Level 4 (Training Rides)
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The Essex Roads Training Rides are just what is says on the label – ‘For Training!’ If you already partake in Club Rides then this will push your abilities to the ultimate level. These rides are not easy and adopt a race-like pace where the aim is to go as fast as possible within the capabilities of the group. It is likely that your average speed will be around 20 miles per hour over 50 miles, however the group speed will naturally fall as fatigue sets in. It is not uncommon for riders at this level to ‘hit the wall’ where they have naturally reached the end of their endurance and might need to ‘pack’ (give up and turn for home) due to the speed and distance involved. Don’t be embarrassed by this experience, as it’s quite normal. You may also find that others find themselves in a similar situation as we all have. |
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If you already do time-trialing or road racing then these rides will assist you greatly in establishing your goals.
Riders will need to spend time at the front on these rides to give others a rest as the pack charges through the terrain. You are likely to learn a lot about pacing yourself and how to recover quickly. You will also need to have good bike-craft given your proximity to other riders and the high speeds involved particularly during cornering followed by mass acceleration afterwards.
With training rides it is quite normal that riders may sprint ahead to be swallowed up by the group later on. These bursts of speed are what make up ‘interval training’. These sessions actually help you get stronger and faster. Groups of riders often sprint for signs up ahead just for the satisfaction of racing and passing others. The stronger riders usually win!
Given that you may be trying quite hard to stay with the group during a training ride it is not at all common to be ‘spat out the back’ when your ability to keep up is spent. Although this is a training ride, others will wait for you, after which the pace is likely to slow. Don’t be embarrassed by this experience, as it’s quite normal. You may also find that others find themselves in a similar situation as we all have.
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These rides do not always stop for a break so please ensure that you eat and drink during these hard rides. All our Training Rides start and finish at the Council Car Park on the western side of the High Street, Billericay at 9:00. The Car Park is reached by proceding along the High Street from Sun Corner and turning left just past the Iceland store. See the map below or the Google Maps Reference. 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. |
Here are some questions and answers about Training 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 you will need a good level of fitness and stamina to keep up.
| What
time do you start? Where
do you start from? When do
the rides take place? Can
I park my car somewhere near the start? Where
do you finish? How
long do the rides last for? How many attend the Training Rides? Do
you stop for refreshments? Should
I eat before the ride? |
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What
sort of bike do I need?
You will need a road bike with good gearing and smooth tyres. It should also be as light as possible. You are advised 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?
We advise proper cycling attire, such as Lycra jerseys and shorts in the warmer months but cold weather gear/waterproofs when the forecast looks poor. 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. Definitely wear a helmet.
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. Tackling hills though is very much part and parcel of good training.
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!