave riders without first checking they are confident with getting back.
About evening pub rides
Thursday evening rides in the summer from Havant or Farlington Marshes depending on direction. Destination is a pub for a drink or a meal.
There's a good chance you will arrive home after dark so you should bring some lights with you.
This article describes what you should consider bringing with you.
About faster Sunday rides
Sunday morning rides from Cosham to elevenses. Rides are at a moderate pace and would suit anyone who is comfortable on category A or B club rides.
This article describes what you should consider bringing with you.
About WCCC rides
We have established a Community Cycling club for Waterlooville - a series of cycle rides in the Waterlooville area for people who are new to group riding or who haven't cycled for a while. All are circular routes in moderate terrain that avoid steep inclines but may include a steeper descent. As far as possible we will avoid busy roads. Routes are all less than 50km long (most substantially less). Our aim is to make cycling enjoyable, safe and welcoming for all.
You can find out more and register interest in WCCC rides here.