Sunday Social and Sunday Steady led rides are open to non-members as well as members, and run on the first and third Sundays of each month.
Where and when?
We meet at St. Ann’s Well Gardens Café in Hove from 9am for coffee and ride briefing, before rolling out in led groups from 9.30am. There is no need to pre-book if you want to join one of our Sunday rides; just come along to the café and our friendly ride leaders will welcome you and provide a reassuring briefing before we set off. See New Rider Guidance for details of what to bring along with you.
Winter
During winter time (when the clocks change), all riders are required to fit a full rear mudguard to protect those riding behind. If the temperature drops below zero overnight, or if there are extremely high winds, then the led rides are cancelled for safety; cancellations are posted on the club Facebook pages.
Sunday Social Rides
How far, how fast?
We keep the pace between 12mph and 14mph (19 and 22 kph). Sunday Social routes are between 25 and 35 miles, varying according to route as well as weather. Expect hills, as most of the good cycling routes around Brighton & Hove head across the South Downs.
Who are these rides for?
These rides are for members who want a gently paced ride, as well as for new and non-members who want a taste of riding with Brighton Mitre before deciding whether to join. If you still want a taster ride before joining but would prefer to ride faster than this, we suggest you join the Sunday Steady ride that runs at the same time, paced between 14mph and 16mph (22 and 25 kph) – see details below.
What happens if I can’t keep up?
These rides usually have two ride leaders so that one can be at the back ensuring no one gets left behind, and the ride re-groups at junctions. If the weather means that the rest of the group are getting chilled while waiting for slower riders and we have two ride leaders, we may split the group to cater for different abilities and speeds.
I’ve never ridden in a group before; can I join this ride?
Absolutely! That’s the idea of these rides. You’ll pick up some tips on group riding, and experience the benefits of both the efficiency and social aspects of group riding.
Have I got the right bike and kit? What do I need to bring?
Sunday steady rides
Who are these rides for?
These led rides are for members who want a steady ride at around 14-16mph, as well as new and non-members who want a taste of riding with Brighton Mitre before deciding whether to join.
How far, how fast?
We will keep the pace between 14mph and 16mph (22 to 25 kph). Ride length varies between 30 and 35 miles. Expect hills, as most of the good cycling routes around Brighton & Hove head across the South Downs.
Have I got the right bike and kit? What do I need to bring?
I’ve never ridden in a group before; can I join this ride?
If you’ve never ridden in a group before then we’d recommend joining the Sunday Social ride (see above) as your first group ride experience.
If people wish to keep riding with us, there is an expectation they join the club after attending a maximum of two rides as a non-member. Membership details here: Membership – Brighton Mitre Cycling Club