Level 3 (Club Rides)

The Essex Roads Club Rides are rides are pitched between Touring and Training rides. These rides are for riders of good ability who might have been on the Touring Rides but need a next step-up before taking on much harder training rides if they wish to in the future. Club rides are set at a good pace – around 18 miles per hour over roughly 40 miles. Cyclist ride in a pack and the pace can get race-like at times. These are great rides for pushing your stamina and fitness to new levels where you will need to accelerate at times to hold onto the group. These rides tend to hold speed up the hills and attack the topography rather than succumb to it.

Stop on route
Club Ride 2

As far as suitable bikes are concerned you will need a road-bike with 700 c wheels or a hybrid with smooth tyres, and, the lighter your bike the better. We also recommend that you wear proprietary cycle wear. This is more comfortable and will help you to keep cool if you get hot. We also strongly suggest that you wear a helmet.

As with all other rides we adapt to the pace of the slowest rider, and if you drop back we all wait for you to recover/ catch up. And don’t worry – you won’t be left. We definitely stop for a break at a nice café, where tea, coffee, toast, buns and cake are likely to be consumed.

There are lots of advantages cycling in a pack. You will learn lots about bike control, road positioning and how to keep pace with others. It can also be to your advantage in that you will be able to ‘draft’ others by sitting behind them thus saving energy. You can also take a turn at the front if you feel able. What’s for sure is that you will be on roads you’ve probably never seen before. You are likely to go ‘anaerobic’ on these rides where you will need to stretch your capacity to push yourself hard then recover afterwards. This is also commonly called ‘interval training’.

All our Club Rides start and finish at Sun Corner, Billericay (see map insert). We meet there at 9:00 a.m. outside the Police station. From there, we take a variety of routes along quiet country roads that you’ve probably never been down before. We are usually back in Billericay about midday, or you can turn off earlier if it’s easier for you to get home.
Club Ride 3

Here are some questions and answers about Club Rides: -


I’m not a member of Essex Roads. Do I have to join in order to ride?
No, we welcome all cyclists. You don’t have to be a member, but if you want to ride regularly we would of course provide you with every incentive to come and join our very friendly club.

I want to ride with you. Do I have to be super fit to join in?
No, but a good level of bike experience and fitness is required. You will need to cover about 40 miles at a good pace within a pack.

What time do you start?
At 09:00.

Where do you start from?
We start from Sun Corner, Billericay. It’s at the southern end of the high street outside the Police Station (see map opposite).

When do the rides take place?
Always on a Sunday.

Can I park my car somewhere near the start?
Yes, there are two car parks in Billericay High Street. The entrances are next to ‘New Look’ (the council car park), and next to Peter Murray Solicitors (the Waitrose car park). Both are free on a Sunday (see map opposite).

Where do you finish?
We return to the start at Sun Corner or you can peel off sooner if you like.

How long do the rides last for?
About two to three hours, depending on distance, weather conditions, abilities and stops.

How many attend the Sunday rides?
Usually between five and twenty riders, sometimes a lot more.

Do you stop for refreshments?
Yes, we try to plan at least one major stop, usually at a well known tea-house.

Should I eat before the ride?
Definitely yes! It’s good to have some food inside you before hand. So have a hearty breakfast. You should also pack some energy bars, gels or bananas – whatever is your preference. You should also bring an energy type drink with you to prevent dehydration.
Where we meet for Sunday runs

What sort of bike do I need?
As indicated - we recommend the use of a road-bike with 700 c wheels or a hybrid with smooth tyres. You are advised however, to make provisions for punctures, your protection against the elements, and you might find it useful to fit some mudguards during the winter to prevent other riders being soaked with dirty road spray, and to avoid getting your bottom wet!

What sort of clothing do I need?
It all depends on the expected weather conditions, so please have a look at the weather forecast beforehand. Some proprietary cycle clothing is recommended. Don’t forget your sun cream if it’s going to be hot – liberally applied to arms, legs, face, ears and neck.

When don’t you go out?
When it’s very windy, during heavy rain or when, during winter it’s likely to be slippery.

Do you ride on main roads only?
We try and get on to country lanes as much as possible. Our riders tend to know where they are going, so stick to the smoothest, nicest and prettiest routes available.

Do I have to cycle up inclines?
Yes, unfortunately, although this is Essex it’s not entirely flat, but essentially gently undulating. We will keep the hills to the minimum.

OK, what do I do next?
Have a look at the Events Calendar,  and just turn up on the day. We look forward to meeting you!