VCGH caters for a wide variety of road riders, from beginners or casual weekend riders to those training and racing regularly. This is a brief description of the rides we try and provide for our members. You can see a full list of those responsible for leading and sweeping on our rides here.
If you have not ridden with us before, please email our Club Chair Lara Taylor on chair@vcgh.co.uk or a ride section leader (see below) to introduce yourself and check you're joining an appropriate group.
For all rides, please bring basic puncture-repair kit, spare tubes, tyre levers, pump and multi-tool with you, as well as energy food, drink, and appropriate clothing to fend off the seasonal weather.
Please check the calendar for more information, and email the ride leaders if you have any questions.
Useful Links:
Intro
12-14mph
19-22.5kph |
Social
14-15mph
22.5-24kph |
Social Mod
15-16mph
24-26kph |
Moderate
16-17.5mph
26-28kph |
Mod Plus
17.5+ mph
28+ kph |
Pacy
18+ mph
29+ kph |
Race Pace
20+ mph
32+ kph |
| LADIES' RIDES |
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VCGH is a mixed club, and women are welcome and encouraged to join rides at all levels appropriate to their ability. However, the club's gender balance is currently around 80/20 male/female. We are actively trying to improve this ratio, and have implemented
various women-only rides in addition to our mixed riding, to improve the range of opportunities available to female riders.
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SECTION
LEADER |
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Poppy Porter
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Ladies' Social / Intro
Run on Sunday mornings from either Milford Station or Wey Hill carpark in Haslemere. A welcoming and inclusive group suitable for new riders, those lacking in confidence or uncertain of their fitness levels. Pace will be moderated to look after everybody.
- Format: 20-40 miles @ 12-14mph [32-64km @ 19-22.5kph] with cafe stop. Gently undulating terrain.
- Rider level: Beginner to intermediate.
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Annabel Khurshid |
Ladies' Social Endurance
Run on Sunday mornings from Wey Hill carpark in Haslemere. For those looking to build on a good level of fitness with longer distances and more challenging terrain.
- Format: 45+ miles @ 14-15mph [72+km @ 22.5-24kph] with cafe stop. Undulating terrain.
- Rider level: Intermediate to experienced
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Lara Taylor |
Ladies' Social Moderate
Numerous formats in varied terrain, with focus on strong riding and good group dynamics. Riders regroup at tops of hills and junctions.
- Format: 30-70 miles @ 15-16mph [48-113km @ 24-26kph] with cafe stop. Undulating terrain.
- Rider level: Intermediate to experienced
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| MIXED RIDES |
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Mixed rides have been at the heart of our club riding for many years. There are a variety of levels to suit any ability, and the levels have been designed for smooth progression as fitness improves. If you are unsure of your ride level, please get in touch with Lara or one of the other section leaders for advice.
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SECTION LEADER |
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Lara Taylor |
Intro / Strictly Social
Our current entry level ride - the Strictly Social - goes out every Saturday morning from Milford Station. This ride is suitable for anyone looking for a recovery ride, recovering from injury, or uncertain of their fitness levels, and it's a very good place to get to know the way we ride at the club. Groups will moderate their pace to look after everybody.
- Format: 20-35 miles @ 12-14mph [32-48km @ 19-23kph] with cafe stop. Gently undulating terrain.
- Rider level: Beginner, inexperienced or unsure, riders without road-specific bikes.
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Various |
Social
Sociable, manageable rides focused on building group-riding skills, and developing from introductory level. Also suitable for stronger riders looking for an enjoyable group recovery ride.
- Format: 30-50 miles @ 14-15mph [48-64km @ 21-24kph] with cafe stop. Undulating terrain.
- Rider level: Casual, social, improver.
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Chris Eaton |
Social Moderate
Moderately-paced rides in varied terrain, with focus on enjoyment and group dynamics. Riders regroup at tops of hills and junctions.
- Format: 40-70 miles @ 15-16mph [64-113km @ 24-26kph] with cafe stop. Often hilly terrain.
- Rider level: Reasonable fitness levels and some experience at group riding.
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Mark Beeston |
Moderate
Strong-paced rides in varied terrain, with emphasis on training and consistency. Riders regroup but the idea is to keep going.
- Format: 40-70+ miles @ 16-17.5mph [64-113km @ 26-28kph] with cafe stop. Often hilly terrain.
- Rider level: Good fitness levels and experience at group riding.
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Various |
Mod Plus
Strong, fast-paced rides in varied terrain, with emphasis on training and challenge. Riders regroup but the idea is to keep going.
- Format: 40-70+ miles @ 17.5+mph [64-113km @ 28+kph] with cafe stop. Often hilly terrain. Can include intervals and sprint efforts.
- Rider level: Good fitness levels and experience at group riding.
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Tim Powell |
Pacy
Challenging rides in varied terrain. Pace is group-dependent and can be fast, so you should have a good level of fitness and experience at group riding. Be prepared for a mix of steady group riding, through-and-off efforts, pushing hard up hills, and occasional sprints off the front. Riding with a GPS or map can provide you with a safety net if you decide to make your own way home.
- Format: Various formats at 18+mph [29+kph].
- Rider level: Strong, experienced.
Race Pace
Training rides for road racers in many different formats including chaingang sessions. Only for those experienced at and capable of riding at very high speeds. No promises if you get dropped.
- Format: Various formats focusing on aerobic training @ 20-22mph [29-35kph] .
- Rider level: Only for those experienced in group riding at high speeds.
- Pre-ride sign-up required.
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