Club Rides

Croston Velo has rides to suit all abilities. To ensure the rides run smoothly for the enjoyment of all we have defined ride profiles across four levels. Please review the information below to find a group suitable for you and come along and enjoy riding as part of the group.

Ride speeds are best estimates based on normal traffic and weather conditions.

All rides depart from Croston Sports club. For rider safety and to ensure everyone is in formation the ride will leave the village of Croston steadily and should slow when before re-entering the village at the end of the ride.

A group

This is the quickest of the group rides and will usually average 21mph or above on flat terrain and approx. 19-21mph on undulating terrain. Riders in this group should be experienced and confident riding in a group. Although the group does not intentionally drop riders it should not be expected to slow down for riders unable to keep the pace. Therefore riders should always be self-sufficient and know the route home if they become separated from the group. It is expected that a steadier group will be following so you have the option of waiting to join them as they pass. Routes are published in advance via Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp and Strava to allow riders to download to their GPS devices should they wish to do so.

B plus group

This group ride will usually average 19 – 21 mph on flat terrain and approx. 17-19 mph on undulating terrain. Riders in this group should be experienced and confident riding in a group. Although the group does not intentionally drop riders it will not be expected to slow down for riders unable to keep the pace. Therefore riders should always be self-sufficient and know the route home if they become separated from the group. It is expected that a steadier group will be following so you have the option of waiting to join them as they pass. Routes are published in advance via Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp and Strava to allow riders to download to their GPS devices should they wish to do so.

B group

This group ride will usually average 17 – 19 mph on flat terrain and approx. 15 – 16 mph on undulating terrain and is ideal for those riders wanting to enjoy a more leisurely ride or are looking to progress up through the groups. Riders in this group should be confident cyclists and have some experience of riding in a group. The ride is intended to be non-drop and all riders are responsible for supporting other members of the group. It is intended that the B group will follow the same route as the A and B+ rides and therefore pick up any riders that have been unable to maintain the pace of the groups in front. Routes are published in advance via Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp and Strava to allow riders to download to their GPS devices should they wish to do so.

C Group

This group ride will usually average 14 – 16 mph on flat terrain and approx.  12 – 14 mph on undulating terrain and is ideal for those riders wanting to enjoy a more leisurely ride with a good social aspect. This is a non-drop ride and is a great introduction to riding in a group if you haven’t ridden with others before. Routes are decided upon arrival to ensure they are suitable for all present.

* It is important that riders try their best to select a ride suitable for their ability for the enjoyment of all those present. If you feel too comfortable in a group and wish to push yourself further then please move up a group to ensure the group speeds are maintained, likewise if a group is consistently too difficult for you then consider moving to a steadier group in future weeks.

Tuesday Club Ride – 18:30

2 groups – B+/B combined ride and a C group ride. If numbers are sufficient then it can be decided before the ride split into 3 groups B+ , B and C.

Groups will follow the same pre-published route and set off 1 minute apart. The fastest group should set off first to avoid groups merging or having to pass one another on the road.

The route will usually be between 25 – 40 miles, often the ride will be flat to allow a good group ride. Members often return to the Sports club afterwards for a social evening and some post ride re-hydration.

Thursday Club Ride – 18:30

Usually 4 groups – A, B+, B and C. If numbers are insufficient then the A and B+ rides will merge.

Groups will follow the same pre-published route and set off 1 minute apart. The fastest group should set off first to avoid groups merging or having to pass one another on the road.

The route will usually be between 25 – 40 miles, often the ride will be flat to allow a good group ride.

The C group ride will usually decide on the route upon arrival and ensure it is suitable for all riders in the group

The ride will finish with a few post ride recovery ales and hot food served at Croston Sports Club

Sunday Club Ride

Weekend rides operate differently to the mid-week rides

8 a.m. (B/B+ group pace) – For the early birds, route distance will usually be between 40 and 70 miles (with some pre-planned longer rides throughout the season) with a suitable coffee stop mid distance. Rides will be published on social media in advance so you are aware of the terrain. Usually back in Croston for lunchtime. This ride is often organised by members via our WhatsApp group so if you are intending to join this group as a non-member for the first time please contact us in advance to ensure it is running.

9:30 (B/B+ group pace) – Route distance will usually be between 40 and 70 miles (with some pre-planned longer rides throughout the season) with a suitable coffee stop mid-distance. Rides will be published on social media in advance so you are aware of the terrain. Usually back in Croston early afternoon.

9:30 (C Group pace) – Route distance will usually be between 35 – 50 miles (with some pre-planned longer rides throughout the season) with a suitable coffee shop mid-distance. Usually back in Croston early afternoon.