Welcome to the Swaledale Outdoor Club’s road cycling section!

Swaledale Outdoor Club's road cycling section is a very active group of varying abilitiy.  We are not a racing group but cater for most abilities, from the tourist doing 30-70 mile rides, to organising an annual Audax ride of 80-100 + miles.  We also enjoy many social events and undertake various personal challenges.   We have a programme of weekend rides on Saturdays or Sundays and, for those not working or on a day off, alternate Wednesday rides which are usually slightly slower and shorter distances than the weekend rides.  All our rides are very social and include lunch and sometimes even tea stops (depending on the length of rides) at cafes.

We have recently changed the way we classify the speed of rides.  Rather than simply say Slow Moderate or Fast they are now graded by an average speed as follows:  A = 14+ mph, B = 12-14 mph, C = 10-12 mph and D = 8-10 mph.  The terrain will continue to be classified as Flat , Undulating or Hilly but this will be written out in the programme.  We hope this will give a clearer indication of the type of ride it will be so that Leaders are clear about the speed and those attending on the ride have a better idea of what to expect and not judge the ride simply by those who attend or whoever is leading.   We are not  Sportiff cyclists and we don't leave any cyclists  behind but it helps if cyclists know rougly what speed to expect.  Iff you are unsure about a ride description  ring the leader for the ride as published on the quarterly programme of events and they will provide more details.  Otherwise contact the section organiser.   The group members are very supportive and many cyclists go on to achieve their own personal challenges.  So come and gives us a try!

Along with the regular published rides we organise  weekends away and support other events like the National Men's and Women's road race championships.  The Section also supports  a number of organised rides including the Darlington Cycling Festival events.  We also orgainse an annual Audax Event  from the  club house in Richmond  which includes several different distances.  We are also affiliated to the CTC.

As a new member you are welcome to join three rides before deciding whether to join the club.  You will be expected to wear appropriate cycle clothing, preferably a helmet, and ensure your bike is in good mechanical order.  You should carry at least a spare inner tube, tyre levers and a pump together with water or isotonic drink and emergency 'muchies'. Cycling in a group, if you are not used to it, is different to cycling on your own and the leader will provide you with basic 'rules of the road' we adhere to for everyone's safety.  A full risk assessment will be provided when you become a member.

As a member of SOC you will be entitled to attend any of the activies on the programme together with social events as advertised.  You will receive a monthly electronic newsletter with updates on future events and reports on events and activities that have taken place throughout the club.  You will also receive a quarterly programme and weekly e mail updates on events coming up.  Signing up to our e mail system enables you to send and receive e mails as a group within the cycling section. 

We are always looking to improve the way we do things so if new members have any good ideas or would like to volunteer to help don't be afraid to speak up!

If you have any further questions please contact Lyn Rogers, Section Organiser at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it