Regular Club Rides
Stratford Cycling Club run a variety of weekly rides throughout the year with the program changing to reflect the seasons. In addition to those listed below we organise monthly gravel rides during the summer, long distance endurance rides and trips to the velodrome! The mainstay of our organised weekly cycling events is the traditional Sunday morning club run. Venturing into the Cotswolds, the Vale of Evesham and the beautiful Warwickshire countryside.
Rides may be cancelled at short notice due to adverse weather conditions or non-availability of a ride captain. Members are advised to check the WhatsApp group or the website before setting off.
Sunday Club Rides
Sunday Club Runs depart at 9:00 from outside the Box Brownie coffee shop in Henley Street. Please assemble in groups at 8:55 to give ride leaders a chance to assess the numbers and composition of the group before departure. Sunday rides have a tea stop at roughly half distance and will generally return to Stratford by around 13:00.
Stratford CC offer three rides most Sundays for a range of abilities and fitness levels. The exact speed and distance can vary significantly depending on the terrain so the numbers below are just a guide. Rides will generally be a little longer in the summer and a little shorter in the winter reflecting the riding conditions and fitness levels. Remember that riding as a group will increase the average speed by a couple of miles an hour compared to a solo ride. Sunday rides are no-drop so the group will always stay together.
A Ride: 17-19mph, circa 60 miles.
For confident, experienced riders.
B Ride: 15-17mph, circa 55 miles.
A slightly more relaxed ride.
C Ride: 13-15mph circa 45 miles
For fit newcomers or recovering riders.
These designations of A, B and C are also used by the club for other rides to help members guage the relative difficulty of a ride or route. For the benefit and enjoyment of all riders, it’s important that you chose the correct group (speak to our ride leaders if you’re not sure). Cycling too far outside of your comfort zone can make for a hard day in the saddle and whilst inclusivity is at the heart of all club rides, it can be frustrating for you and for the group if abilities are too varied. If you are regularly off the back or off the front then you're probably in the wrong ride. If you’re unfamiliar with group rides, unsure about the distance, elevation or speed then start with the C Ride; you can always go up a ride next week!
Junior participation Sunday Rides
The minimum age on a Sunday ride is 12. Any rider under 16 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian, have prior consent from the club head youth coach and notified details to the ride captain. Riders who are 16-18 can ride unaccompanied but must have lodged a parental consent form with the club’s secretary and have prior consent from the club head youth coach.
Open to Non Members
Our Sunday rides are open to non-members providing they inform the club secretary or membership secretary in advance and make there presence known to the ride captain on the day. Non members will be required to ‘sign on’ before the ride providing an emergency contact name and phone number and are allowed to attend two Sunday Rides before they are expected to join the club.
What type of bike?
For club road rides we expect people to be on drop handlebar road bikes. The wider handlebars of mountain bikes and hybrid bikes are not suitable for group riding.
Midweek and Saturday Rides
These rides are aimed at group riding skills, training and fun. They are for experienced riders that can safely ride in a group without direction. The rides will not have a ride captain and it is the responsibility of the group as a whole to ride and communicate. RThe routes are pre-determined and subject to change should the group assess conditions require it.
Riders may get dropped on these rides. You should be competent and familiar with the location and be able to make your own way home if dropped. If you are struggling with the pace make others in the group aware you are dropping back.
Summer (April – October, BST)
The Tuesday Bash - 18:30
We head off from the Greenway Car Park towards Quinton for 3 laps of the 5 mile Ilmington Circuit. We stop to form groups based on rider numbers, experience and fitness. Organised through and off (chain gang) with groups of 6 to 10 riders of similar ability. This a fantastic club event and requires some experience, discipline and teamwork; a great way to hone your riding skills and build fitness. For more information on group riding in general and The Chaingang in particular see our Group Riding pages.
Group 1. +25mph Very fast, for the club racers U23 and scratch.
Group 2. +22mph Fast, for vet racers the experienced riders only.
Group 3. 20mph Swift, experienced riders.
Group 4. 18mph Not hanging about, hone your skills.
Thursday Lamp Rides - 18:30
Departing from the Greenway Car Park and alternating between the Tysoe Loop and The Prison Loop approximately 30 miles.
Junior participation
The minimum age on these rides (unless specific junior rides) is 16 unless prior agreement and controls are agreed by the Head Youth Coach and a nominated parent/guardian/coach is present. Riders who are 16-18 can ride unaccompanied but must have lodged a parental consent form with the club’s secretary and have prior consent from the club head youth coach and parents approved and understand rules regarding being dropped.
Winter (November – March, GMT)
Tuesday Zwift League
Tuesday night is Zwift night! During the winter we have a number of teams competing in Zwift leagues. Find out more about Zwift Racing.
Thursday Lamp Rides - 18:30
Departing from the Greenway Car Park and alternating between the Tysoe Loop and The Prison Loop (see members area) approximately 30 miles. Lights and Mudguards required!
Depending on the weather we may sometimes organise additional Lamp Rides on Tuesday via WhatsApp.
