We hold two cycle training sessions a week for seniors (aged 18 or over) – a long, steady, ride on Saturday mornings to build base miles and a mid-week evening session to build power and speed. 

For juniors we run a separate programme of skills sessions, turbo training and family rides. 

Saturday steady rides

We ride on Saturday mornings for a steady, social ride in the Staffordshire / Cheshire / Derbyshire / Shropshire countryside, keeping to quiet lanes where possible. 

We usually run two groups: a steady ride and a faster pace ride.

Rides are generally between 40 and 60 miles and will usually include a mid-ride cafe stop.

Long, steady, rides will improve your endurance, speed and bike handling skills in a group. Plus they are ideal for picking up tips and advice about cycling in general.

Expect to be riding between three and four hours, arriving back home between 12pm and 1pm.

In the summer months we do occasional longer rides of up to 100 miles, or take part in local sportives. In the winter we swap road bikes occasionally for mountain bikes.

To make our group rides comfortable and as safe as possible we have put together some guidance on group riding etiquette. Please read this before coming out for the first time - but don't worry if you don't remember it all, you'll be given friendly advice on the ride while you learn how it's done.

Tuesday summer rides

In the summer we offer a big choice:

• A hard and fast chain gang ride every week
• A steady and social ride
• Joining in a local time trial

The chain gang works by the group riding two abreast. The outside line continually overtakes the inner line, meaning each rider gets a short turn on the front followed by some rest as they drop back.

The chain gang provides great training in bike handling, road discipline and endurance.

The steady ride begins at Keele University (to avoid the Keele Bank climb) and is between 15 to 25 miles, exploring our local lanes. Build your skill and confidence by joining in this friendly group.

We also encourage participation in Congleton Cycling Club’s summer time trial series, which offers great training for triathlon and duathlon.

These events are usually 10 miles but some are 25 miles. Check out the schedule of races on Congleton's website.

Arrive in time to collect your number, do a warm up and ride to the start. After the ride your time will be posted online.

Our rides are organised via WhatsApp groups. If you're new please contact cycle lead Michael Howard - michael.howard3000@sky.com - to be added.

Winter mid-week training

In the winter we run a coached interval turbo session by Zoom on Thursday nights.

We begin with a structured warm up before moving into a different interval session each week.

The sessions are designed by retired professional cycle coach Ken Matheson and are focused on building strength, fitness and stamina.

The session coach will guide you through the set and at the end of the session we cool down and stretch fully.