Shed to 25k guided ride for beginners and returners to social cycling: ride 1 of 10

This is the first of a series of guided rides designed to introduce beginners and returners to social riding as a group on minor roads. The series builds on experience of negotiating road junctions, traffic and experience of riding alongside other cyclists.

After a helmet check, cycle safety check and introductions, I will take the group on a short local loop of less than 6 miles with mainly left turns and a short debrief on return. The following ride in this series will be about a mile further and each time we will progress until the final 16 mile ride with a cafe stop.

Any road worthy bike is acceptable, including electrically assisted mounts, and we will stay together as a group, riding at the pace of the slowest and resting as needed along the way.

The ride is weather dependant and may be cancelled at short notice if conditions are not favourable.

RED January is a community initiative helping people support their mental wellbeing through physical activity. The idea is to get active every day, to beat the blues away.  If it’s running 5k, or walking to work a new way, a morning swim or taking the bike for a spin, the choice of daily activity is up to the individual. 

This Thursday morning programme is aimed at people who can ride a bike and have access to one but need motivating to 'get it out of the shed' and ride. starting with a short local loop and increasing by about a mile a week over 10 weeks when we will be able to complete 16 miles, 25k, with ease.

We will stop as needed to rest, regroup, and make adjustments to bike and clothing.

All you need is a bike you can ride, helmet and dress to suit the weather conditions, after a quick safety check we will cycle at the pace of the slowest on a pre planned and checked route, returning after about an hour. For safety reasons, numbers are limited and pre-booking is essential.

First-timers welcome!