Cyclesolihull rides are a volunteer led initiative to help people cycle more.
There is nothing to join and nothing to pay so just turn up and ride!
Young or old, beginner or experienced - you are very welcome to join the rides.
"Cyclesolihull rides are like family rides but the family is much bigger and there are fewer arguments!"
Ride FAQs
How are the rides organised? The basic idea of the Community Cycle Rides is that a group of people meet up and agree to cycle a fixed route at a particular time. A volunteer who knows the route goes to the start point and leads the way (one of the other riders may agree to take over this role later in the ride). The ride takes place on the basis that all the riders accept responsibility for their own safety. It is very similar to a group of friends or family going out for a ride together. It is as simple as that and we try and keep the 'organisation' to an absolute minimum.
Is Cyclesolihull a club? No. We see it as a volunteer-led community initiative which you can become part of simply by coming on a ride. However if you would like to take your cycling further you might like to consider joining a local club like a CTC group or Solihull Cycling Club - there are links to their websites in the 'links' section.
Who comes on the rides? Anybody who decides to turn up! In 2008 it averaged out at about 15-20 people per ride but sometimes there were many more. The youngest self-pedalling rider was aged six and the oldest - well we were too polite to ask! Some people join the rides on a regular basis whilst others come along once or twice. This doesn't matter just come along when you want to!
I am a new cyclist - will I be too slow? The overall pace is set by the slowest rider. However everybody cycles at their own pace and we stop from time to time for everyone to catch up. However you do need to have a roadworthy bike (but any kind of bike is fine) and be comfortable cycling on quiet roads. If this is a problem you are missing out on so much fun cycling and you might like to consider some basic cycle training. Details are available from the 'links' page.
What about breakdowns?it is common sense to make sure your bike is roadworthy before the ride - if in doubt take it to a bike shop. If somebody has a breakdown or puncture there is normally someone on the ride with tools or knowledge to help fix it and this has been the case the odd time there has been a problem on one of the rides. However the nature of the rides means there is no formal back up available so it is always handy to have a mobile phone and someone to call if possible just in case. However in keeping with the community spirit of the rides, the riders will try and help sort things out so everyone has a good time.
Is there a refreshment stop? Yes, This is about 30 minutes at a cafe or pub so it is useful to bring some money. However as people sometimes choose to stay outside (all venues have open air seating) having your own drink is not normally a problem. It makes sense to bring a lock if you are going inside.
How long do the rides take? With a refreshment stop the "S" rides take about 2 hours, the "M" rides about 3 hours and the L rides about 3.5 hours, but this can vary depending on the number, age and experience of the riders.
Can't the rides be longer/shorter? From experience we have found about 10--20 miles suits most people who come on the rides. If the rides are too short you can always cycle a longer way to the start point or join the longer Saturday Stretcher rides which are 20 to 25 miles. Many of the Cyclesolihull Routes have shortcut options and if people decide this would be better for them we try and help them out.
coming soon..
Cyclesolihull Cycling Culture
towards a Solihull where cycling is the norm.
