INTRODUCTORY Club Run FAQ's:
WHEN ?
10am, 1st Sunday of every month
WHERE ?
Meet outside Pond House Pub, A4 (Junction with
(Parking available in adjoining road if you wish to arrive by car)
DURATION ?
Approximately 2 hours covering a distance of around 30 miles.
How fit should I be ?
Fit enough to ride at around 14 -15mph for an hour or so on your own. You will be surprised how much faster/further you can go when riding in a group.
Is it a race ?
NO – club runs are social rides that keep to a steady pace to allow everyone to stay together.
What if I can’t keep up ?
A club member will ride with you at your own pace to get you back to the start or to your home.
Is my bike suitable ?
A road bike is best, but any bike will do as long as it is well maintained & road-worthy.
Knobbly off-road tyres are not good on tarmac as they will slow you down & make steering/control more difficult.
What should I wear ?
Proper cycling clothing is best but otherwise wear something that is comfortable & practical. Don’t wear jeans! Bring a water-proof top if it looks showery.
What to eat & drink?
It is important to keep hydrated when exercising & to consume enough calories to keep riding. At very least bring a plastic bottle of still water – better still an energy/sports drink. Bring food that is easy to eat (you may want to eat whilst riding along rather than waiting for a rest point). Bananas, dates & jelly babies are favourites & there are numerous energy bars available in the shops.
It may not be ideal sports nutrition but bottle of cola (with the fizz shaken out) & a big chocolate bar will see you through quite a few miles!
Is it safe ?
Any sport has its dangers but we minimise the risks:
It is good practice to wear a helmet. We generally avoid busy main roads. We obey the highway code & try & remain courteous to other road users!
Is there an age limit ?
Minimum age is 15. Riders under 18 should complete the Parental Consent form (available in either MS Word or PDF format) and bring it with them on the day.
Will I need to join the club?
No. We are of course always on the look out for new members & if you like us then sign up. However these introductory rides carry no obligations. They are just a great opportunity for you to meet our club & enjoy riding through some great countryside.
Still Interested ?
If you want to speak to us first then contact us, otherwise just turn up & ride!
We will ask you for your name & a few basic contact details (e-mail address, phone number & secondary contact).
Remember – First Sunday of each month – see you there !
Introductory Club Runs
Cycling is great fun and also a superb way of keeping fit. If you enjoy riding your bike and want to do a bit more then why not join Thames Velo on an Introductory Club Run one Sunday? We have some great countryside locally and so go out virtually every Sunday all year round. Every week is different & spontaneous - take a look at the runs reports. To make it easier for you to try riding with us, we are starting a series of Introductory Club Runs.
These will be shorter routes so you can get to meet us, experience riding in a group and generally find out if the best sport in the world is for you!