Rides
No matter what your cycling preference you can be sure to find others who share your interest and who can help you get more from your riding – together we are stronger!
Every Sunday morning our club rides start from Bulphan Primary School, Fen Lane, Bulphan, Essex RM14 3RL
During the summer months we meet at 9am, during the winter we meet at 9.30am – typically driven by the clocks changing between GMT & BST!
What Rides are on offer?
We usually have 2 or 3 rides (dependent on numbers and ability), a recreational ride, an intermediate ride and sometimes a fast ride. During the summer months, rides leave at 09.00 and during the winter months at 09.30.
Intermediate and fast rides are dependent on attendees, distance could be in excess of +40 miles & speed will be typically +18mph (however all agreed at pre depart gathering).
Recreational rides, usually on Sundays, occasionally on other days, these rides are slower paced and always include at least one cafe stop. They can be local rides but sometimes may venture into London, Kent or further afield by ferry or train.
There is a Wednesday ride from Orsett war memorial, Orsett village which leaves at 10am. The ride always includes a café stop and follows a 25 mile route back to Orsett. Sometimes, perhaps if we are going to attend a road or gravel bike sportive, some riders may do some hill training or do an off road ride. Every ones skills and needs can be catered for. The ride always includes a café stop.
We also have other Saturday and midweek rides organised on an ad hoc basis, please contact the club secretary for more information Club Secretary
Making Arrangements
Communication about rides is through club WhatsApp groups – you must be a club member to be added to the group.
Members post their rides on Strava, always good for a few Kudos points and there is a Gateway Cycling Strava club as well.
A note on safety
When taking part in any of the Gateway rides on offer, please ensure your bike is well maintained & roadworthy. As a precautionary measure, a well stocked maintenance bag would also be recommended and include (as basics); spare inner tube suitable for your bike, puncture repair kit, multi-tool & pump.
Dress appropriately for the ride which must include a well fitted helmet. Club colours can be purchased from our club kit secretary as required.
If you are taking part in a ride for the first time, maybe never ridden with Gateway before…
Please make yourself known to the ride leader at the start of the ride.
It is expected you will follow the Highway Code, showing consideration for all road users. There are specific instructions for cyclists in rules 59 to 82 and in rules 211 to 213
If you are new to the club, ensure the ride leader is aware of any health concerns you may have to ensure your safety is accounted for. In addition, for those with specific health conditions, if this is a new challenge for you, please ensure your GP is aware and has agreed to taking part in this form of physical activity.
As a recommendation, next of kin / health information / medication is stored on your phone within the ’emergency’ section – as a precautionary measure.