Bolsover & District Cycling Club

We have tried for some time to have the Sunday Rides split into two ability groups, but a lack of leaders generally for the B ride has curtailed this plan..

Heres an alternative suggestion, how about setting up the first Sunday ride of each month as a step up ride, designed to give thos a little unsure about their ability the chance to try a longer ride, but at a slightly slower pace.

The remianing rides through the month could be run as normal as pacy rides of about 60 miles

Perhaps we could even make the last Sunday ride of each month a Hardmans epic, and hit a longer distance ride (up to 100 miles)

Thougts & comments appreciated

Well a 100 miles would be an epic ride especially in the winter, i wonder how many would be up for that?. I'm thinking a decent 'starter'/newbie Sunday ride would be 2-3 laps of the spiralling circuit or tag on a bigger loop over Harthill/Shireoaks direction. I'd be happy to lead somekind of local 'starters/newbie' Sunday ride if there is any interest.

It depends what you call 'epic'. Marjorie and I have often ridden 125 miles in the depths of winter. We once did this twice in December and twice in January, as well as February and all the other months. I'm cycling to York on Friday - only 75 miles but some of my 'touring' friends will be riding from Cornwall, Devon and Kent. Some people did this at this time last year when the snow hit ( I cheated and went by train) and quite a few people staggered in to the venue at York at 1am having struggled through snow 6 inches deep. We've sometimes ridden our tandem through deep snow and on black ice - it makes for an entertaining ride. If anyone thinks that touring is for softies - think again!