Spin Power: The Saturday Cycling Club
Discover the transformative power of joining a cycling club. Learn how membership can impact your fitness routine and social connections.
cycling, lifestyle
On Saturday mornings, amidst the gentle glow of dawn breaking across the British sky, members of the Hastings and St Leonard's Cycling Club gather. This diverse group shares a common love for cycling, uniting them in their pursuit of this exhilarating sport. This isn't just a club; it's a community that has been pedaling its legacy into the history books as one of the oldest cycling clubs in the UK, formed in 12 October 1876.
A regular ride that takes place every Saturday at 10 AM sharp at Kerry's Cafe in Bexhill. However, the ride may be canceled if the weather is very wet or if the outside temperature is less than 10 degrees Celsius. Despite this, there will always be a good bunch of people available to ride with, depending on the weather, between 5-20 riders.
Saturday Casual BBR
Many people really enjoy the club's rides on weekends. There are two faster ones on Friday and Sunday, while the more relaxed ride, known as the Beacon and Butty Ride, takes place on Saturdays. These rides aren't just easy trips. They're well-planned adventures that are both exciting and challenging. While these guys tackle 300k on a weekly basis, which isn't really my cup of tea, however, I'm always eager to join in Saturday rides. The club's rides cover distances ranging from 50 to well over 100 kilometers, with the Saturday ride typically being just under 70 kilometers.
This makes it a friendly ride suitable for enthusiasts as well as more competitive riders, while riding through the beautiful roads and lanes of the UK countryside. The riders come from various backgrounds and skill levels, ranging from investment bankers who have been riding bikes their entire lives to seasoned triathletes with multiple Ironman participations. Each ride however, is a chance for everyone to see how far they can go and how strong they are, riding at the speed of the group. People like this challenge because it helps them grow, become tougher, and feel proud of what they achieve. It's also perfect for a weekend workout, whether you're into endurance or light cardio activities.
Rickney Ln near Polgate, 7-8 km of open lanes SW windy most of the time.
The club's structure is designed to accommodate cyclists of all levels. Subgroups are organized by pace, ensuring that everyone from the 13-14 miles per hour rider to the swift 17-20 miles per hour enthusiast finds their fit. This inclusivity is facilitated by sub-groups on WhatsApp providing a convenient platform for coordination and support. But it's not just about how fast we go or how far we ride. During the club rides, we take breaks to enjoy ourselves. Stopping for cake and coffee is a special tradition, and Saturday’s first stop is at Chilley’s Farm shop, near Eastbourne. It's a time to relax, recharge, and chat with friends. These breaks aren't just pauses in our ride; they're the moments that make the club feel like a family.
Chilley Farm Shop and Café, a haven for breakfast enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Spectacular Scenes of the Coastline
As the weather changes, the views around East Sussex and Kent also change. These areas have beautiful views of the coast and green countryside roads that become even more stunning in the summer. They're perfect for exploring, turning cycling into not just a sport but an exciting journey. The club doesn't just ride on weekends. They also have rides during the week for people who love cycling and want to ride more often. This flexibility makes the club attractive to cyclists because it lets them balance training with enjoying time with friends.
Paragliding rider against the stunning backdrop of the English Channel's coastline, Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex
Joining a cycling club might sound intimidating if you've never done it before. Although, a club shows how welcoming and supportive the cycling community can be. It's a place where you can become a better cyclist and person, surrounded by others who love cycling just as much as you do. Basically, the club isn't just about riding bikes. It's about the stories you share, the fun times over cake, the quiet moments on group rides, and the feeling of achievement when you conquer a tough hill. It's about the memories you make and the friendships you build.
Bathed in the golden light of a sunny day, time seems to stand still, inviting you to immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of rural England.
Becoming a member of a cycling club such as Hastings and St Leonard's has the potential to truly transform your life. It's worth remembering that joining an environment where the desired habit is the norm is the easiest way to change and install a new habit. So, if you're thinking about joining a club, take this as your sign to go for it! Enjoy the friendship, the challenge, and the pure fun of cycling with a group that cheers each other on every step of the way. Because it's not just about the bike you ride; it's about the people you ride with.
Sometimes is all about the Scotch Egg worth a 40-mile effort.
Snapshot of Saturday's cycling ride: Distance covered, power exerted, time taken, and elevations depicted through Strava analysis
Joining a cycling club can make you stronger, give you more friends, and show you the beautiful places around the UK. It's an opportunity to be part of something special—a journey, a tradition, and a family. So why wait? Grab your bike and join in! The adventure is waiting for you. See you Saturday at Kerry’s!
We hope you enjoy this post about Saturday’s Club Ride and that it inspired you!
About the Author:
Razvan Chiorean is a published author of Wellness Vault and a passionate advocate of sport performance and holistic fitness, bringing forth a wealth of knowledge and insight accumulated over more than a decade of dedicated involvement in the fitness space. He’s also an enthusiastic triathlete. Whether it’s swimming, cycling, or running, Razvan champions the idea that endurance and consistent movement is essential for overall health and a resilient mind-body connection. This philosophy not only supports physical and mental well-being but also empowers individuals to flourish in a world increasingly shaped by digital convenience.
When Cardio Meets Strength!
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With a history dating back to October 12, 1876, this club isn't just about cycling; it's a legacy, a testament to the enduring spirit of passion for two-wheeled exploration.