Club Runs

Below is a list of the upcoming Thursday, Sunday, Breeze and Away-day rides.

View the complete list of all YCC routes.

Although the destination is predetermined, it may be changed on the morning if the weather conditions or other circumstances dictate.

Check the club Facebook page for any updates.

Use the tabs above for more information about the different ride types, as well as some general guidelines.

Thursday rides (except away-days) start from Palmer’s Garden Centre at 9am in Summer and 9.30am in Winter. The start time for each ride is shown in the information section on the club runs calendar. Some riders may be at Palmer’s 20 minutes beforehand for a pre ride coffee. In Summer the rides last all day (9am to 4.30pm) and usually cover 60 to 80 miles with the occasional longer ride in mid summer. There is always a mid morning coffee/cake stop, a lunch stop, and sometimes an afternoon stop on the longer rides. In Winter rides are morning only with a distance of 40/50 miles, a morning stop for refreshments then back to Yeovil and home for lunch.

Rides generally attract around 8/10 people but 16 is not unknown. Sometimes everyone will ride as one group, but if there are sufficient numbers the ride leader may decide to form two groups based on riding speed, each group with a designated leader. All groups will ride at a pace suitable for the members of that group.

Once each month from April to September there is an away-day Thursday ride starting from a location usually about 60 to 90 minutes drive from Yeovil.

The list of destinations for the next few weeks together with the route on Garmin and any associated information can be seen below on the club runs calendar.

I suggest riders carry a bike lock (and a key - ED!) on the Thursday rides as it cannot be guaranteed that coffee/lunch will be spent with the bikes in sight.

As of September 24th, we meet every Sunday at Yeovil Athletics Arena, Pickett Ln, Yeovil BA21 3DS for a Club run.

There are two or three runs, we all meet at 9 o'clock, and the rides depart at about 9.10. The groups try to meet for a coffee stop around 10:45 and then return to Yeovil between 12:30 and 1pm.

• The medium ride is a social run and will cover approx 50 miles, at a pace to suit the majority of the group. This group definitely stops for refreshments at the midpoint.
• The short ride is a intended for new riders, or those wanting a leisurely ride. Run at a slower pace, it will cover about 35 to 40 miles.
• Once a month there is a longer ride in addition to those above. This will return to Yeovil at a later time than the other runs.

The rides vary each week, they use the quieter A roads and the wealth of country lanes – if they are in a suitable condition – that abound in Somerset and Dorset. The list of destinations for the next few weeks can be seen below.

These are purely guidelines and they will remain under review as we assess how road conditions and weather warnings impact the club runs. The information below is to inform club riders what is likely to happen if a weather warning is issued, or another hazard is likely to affect the route.

It is entirely down to the individual to decide if the route is within their ability, how the weather will affect their performance and that the risk of any unexpected hazard is acceptable to them. eg. if there is a flooded or particularly muddy section on the route. Individuals that leave the group they started with, must ensure their decision to leave is communicated to another member of the group.

The Route Planner, acting on behalf of the Club, will do their best to ensure the route is safe and suitable, under normal circumstances, for the abilities/number of riders likely to attend.

In the event of a severe weather warning the following criteria will apply:

Red warning: For high winds, heavy rain, snow and icy conditions, (things we cannot mitigate against) the ride will be cancelled. For heat (or other items that can be managed) a decision will be made when sufficient information is available.

Amber warning: As per Red Warnings.

Yellow warning: The event organiser can decide if it is safe to go ahead. If he/she is unsure they can refer it to three club members (ideally the Chairman, route planner and one other committee member) who will review whether to cancel.

If a ride is cancelled, that decision will be communicated to the riders as soon as is practical via social media or email.

Remember, you should have the following with you when you are out and about, whether alone or on a club ride:

• A good pump and a couple of spare tubes, plus some decent tyre levers. Don't forget you need the right tubes (valves) if you are riding deep section rims.
• A mobile phone is a good idea. More essential is some identity and emergency contact details. You can get professional ID tags quite cheaply or simply print out the information and carry it in a plastic bag with your tubes, don't forget to include any relevant medical information. If you have the misfortune to come off then this really could be the most important thing in your pocket. Your YCC membership card now carries your Emergency contact details