Normal Sunday rides are classified with a colour as defined below. The classifications are based on the average speed for a group on rolling terrain. A trip to the North Downs or into the Chilterns (with say 1% climbing) will result in 1 or 2 kph slower, whereas a flat route to Windsor will likely be 1 or 2 kph faster
White
19km/h
These rides are on demand, occasional rides, not scheduled weekly. They do not form part of the regular Sunday rides
The easiest rides. Rides are typically no more than 80km and have minimal climbing (we might try Box Hill once in a while). We ride single file and try to stick as close together as is comfortable. We regroup at junctions to ensure everyone is on the correct route and no one has fallen off the course. We stop regularly to take on food and water. We stop at least once on the route for coffee and cake (unless exceptionally short, e.g. a lap of Richmond Park).
Green
21 km/h
Gentle club rides. We ride as a group, trying to maintain at maximum 1-2 bike lengths between riders. We ride single-file or two-up depending on the route leader's instructions. We are able to drink on the bike but may need to stop occasionally to take on food. We sometimes tackle big hills but mainly ride flat or rolling courses. We stop at a half-way point for coffee and cake. Rides are typically 60-90 km.
Blue
23 km/h
Regular club rides. We ride as a close group, keeping no more than a bike length apart. We ride single-file or two-up depending on the route leader's instructions. We take turns riding on the front. We're comfortable eating and drinking on the bike and generally won't stop for a coffee on rides less than 60km, but always have a coffee stop on longer rides. We are consistent in calling out road hazards and are familiar with cycling hand signals. Rides are typically 70-100km.
Intermediate club rides. We ride two-abreast on wider busier roads, and single-file when on narrow roads without having to be told so by the route leader. We try to keep within a wheel- or half-bike-length of the rider in front. We occasionally ride through-and-off and always share taking turns on the front. We're disciplined about calling out road hazards and are aware of the efforts our fellow riders are putting in and communicate to the ride leader if we see a fellow rider struggling, and work to protect such riders from the wind. Rides are typically 80-120km.
Orange
25 km/h
Fast club rides. We ride as a tight group, keeping no more than a wheel apart and ride two abreast for as much as the route allows. We're aware of the riders around us and ensure that the stronger riders share more of the load on the front. We ride smoothly, without any sudden changes in speed and constantly communicate road hazards and manoeuvres within the group. Coffee stops are dependent on weather, distance and the mood of the group. We generally prefer shorter non-stop rides in the winter and longer rides with coffee stops in the summer. Rides are typically 90-130 km
Red
27 km/h
Hard club rides. We like to challenge ourselves over speed and distance. We push each other to improve and beat personal records. These rides are great for training for competitive events. Almost all rides are 100+km
