Level 2 (Touring Rides)

The Essex Roads Touring Rides are for those able to ride at a steady pace with a group. We will do about 30 miles and our average speed will be about 15 miles per hour. Typically, you might join these rides if you cycle regularly already. Perhaps you ride to work or have taken part in charity rides. We don’t do any racing on these rides and they are not competitive in any way.

You don’t need a fancy bike but it needs to be roadworthy of course. A road bike is best with 700 c wheels, but anything with smooth tyres would be ok. We recommend that you wear some sort of cycle clothing for comfort reasons. You don’t need special cycle shoes or pedals though these will help your pedal action especially up any hills. We also strongly suggest that you wear a helmet.
Where we meet for Sunday Touring Rides
Outside a tea stop

The Touring Rides go over undulating terrain, and no big hills. We go at 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 touring group. You will learn lots about bike control, road positioning and how to hold 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 might also take a turn at the front if you feel able.

As you progress on the Touring Rides you could eventually graduate to our Club Rides which travel faster and further. Typically, many riders end up at this level of fitness. We have a lot of riders who started with our club as novices, and they have since then moved onto other rides such as our Touring, Club Rides and Training rides. Its amazing how quickly that cycling with others will improve your abilities.

All our Novice 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.
On the road

Here are some questions and answers about Touring 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, If you can ride at least 30 miles or so in distance you should be fit enough.

What if I can't keep up because I'm slow?
Don’t worry. We always ride at the speed of the slowest rider and if you get dropped, we stop and wait for you! It’s quite normal to stop for breaks too, along the way as our abilities are very mixed, even amongst experienced cyclists. Our average speed will be about 15 miles per hour.

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.
Where we meet for Sunday runs

What sort of bike do I need?
Basically, anything which you normally use and are comfortable on over 30 miles and preferably 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. It’s probably better to over-dress and expect the worse. You can always carry discarded clothing with you. 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.

Who do I follow?
All rides have a ride leader who will identify themselves before the group sets off.

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!