Keep seeing our local CTC group out on group rides.

They all appear to be ‘of a certain age’ but hand carved from teak.
Their website looks interesting and they sound like a friendly crew.

However, even their ‘easy’ rides are at the limit of our current ability (minimum 75 miles) and I’m unsure of the pace.

I hate holding people up on group rides and find I don’t really enjoy myself if I’m struggling to hang on the back.

Website says they don’t leave anyone behind, but gives no idea of average speed.

Anyone been out with the CTC?
Good or bad experience?

I’ve dug my old cape out, polished my flask and can cycle at a reasonable pace whilst refilling my pipe, but a really bad day out might just put us off group rides for good.

………..and I’m unsure of the pace.

I believe it’s 5 miles per Werther’s Original

beards and mandatory mudguards, toeclips are all the rage.

mate, i have been going on them since i was 14.
always made to feel welcome.
always wait for the slower riders.
always know the best cafe stops. and usually the cheapest.
some odd balls seem to be drawn to ctc, but it takes all sorts.

They get stuck in my dentures 😀

Cheers Ton, thats very resssuring.
As for oddballs, I’m a member of a mountaineering club; believe me, we specialise in odd.

very topical this. I just tried to enter the Friday Night Ride to the Coast but they gave me the bum’s rush because the 10 million quid’s worth of 3rd party liability cover that I get with my BC gold license is the wrong kind of insurance.

Very friendly, quite a mix, a lot of retire people but many who are not. Pace is very slow. I ride fixed primarily on the road and kept up easily.

they always have the best cake!

Go for it – you don’t have to go back.

I’ve ridden with several CTC groups over the years and had some brilliant experiences. Every group has a different style and it may not always be to everyone’s taste – but they will look after you. And the pace can pick up at the front when there’s a pub in sniffing distance.

CTC rides are a lovely diverse mixed bag. I do some of the more well known rides in the Surrey Hills and love their British eccentricity (sp?). There will be some high level riders going for it and there will be tandems, fixy lezzers, Moultons, everything.

However be humble, there is a good chance of being overtaken by Gandalf on a 30 year old steel audax bike if you go off too quick on the first half of course.

I much prefer them to sportives – £2/3 to enter and if you can read a map then you will get a great feeling of sang froid over muppets who can’t and expect signposts at every junction.

Plus you will never come last 🙂