In the Summer of 2011 tentative steps were taken to start a leisure riding group in the village, with the help of the CTC, from a humble beginning of around half a dozen local riders (extras from Colchester were often drafted in to make up numbers) we now have an average turnout of about twenty local residents.
The leisure rides are just that. With an average speed of between 10 and 11 miles per hour we explore the local lanes searching out the best cake stops within a ten mile radius of the village. We always ride as a group and strive to ensure that everybody enjoys their Saturday experience. It doesn’t matter what type of bike you have providing it is in a safe and roadworthy condition. We will readily check machines and offer advice on brakes, tyres, saddle height and everything else that you need to ride safely and comfortably.
At about the same time a couple of more-seasoned cyclists started riding regularly and we now have a growing group of enthusiasts that ride most weekends. Depending on conditions and time of year we have club type rides of thirty miles upwards heading off to most points of the compass, usually managing to avoid main roads.
New riders are always welcomed and teamed-up with people of similar abilities. We also have a group at a higher fitness level that ride most weekends at a faster pace and greater distances.