We are a friendly club which welcomes male and female cyclists of all abilities. We meet on Tuesdays and Thursday evenings during the summer months at 6.30pm in the old A30 lay-by. This is the one just beyond the road bridge to Weston and the Otter Inn. Club rides which are posted on Spond will be covered by the club’s third-party insurance for claims against the club. This does not apply to individuals, who are encouraged to take out their own liability insurance.
For the evening rides, we form up two groups based on speed and distance.
Group A Rides – Averages 15-20mph – Tuesday nights
A ride for faster, fitter riders. The pace will generally average around 15-20mph for the complete ride, depending on the terrain covered during the ride. Early in the year we will usually cover around 25-30 miles, increasing to a 30-40 mile ride in mid summer. Size of the group generally varies from around 6 to 10 riders. Routes will take in stiff inclines and sometimes steep hills, but the ‘super fit’ riders will always wait for those that drop off the back at the top of the climbs for a re-group. We do get a chance for a bit of a chat on the rides, So if you want to get fitter or keep that hard won fitness gained over the winter up, come and join us on Tuesday night. Make sure you are on the Spond list for group A (1&2).
Group B Rides – Averages 12-15mph – Tuesday nights
This is a basically a social ride for those who can ride. We also throw in a few cheeky hills but don’t worry if you have to walk part of a hill, we’ll always wait for you, and you might not be the only one. We always ride with a back-marker so the slowest rider always has company. We always look out for each other, have plenty of stops and usually have a few jelly babies to keep us going. Make sure you are on the Spond list for group B (3&4) if interested in these rides.
Thursday evening social rides
These are more ad-hoc and it depends who turns up as to what pace and distance is chosen. Make sure you are on the Spond list for “Thursday Evening Social Rides” if interested in these rides and you can see who else is riding.
Sunday Rides
Sunday morning rides tend to be more informal, starting at different points around Honiton and often stopping for coffee and cake somewhere! We always wait frequently along the routes to make sure that no one gets left behind. The fast and slower Sunday social groups will have a joint ride on one Sunday per month, meeting up at an agreed coffee stop. Make sure you are on the Spond list for “Weekend Social Ride” if interested in these rides.
Mid-Week Rides
In addition, riders (usually retired) often organise mid-weekly rides during the day (typically starting 09:30am) when the weather is favourable. We always wait frequently along the routes to make sure that no one gets left behind. Different people lead rides, so there is a variety of locations and rides ranging typically from 25-30 miles and include a coffee and cake stop. Make sure you are on the Spond list for “Midweek Social Ride” if interested in these.
Social events
We have social events during the year, which have included BBQs, social rides with coffee stops, trips elsewhere in the U.K. and abroad. Any suggestions are welcome. Members regularly post ideas, suggestions for impromptu rides and information on the Facebook page and via email. You can see past activities linked from the home page.
Other stuff
We are affiliated to British Cycling and CTT. We are happy for guests to join us for up to three rides to see if we provide what they are looking for and then ask that guests become paid-up members. New members can join the club here.
We are a bunch of enthusiasts who enjoy cycling and exploring the Devon countryside.
Riders under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult.
Several members have e-bikes and these are welcomed as long as you keep to a sensible pace with the non e-bikes.
Look out for us in our distinctive kit, which members can purchase at a subsidised price. Please see the website for more details.
What we offer
- A properly constituted Community Amateur Sports Club that is a member of British Cycling
- A regular programme of rides aimed at a wide range of abilities, led by experienced cyclists.
- Occasional special weekend social rides from locations away from Honiton
- Use of Spond app to inform members of next ride and to sign up or decline them.
- A club website and Facebook group
- A Strava Club for members only (see below)
- A group of riders to join up with for Sportive events.
- A subsidised club jersey
- Social activities
What we do not offer
- 3rd party insurance or accident Insurance for riders taking part in club rides
- Insurance for bikes damaged or stolen on club rides
- Competitive cycling
- Coaching or training from qualified coaches
What we expect of members
- You must have lights and wear a helmet on club rides and have a bike that is roadworthy.
- You agree to follow the instructions of the ride leader and comply with the highway code.
- You are responsible for your own well-being during the ride and should be prepared for situations such as adverse weather conditions, mechanical problems and flat tyres.
- You will help another rider who encounters a problem on a ride or, if you cannot help, find someone who can.
- You will make your own arrangements to insure your bike, and to insure yourself against Third Party claims and/or personal accidents.
- Ensure that the club and ride leader has your up-to-date ICE number.