Summer rides
In the summer, we run rides at 7.30am with a collection of two hour and three hour groups. All rides start in Saffron Walden’s beautiful, Market Square.
If you are able to ride at the target speed, solo, on a flat road then you should easily be able to manage that speed in a group. For example if your average ride speed is 15mph, but you can ride at 16mph on the flat, then the 16s group is right for you! If you're still not sure, don't worry, join us in the Market Square, let us know who you are and we'll help you find the right group.
7:30am
There are five different groups based on pace and distance - allowing for different conditions throughout the year.
Three hour tempo (19mph)
For the aspiring competitor who can cover 60 miles within the three-hour ride, depending on conditions and the route chosen. Group riding discipline is paramount and you will be expected to take your turn on the front and comfortable keeping up with the speed being set.
Three hour endurance (17 mph)
For experienced riders looking to cover greater distances, typically covering around 50 miles over the three hours, depending on conditions and the route. This is suitable for an experienced sportive rider looking to build fitness ahead of events. You should have a good level of experience riding in a group and will be expected to take a turn on the front and use your experience to help manage the group and maintain the speed of the ride.
Two hour tempo (19mph)
For the experienced rider who can cover 38-40 miles within the two-hour ride, depending on conditions and the route chosen. This group requires very good fitness and a high level of cycling experience. You will be expected to be able to comfortably keep within the group, maintain good group riding etiquette and take your turn on the front.
Two hour intermediate (18mph)
For the experienced rider who is comfortable completing 36-38 miles within the two-hour ride, again depending on the conditions and the route chosen. This is a rider with an above average level of fitness and a good level of group riding experience. You will be expected to take a turn on the front and use your experience to help manage the group and maintain the speed of the ride.
Two hour endurance (16 - 17mph)
For riders progressing from the Steady group as their fitness and experience builds. Also suitable for an experienced sportive or solo rider looking to ride within a group or consolidate their base fitness. The ride looks to cover 33-36 miles over two hours. The group will allow you to develop your group riding skills, improve your speed and learn more about pacing. You may not have ridden in a group before, but we will help you learn these skills and develop your riding. Also suitable for an experienced sportive or solo rider looking to ride within a group and develop their fitness. This ride has a no drop policy and so you will not be left behind no matter what.
Note!
- Speeds and distances given are for guidance and we aim to ride to the overall strength of each given ride on the day.
- There’s nothing worse than riding with a group and finding yourself either outpaced or feeling that you might be holding everyone up. If unsure, always choose a lower group and aim to finish strong.
- Don't forget to check out our guidelines on riding with us.
Average speeds and distances
| Time | Group | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 7:30 | Fast | Average distance 40+ miles or >20mph |
| Tempo+ | Average distance 38-40 miles or 19mph | |
| Tempo | Average distance 36-38 miles or 18mph | |
| Endurance | Average distance 33-36 miles or 17mph | |
| Steady | Average distance 30-32 miles or 16mph | |
| 9:45 | Endurance | Average distance 33-36 miles or 17mph |
| Steady | Average distance 30-32 miles or 16mph |