Training & Club Runs

CLUB RUNS

There are several weekly club runs to choose from depending upon fitness and time/distance.

The Social/Beginers Ride

These leave The Parade in Taunton at 9am on Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday. This is an ideal ride for beginers or those who want to chat as they ride. Average speed is in the region of 17 mph, nobody gets dropped and left to ride alone. On Wednesdays the ride takes quiet lanes and generally ends up at a cafe in Langport. The Saturday and Sunday rides choose different routes according to weather and wind conditions. Full details can be obtained from either Pete Sandy at petesandy@tiscali.co.uk or Dave Webb.

NEW ROUTE! The Faster Ride

This meets on Saturdays at 8.30am at Creech Castle as before but no longer takes the direct route up the A38 to the seafront cafe at Burnham on Sea and back. The A38 has now become too busy for a large group of cyclists and will only get worse. Much of the route in now built up with at least 5 sets of traffic lights, several roundabouts and pedestrian crossings. The club feels it is only a matter of time before there is a serious incident and has taken the decision to disassociate itself with this route. The average speed is in the region of 20mph. The new destination is The Kellways Cafe in Langport. It is thought that riders from the Taunton area will leave Creach Castle as now but turn right before the dual carriageway heading towards Creech St Micheal, turning left at the roundabout up through Creech Heathfield and then onto Walford Cross. This avoids the tricky business of trying to cross the dual carriageway at Walford Cross. The run then proceeds towards Othery and then to Langport. The road is much quieter, more rural and almost certainly more enjoyable. We anticipate that riders from the north end of the region will meet in Bridgwater and/or Burnham and make their way to Langport by one of several routes. This will reduce the size of the group which will aid rider safety as well as the inconvenience to other road users. The Wednesday run will continue as now on the basis that few riders make the trip and often they make their own way to Burnham Seafront anyway. This leaves Creach Castle at 09.30am.

The Sunday rides meets at The Parade, Taunton at 9am and the route varies from week to week according to the weather. This can be a quite demanding ride and not suitable for novices. For riders who live in the Bridgwater area there is a group that meets at Morrisons carpark at 9am and again the route varies. You should be aware that the Sunday fast rides are more sporadic in the summer months due to many members travelling to races. If you are intending to join us on any of the above rides please read the 'club run etiquette' below. This is for your safety and the safety of other riders. It is encumbant upon all riders to observe the rules of the road at all times.

Please click HERE to read the 'club run etiquette'.

TRAINING SESSIONS

The Taunton Vale Cycle Racing Association(TVCRA)

The Training sessions on Tuesday nights at Ilton are due to start again on the 19th April. If you would like to take part you will need to fill in the application form below and send it with the correct fee to Rex (address on the form) in enough time for him to return your pass (which will be your number. You"ll keep this number for the remainder of the season as your pass). Alternatively you can go along to the Wyndham Arms in Ilton on the 7th April from 19:00 with your fee and Rex Facey will be there to accept your form and give you a number. TVCRA ask you to do one or other of the above rather than turning up on the night with your money please. If you haven"t been to Ilton before and you just want to see what it is like you can have 3 taster sessions before we ask you to pay for the full season. If you want to do this you can come along on the night with your Taster Form completed (see forms below) ready to ride. There are sessions for youngsters run by coaches, based around developing their skills and confidence on their bike. Just a few more points note...... NO Dogs at Ilton, even if they remain in cars, any body with dog will be refused access as of the 31st March NO rubbish to be dropped on site All must sign in Helmets and numbers must been worn and be visible whilst riding on the circuit Have fun........

Membership Taster Form can be downloaded HERE.

TVCRA individual membership form can be downloaded HERE

TVCRA Dates Form can be downloaded HERE

Club Chaingang

These leave at 6pm sharp at Woolford Cross on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Only the seriously fit should attempt these sessions so as not to slow the training down for the really fast boys. You will also need to have good bike control and be comfortable with having riders around you at close quarters and at a high speed.