Rides

The club meets at The Carfax, Horsham (see maps) every Sunday morning, all year round. Five groups, each catering for different speeds and distances, leave between 09:05 and 09:20. Many groups finish before 12:30 and meet at the Cafe in the Park (see maps) for tea, cake and bike talk. All are welcome.

You don't have to be a member to sample our club, though we will want you to join by your third or fourth ride. When turning up on a Sunday for the first time, just make yourself known and someone will quickly point you in the right direction. If you have questions before your ride, either contact the membership secretary (see contacts), or visit the forum. All riders must come equipped with a road-worthy bicycle, suitable clothing, plus tools and know-how to fix a puncture. A helmet is strongly recommended. Be careful not to overestimate your ability on the first ride, you will enjoy the ride more if you don't struggle, and can quickly progress if needed. Bring sufficient snacks and drink to keep your body fueled for your chosen ride, and arrive at least 10 minutes before the group departure time. 

Each group has a rota of ride leaders who will select a route and, with the group's help, ensure that no-one is left behind. In the event of bad weather, the leader will determine if the ride should be cancelled. If you are unclear whether a ride has been cancelled contact the leader between 08:30 and 09:00 on the morning of the ride. Ride leaders are shown on the calendar and home page, click the name for contact details. The club will not ride if there is risk of ice.

If groups are oversubscribed, or for safety reasons, they can be split in two with an approved ride leader appointed to lead the second group.

All riders must be familiar with our guidelines for safe group riding (see below).

Groups

Social 1 - coordinated by Roger Nash

The Social 1 group pride themselves on a warm welcome, supportive atmosphere and a banana stop! Rides leave from the Carfax at 09.20 for 25 to 30 flat or undulating miles at around 11mph, usually arriving back in Horsham before 12.30.

Social 2 - coordinated by Peter Delve (Winter) and Philip Van Der Veen (Summer)

The Social 2 group have the same ethos as Social 1. Rides leave from the Carfax at 09.20 riding for about 35 miles at around 13mph with one banana stop, usually arriving back in Horsham before 12.30.

Intermediate - coordinated by Ian Cleeve

The 'inters' ride is a little more sporty with a comfortable, sociable pace on the flats and occasional sprints up hills. Rides leave from the Carfax at 09:15, for 30-40 miles at 15-16 mph, usually arriving back in Horsham before 12:30. Rides often include a quick stop to take on food. Routes may take in big hills from places like the North Downs (Leith Hill, or Box Hill) or Ardingly.

Sporting Group 2 - coordinated by Ian Hiscock

'SG2' offers a speed step for intermediates, but retains a similar format. Flat pace will be higher, often with turns taken at the front to share the effort. Rides leave from the Carfax at 09:10, for 40-50 miles at 17+ mph, usually arriving back in Horsham before 12:30, and usually without a break. Rides on the third Sunday of each month will not exceed a 17mph average. Example rides include loops out to the South Downs, Petworth or Dorking. Big hills will be crossed if they get in the way!

Sporting Group 1 - coordinated by Mike Crossett

'SG1' is the classic sporting club ride, covering a longer distance with a planned cafe refreshment stop on route. Rides leave from the Carfax at 09:05. The first of the month will be shorter, approx 45 miles and will not exceed a 17mph average; mid-month rides are approx 55 miles;  the end of month ride around 60 miles. All rides will be 16+ mph. Time back at Horsham depends on distance and terrain, but is usually between 12:30 and 14:00. Examples of well used destinations include Hindhead, Shere and Godalming. There will be hills!

Reliability Trials

For 3 or 4 Sundays over the winter months reliability trials take the place of regular club rides. The aim is to navigate a ride to a set destination and back within a time chosen by the rider. The route and rider grouping is entirely up to those taking part. There are normally two destinations, a shorter one within 15 miles and a longer one within 30 miles (remember, you have to get back). To complete the challenge requires the rider to return within 10 minutes of their chosen time - neither late or early. Rides usually start and end at the Forest School Youth Wing, Comptons Lane (see maps), with refreshments available at the finish.

These events add a bit of variety to the winter schedule and are a good chance to set yourself a challenge, or just socialise with riders from different groups.

Mountain Biking

Whilst the club's main focus is on-road riding, several members do meet regularly for off-road rides. Rides are normally announced through e.news or this website, if you are interested contact Mike Crossett for details - This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Safety & Rider Discipline

Safety is of upmost importance, all riders are required to observe the following guidelines.

1. Ride with your own, your fellow riders' and other road users’ safety in mind. This includes not riding two abreast or in the middle of roads when inappropriate (eg on main/busy roads or near blind bends).
2. Make space for vehicles to overtake by riding in single file where appropriate.  When riding in a large group, and where practicable without causing the group to split up, leave gaps to enable overtaking drivers to avoid traffic coming the other way. If necessary, stop to let traffic overtake.
3. Riders should be aware of the traffic conditions, be considerate to other road users, whether they be pedestrians, other cyclists, motor vehicles, horses/riders and even cattle. This includes pulling over or stopping if necessary.
4. Follow the guidance or instructions of the Ride Leader.
5. Don't get too far ahead of the Ride Leader - you may go the wrong way and delay the ride or disappear off it altogether. Always allow the group to reform at the top of hills. All riders should be aware of where the last rider is and be considerate to them.
6. Never argue with motorists, even if you think they are in the wrong - you could worsen an already dangerous situation.
7. You and your fellow riders are identifiable as members of Horsham Cycling; you should never act in a way which may bring the club into disrepute.