Activities & Rides

“Ride as much or as little, as long or as short as you feel. But ride.” – Eddy Merckx

Cycling means different things to different people, which is why we try to offer as many events as possible.

Below is a list of our current activities. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for more details about these rides and other activities.

All members are expected to help with marshaling our events. For a current rota please click here

They are open to non-members too, however for insurance reasons we ask that you join before you’ve been on four rides.

Click HERE for the SDCC Club Ride Risk Assessment

Helmets are mandatory on all rides. Your bike must be in full working order and must include bar end plugs. TT bikes and bikes with attached TT bars are not permitted on group rides. Please make sure you have suitable puncture repair kit/tubes, pump, mini tool, drinks and nutrition. Please see How We Ride guidance HERE

Rules for ALL rides.

If you're ill, stay away, there's always another ride

You must be prepared to be self-sufficient (drinks, food and your own repairs if required)

Rides will be in groups of 12 or less, grouped according to speed

The fastest group will set off first, followed by other groups at 2-3 minute intervals and in descending order of speed

Please carry a mask (this may still be a requirement for ordering in cafés)

Potential new members must provide the ride leader with their contact details (name, e mail and/mobile number)

Saturday club ride with cafe stop

Where? Needham Lake Car Park (near the railway bridge)
When?
- Summer: 9am prompt from the last Sunday in March (when clocks change)
- Winter: 9.30am prompt from the last Sunday in October (when clocks change)
Speed & Distance
- Social group rides at about 16mph. If numbers allow there will be other faster groups. Please be certain that you can ride at 16mph for 30-40 miles.
- Between 35-40 miles with café stop half way
What else?
- Rain or shine the ride will be on
- In extreme weather the ride may be cancelled (keep on eye on Facebook page for updates)
- Ideal for beginners and social riders
- We ride two abreast and always as a group – no one gets left behind

Sunday club ride

Where? Needham Lake Car Park (near the railway bridge)
When?
- 9am prompt all year round
Speed & Distance
- Speeds vary between 18mph – 20mph+ (all rides are to slowest rider)
- Between 50-60 miles with no café stop
What else?
- Rain or shine the ride will be on
- In extreme weather the ride may be cancelled (keep on eye on Facebook page for updates)
- Ideal for more experienced riders
- We ride two abreast and always as a group – no one gets left behind

Steady Sunday club ride

Where? Needham Lake Car Park (near the railway bridge)
When?
- Summer: 9am prompt from the last Sunday in March (when clocks change)
- Winter: 9.30am prompt from the last Sunday in October (when clocks change)
Speed & Distance
- Speeds vary between 17mph – 19mph (all rides are to slowest rider)
- Between 50-60 miles with no café stop
What else?
- In extreme weather the ride may be cancelled (keep on eye on Facebook page for updates)
- A steadier pace compared to the normal Sunday ride
- We ride two abreast and always as a group – no one gets left behind

Wednesday social ride

Where? Stowmarket Rugby Club
When?
- Summer: 6:30pm prompt
Speed & Distance
- Social group rides at about 15mph. If numbers allow there will be other faster groups (all rides are to slowest rider)
- Social group 20 miles, faster groups 30 miles
What else?
- Rain or shine the ride will be on
- In extreme weather the ride may be cancelled (keep on eye on Facebook page for updates)
- Ideal for beginners and social riders
- We ride two abreast and always as a group – no one gets left behind

Training Rides (open to non members so club insurances DO NOT apply)

We hold regular training rides for the racers in the club. These are usually on a Tuesday or Thursday evening throughout the Summer, depending on the local race calendar and are run by experienced racers.

They take the form of a high-speed chain gang and utilise through and off riding.

These are for experienced riders familiar with through and off riding and able to average up to 25-26mph in a group. These rides are flat out and if you get dropped you get dropped!!

As these sessions are open to non members riders are recommended to have their own insurance in place (BC membership should cover it) as club insurance does not cover sessions open to non members.

Always check on Facebook for details as times of these rides can change to fit the race calendar.

Ladies Only Monday Ride

These rides are specifically designed for ladies who have little or no experience of riding in a group, looking to build confidence and cycling skills.

They run in high summer (June, July, early August only).

We meet at Stowmarket Rugby Club for a 6:30pm start. A 15 mile route at around 12mph, with a second faster group at 14mph if numbers allow. However, we never leave anyone behind, so if we need to go a bit slower so everyone rides as a group, we will!!

MTB Winter Sunday Ride

Mountain Bikers are now meeting on Sunday morning through the winter, weather permitting.

Rides normally set off at 10:00am from the car park at Brandon Country Park. Car parking costs around £1.50 and the machines only take cash!! We will ride across to High Lodge area of forest, ride the blue and red routes, then back to Brandon Lodge for a coffee. Approximately 20 miles in total.

If there is an organised off road event taking place locally, we may join in.

Always check on Facebook before setting out.

Social Events

SDCC isn’t just about bike riding; we also have an active and varied social calendar, which includes velodrome events, paintballing, go-karting etc.

Our flagship event is the annual Awards and Gala Dinner Dance that gives all members a chance to dress up, eat, drink, dance and be merry while celebrating the achievements of their fellow club members.

Details about this and other events are published on our Facebook page.