Rides For You, and the CTC in our area

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There are various charity rides which run in Essex and Suffolk: please watch the press for details.

While charity rides are great, you can't beat going out for a ride with experienced cyclists. A good chat as you pedal will help you to get more out of your cycling. You will also tap into a wealth of knowledge about other good rides run in the county and beyond.

The main "leisure for pleasure" rides in Essex are run by the CTC.

CTC Colchester and Tendring contact: Alan Palmer (changing "at" to "@").

The CTC is Britain's national cycling club. Its district associations (DAs) are split into sections. Colchester and Tendring section of the Essex DA of the CTC offers two rides a week, and there is also the opportunity to cycle with Suffolk CTC. All riders should carry a pump, a basic repair kit, and have lights just in case the ride goes on longer than expected.

All cyclists are welcome to come along and try a ride or three with the CTC, but regular riders are expected to join the club - see www.ctc.org.uk

CTC Thursday Rides

These are run by Colchester and Tendring section of the CTC and start at 6.30pm every Thursday from May to mid October. As of mid March 2008, we are unsure how regularly they will run or where they will start, owing to members' work commitments.

These rides are aimed at beginners and those coming back to cycling who want a gentle pootle out. Once riders reach a certain ability they are encouraged to join the Wednesday rides, below. Ride leader Alan Palmer said: "We ride to the speed of the slowest and tailor our trips to the ability of the people who come out with us. Our rides last 90 minutes to two hours and we can choose between hillier and flatter rides. Don't worry, we won't leave anyone behind!"

Download the ride instructions here. Please contact Alan (changing "at" to "@") before coming on these rides.

CTC Wednesday rides

These are run in Colchester by the Suffolk CTC. Everyone, including new cyclists, is welcome.

Riders meet on Wednesdays at 7pm at the Tenpin bowling centre, LeisureWorld, Cowdray Avenue, Colchester, and the rides continue all year round.

Ride leader Peter said: "Like the beginners' rides we go to the speed of the slowest, though we're slightly faster! Our trips will usually involve a pub stop, and we'll be back a bit later.

"I'm an experienced randonneur and audax cyclist, and am happy to help anyone who wants to get involved in this, or just keep their fitness up."

Please contact Peter (changing "at" to "@") or ring 07860 263 921 before coming on these rides.

Suffolk CTC has a comprehensive rides programme. For details of Suffolk CTC DA rides, visit www.greenlivingcentre.org.uk/ctc. Suffolk DA's events start mainly at St Margaret's Green, Ipswich, but north Essex cyclists are welcome to either ride or rail to meet them. Those who join the Sunday rides generally gather at the top of Cox's Hill, Lawford.

Rides run by other sections of the Essex DA are here.

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