Club Runs

GS Avanti has a wide variety of groups to cater for riders of all abilities. Unsure what group is best for you? Read the summaries below and click on the links for a more detailed description.

Sunday Rides:

Group 3 (G3) aims to introduce cyclists to group riding. These rides last between two to four hours and usually cover 30 - 40 miles in total. You need to be able to ride at an average speed of 12.5 mph (in other words cover 25 miles in 2 hours). Click here for more details about the ride.

Group 2 (G2) is the next level up after G3 rides. Led by experienced riders, this group will usually cover between 45 and 70 miles, depending upon the weather and time of the year. The pace is relaxed,  average 15 mph. A cafe stop is included. There is plenty of opportunity to meet other members of the club and take in the Kent countryside. Click here for more details about the ride.

Group 1 (G1) is a step up from Group 2. This is a friendly, but well paced ride for riders who may be looking towards competitive riding, whether that is sportives, road racing, time trialing or any other cycling disciplines. Normal distance is 60 – 80 miles, depending on the time of the year. Average speed can be anything from 17 – 19mph, depending upon terrain. All are welcolme to join. Click here for more details about the ride.

Group 1+ (G1+) caters for the fastest riders in the club. Average speeds are usually 1-2mph quicker than G1. Group 1+ rides follow the same routes as G1 and stop at the same cafes. Please see the Group 1 page for the details, as G1+ is usually made up of the fastest G1 riders.

Wednesday Group Rides

A group of Avanti riders meet every Wednesday for a casual ride to Yalding, using the same route each week. A reasonable level of riding experience and fitness is required; the same level as G2. Meeting is usually at 10.00am at the Royal Oak Pub car park, Green St Green, and finish in the Five Bells in Chelsfield village.

See Events page for more details.

Friday Rides

These offer a variety of routes, destinations and café stops. Finish is often at the Five Bells, Chelsfield on return. Contact - Dave Bettinson, club chairman, to check beforehand. The pace generally is more relaxed than the Wednesday ride. Start from the Royal Oak, Green St Green.

Club Run Rules

Riding in a group is very different from riding on your own. Other cyclists in the group are depending on you to ride in a safe and predictable manner, so it is important to adhere to 'group riding etiquette'. All of the Sunday club run rides, particularly Group 3, provide guidance to riders on how to ride in a group. By way of summary:

• NEVER brake sharply if there's someone behind you;
• Please point out the p-p-p-potholes;
• NEVER overtake another rider on the inside, unless you shout "coming through" or something similar;
• NEVER turn sharply right or left unless you give plenty of warning;
• If you are at the front of the group and miss a turning, do not make a last minute manoeuvre. Instead, continue past the junction and turn in your own good time.

Disclaimer:

Each rider understands and agrees that they participate in Club rides and events entirely at their own risk, that they must rely on their own ability in dealing with all hazards and that they must behave in a manner, which is safe for all others and themselves. They are aware that when riding on the public highway, they must observe the rules of the Highway Code. They agree that no liability whatsoever shall attach to any Member or Official of GS Avanti in respect of any injury or damage suffered by them, or any third party, or by reason of any event, however caused.