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Our Group Rides

We've developed a detailed Group Chart to ensure every member finds their perfect ride. This guide explains our club groups, speeds, and color coding, aiming to create a fair and enjoyable experience for all. It's designed to help you identify the group that best matches your cycling abilities and preferences, ensuring a comfortable fit for your club rides.

Check if riding in the club is right for you?

Newcomers

GROUP 1

Group G1 – Designed for beginners with some road biking experience, G1 offers a welcoming introduction to group riding. While riders should have basic fitness and confidence on their bike, the pace is relaxed and approachable. With minimal elevation, this group focuses on building foundational riding skills in a social, supportive environment. G1 rides happen once a month, providing a great way to ease into group cycling.

Group Cruising Speed: 20-24km/h

NON-DROP

SOCIAL PACE

Returning Riders

GROUP 2

Group G2 – Suitable for riders looking to engage in a slightly more consistent fitness routine. G2 offers a relaxed and social pace with regular rides and minimal elevation, perfect for those stepping up from G1 or returning to cycling after a break. The non-drop format ensures a supportive environment, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to improve their endurance in a group setting.

Group Cruising Speed: 22-26km/h

NON-DROP

SOCIAL PACE

Developing Riders

GROUP 3

Group G3 – Ideal for riders who focuses on building fitness and improving bike handling over more varied distances and terrain. With a target cruising speed of 26-30 km/h, this group introduces paceline and chain-gang formations, offering a steady yet social pace. It's a non-drop group, making it perfect for developing riders who want to enhance their group riding skills in a supportive environment.

Group Cruising Speed: 26-30km/h

NON-DROP

SOCIAL PACE

Intermediate Riders

GROUP 4

Group G4 – Targeted at intermediate riders, G4 is designed for those with solid fitness and strong bike handling skills, ready for longer distances and a faster pace. With a cruising speed of 28-32 km/h, this group regularly practices paceline and chain-gang formations, perfect for those looking to refine their group riding techniques. It’s a non-drop group, ensuring a supportive environment for riders to challenge themselves while enjoying dynamic club rides.

Group Cruising Speed: 28-32km/h

NON-DROP

STEADY PACE

Advanced Riders

GROUP 5

Group G5 – Designed for highly experienced cyclists, G5 offers rigorous rides that demand exceptional fitness and expert bike handling. With a target cruising speed of 32-36 km/h, these rides are fast-paced and challenging, requiring riders to be quick and efficient in close-formation riding. Due to the demanding nature of the group, a drop policy is in place, so participants must maintain the group pace to stay on.

Group Cruising Speed: 32-36km/h

DROP POLICY

TEMPO PACE

Elite Cyclists

GROUP 6

Group G6 – As the most challenging group, G6 is designed for elite cyclists with top-tier fitness, exceptional bike handling, and extensive riding experience. With a cruising speed exceeding 36 km/h, this group offers high-intensity training and race-pace rides. Riders can expect advanced formations such as paceline and chain-gang, pushing their limits in a competitive environment. A drop policy is in place, so only those able to maintain the demanding pace should join.

Group Cruising Speed: 36km/h +

DROP POLICY

RACE PACE

Group Cruising Speed is our steady speed target, maintained throughout the ride on flat & on rolling terrain. This adaptable pace is crafted to ensure a unified riding experience for all participants. Adjustments to the speed might be necessary due to factors like weather, road conditions, group dynamics, and ride distance, promoting teamwork and mutual support within the group.

Group Paces and The Drop/No-Drop Policy

We adapt our group ride approach to fit each group's characteristics. In social, beginners and intermediate groups, we prioritise inclusion. For advanced and elite groups, while individual or group pace is important, safety and support are always a key. Ride Leaders are available to help members find the right pace, ensuring an enjoyable experience for everyone.

Maintaining Advertised Pace

All groups aim to maintain their advertised group pace on flat and rolling terrains.
Pace guidelines for each group are available and must be observed by all riders.
Ride leaders may adjust the pace due to safety, weather, group size, or other influencing factors.

Hill Climbing

Climbing naturally spreads the group due to differing abilities.
Riders should regroup at the top of the climb or maintain a reduced pace until everyone is back together.

Mechanical & Health Issues

For minor mechanical issues, the group will pause to allow for repairs.
In case of significant mechanical failures, the affected member should be prepared for self-sufficiency, though the group will provide assistance to ensure safety.
The club stresses the importance of stopping for any medical concerns.

Choosing the Right Group

Members are encouraged to choose groups aligned with their ability for a safe and enjoyable ride.
If a member struggles with the group's pace, they should inform the ride leader. A brief pace adjustment may be made to accommodate them.
If the member continues to struggle, and another group is following, they might be advised to join the subsequent group.
In cases where no group is trailing, and the member feels uncomfortable proceeding solo, the ride leader can slow the group's pace temporarily to ensure the rider's safe return.
Occasionally, some riders may wish to break from the main group and move faster. These "fliers" do so at their own risk, understanding that the main group won't chase. Members should note that flying ahead can disrupt the cohesion of the group.

Addressing Incorrect Group Choices

Ride leaders should identify and communicate with newcomers or those stepping up to gauge their comfort and preparedness.
If someone is in the wrong group, they should be informed early on and provided guidance, possibly suggesting they join a more suitable group trailing behind.
If no group follows, the main group may consider adjusting the pace temporarily. However, if this doesn't resolve the issue, another member (not the primary ride leader) should volunteer to accompany the individual, ensuring their safe return.

Special Considerations for Advanced Groups G5 & G6

Members in these groups are expected to be self-sufficient and should prepare for the possibility of riding solo if they can't maintain the minimum advertised pace.
Ride leaders retain the discretion to decide whether to enact the no-drop policy based on group dynamics and the particular ride's circumstances.

Final Note: Safety and camaraderie are paramount. Our policy aims to ensure all members enjoy their rides while promoting group cohesion and mutual support. Always communicate any concerns or issues with your ride leader.

Is riding in a club for me?

If you are keen to join rides with Surrey Cycling Club (SCC), please start with the checklist below:

Social Interaction: Do you enjoy the camaraderie that comes with group activities, and are you open to making new friends who share your interest in cycling?

Group Rides: Are you comfortable riding in a group? Group riding can be different from solo cycling and requires awareness of others, good communication, and adherence to certain protocols for safety.

Fitness Level: Are you able to maintain a reasonable pace over extended periods, usually between 2-4 hours? Each group has its 'Group Cruising Speed' which is the pace we expect our group and all riders to maintain on flat terrain.

Challenge and Progress: Are you interested in improving your cycling skills, increasing your endurance, and pushing your limits in a supportive environment?

Safety & Respect: Are you willing to respect the rules of the road, adhere to our club's safety protocols, and show consideration for your fellow riders, drivers, and pedestrians?

Community Involvement: Do you enjoy being part of a community that organises events, social gatherings, and club rides?

Consistent Participation: While we do not mandate a minimum attendance, are you keen to take part in our rides on a fairly regular basis? We understand that life can be busy, and you're always welcome to join us whenever you can!

Remember, if you've answered 'Yes' to most of these questions, Surrey Cycling Club could be an excellent fit for you. We'd love to have you join one of our demo rides to experience the club first-hand.

A member of Surrey Cycling Club rides a bike on a bridge.

Bobby M.

" Surrey Cycling Club is great to be a part of, not solely because of well planned rides/events/trips but because of the people that make it. SCC has around 60 active members of all levels, male and female alike, and they're ALL amazing. "