About St Ives Cycling Club A cycling club has many facets and can mean different things to different people. This can be a social network just to meet other riders and enjoy a Sunday morning ride or, at the other end of the spectrum, it can be a tool for fulfilling competitive ambitions. Whatever you interest in cycling St Ives Cycling Club try to offer the facility for further enjoyment. St Ives Cycling Club aim to; promote cycling, provide an infrastructure to allow members to enjoy riding their bikes, assist people in achieving their goals and enable members to meet other like minded people. At the heart of a cycling club is the 'Sunday Club Run' and St Ives CC has a reputation for well organised rides which aim to cater for all levels of cycling ability. Led by Club Run Captain, Gary Stevens, routes are published in advance by email and website and are usually between 50 to 60 miles in length with a cafe stop at around half distance. Initially 50 miles sounds like a long way but after a few weeks of riding and with good company along the way, the miles soon roll by and you'll find yourself wanting more. Members meet outside Richardson Cycles in St Ives at 8:45am for a prompt departure at 9:00am and riders choose their group from a choice of three, divided on a 'slow, medium and fast' basis. Complimentary to the Sunday morning road rides the MTB secretary Tracey Ibbett organises off road excursions on a monthly basis, often going to Thetford Forest or the hills of the Peak District. Duration and toughness of these rides vary but the aim is to always have fun and accommodate all rider's abilities. Launched this year is the 'Go-Ride' initiative headed by qualified coach Rachel Smith and although in it's infancy it's aim is to provide a structure for young people to enjoy cycling in a safe and controlled environment. During the summer racing season many members have a go at competition with varying degrees of success! Terry Cooke organizes Wednesday evening Time Trials on the quiet flat roads around Sawtry and members battle against themselves in pursuit of that elusive 'PB'. Riders leave at one minute intervals and are timed over a measured distance, usually 10 miles, with the aim of beating their own previous time. Some members enjoy the more glamorous (or so they have you believe) sport of road racing, where riders all start together and race to the finish line. Headed by Tom Caldwell the club participates in the local Eastern and Northants leagues where distances usually begin at 30 miles. Reflecting the current trend of sportives, many members plan a full season of Sportives, ranging from the local events right up to the Etape Du Tour or The Grand Fondo, and as a St Ives rider you are usually sure to have a friendly face nearby. St Ives CC recognise that as part of the cycling community they have a duty to promote races for riders from a wider area and usually host a broad cross section of events. Typically the club will promote Time Trials, Road Races and an MTB event at Hinchingbrooke Park and members are positively encouraged to support these events by helping out wherever possible, be it making the tea or warning cars of an approaching race |
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