CCH club runs set off from outside Millfields Coffee at 145 Chatsworth Rd E5 at 8.00am (winter time 08.30am) on Sunday mornings. Some rides may start later. It is expected that if possible club kit be worn. The groups fall into three categories and are for men, women, juniors and youth A/B cyclists. Guests and prospective members are welcome to come along on the 2nd Sunday of each month and join in but we advise all cyclists coming along to be willing and able to travel solo should that need arise. Ideally this includes the ability to repair or change a tube in the event of a puncture. Going 'solo' may be in the event of having to go home earlier (for any reason) and navigate the way back to London; most people can point to our Metropolis. In any case we hope you'll enjoy being with CC Hackney enough to want to join the club after trying out for up to one month. Once you are a member it is a requirement that you have third part insurance to take part in club activities - you can get this free with British Cycling membership for instance (other options are available). Riders must fit mudguards to their bikes throughout the winter months. The A ride - maximum average speed 35kph (more or less) the A ride is a hard fast ride for those in training for racing and events, likely to be a non stop ride. Expected distances - 100 -160km and average speed 30kph +. The B ride is a training ride for racing and events, likely to include a stop and dropped riders will be waited for at junctions and hilltops. Expected distances - 80 -120km and average speed 28-30kph. The C ride - average speed 25kph (more or less) - this ride is a social ride- a good place to learn the etiquette and skills involved in group road riding and the chance to socialise with other CCH members. It will involve a tea stop and dropped riders will be waited for. Expected distances of around 65 - 100km and average speed 24-27kph. Please note the average speeds and distances may vary dependent on group sizes, weather and route conditions. We are aiming to have routes for all rides available here on the website for download here - if you have good routes that are suitable please send them in for inclusion. For all these rides, prospective members are welcome to come and try them out and see how it is, CCH does ask riders to join the club after 2 or 3 rides. Riders communicate through a WhatsApp chat group to say if they when they are heading out etc. New to group riding?- Please click here for the do's and do nots when out on the club rides. During the racing season faster groups may form depending on demand (and initiative). Special training rides/trips may occur. if you are unsure on how to ride in a group please come to the informal Thursday training sessions at the Lea Valley Velopark circuit. General road safety notices This is a message going out to all CCH members who cycle on Lea Bridge Road. Please do use the new cycle lanes provided unless it's really not safe or appropriate to do so. A lot of effort and expense has gone into installing this new cycling infrastructure known as Mini Holland in Walthamstow. This multi million pound development has been built to make cycling safer along what has been a notoriously complex and hazardous stretch of highway claiming many victims. The routes have been achieved despite much moaning and wailing from locals and irate drivers. Let's not give these people a rod to beat us with; the lanes are good, they work, use them and appreciate the protection provided here.Finally on this bit of road any proposed training chases have not started or are over; there's no need to hurry any more.Let's all get home safely and not hurt or offend anyone along the way. Woodford & Epping Road - car drivers pick up speed on this road even though there are places where it narrows, with junctions and traffic islands.Please refrain from riding two abreast along this section. Coaching notice: Chase & wait verses average speed. Please club run riders - let's not get involved in competitive sporting chases that includes passing through junctions at high speeds, taking risks here and raising the chances of causing or being involved in traffic collisions. This behavior is not safe and actually unnecessary because there are plenty of adequate length and appropriate roads to max out on during any given chase, but the chase must finish at the next road junction. The 'waits' rarely last for more than a minute for riders to come in. BTW this is very good training during a club run and it will get you fit. It's not about the average speed but all about the top speeds and holding them. Chase and wait; the equivalent of a series of short intense track races stitched together with the added bonus of keeping the whole group together until the end. Happy cycling! Keir Apperley (CCH lead coach & manager) Young People joining on Sunday mornings It's great for youngsters to be getting out of town by bike, that's the big idea but please take note: All under 18s must be consent form, registered club members. Any under 16s wishing to take part in club runs needs to be accompanied by a parent/guardian or a dedicated responsible club coach. 16-17 year olds need to evidence a signed release letter authorising participation from their parents or guardians. Specific cycling kit is not compulsory but do wear appropriate and safe clothing for the activity and forecasted weather. The CCH Womens Group arrange women specific rides occasionally so check the womens facebook page for dates. Racing - many of our senior members compete on the road, time trials, track, cyclocross and MTB. CCH is a member of the Cycling Time Trials, London Cyclocross League and many members race in the Eastern Cyclocross League, Herne Hill and LVV track leagues for which you have to take out individual membership.If you intend to race you will need to join British Cycling and take a race license as a CCH member- you have to be fully paid up to date member for both. Help CCH as you online shop CCH members (and supporters) can now raise funds when we shop online with thousands of retailers, through the easyfundraising platform. Easyfundraising works with over 3,300 retailers who are ready to give the club donations, simply as a thank you for shopping with them – covering everything from groceries and fashion, to sports equipment and travel.It is simple way to raise funds so we can, for example purchase new kit or need to find a way to cover training costs. Easyfundraising is a hassle free way for club members and your wider community to raise funds when they shop online. Register here and when promoted to nominate cause scroll to Cycling Club Hackney- outreach. Where we are - Cycling Club Hackney HQ - Elsdale Community Hall, Elsdale Street, London E9 6PW |