Cycling
The Fitmums and Friends Cycle Squad
Whether you're an experienced cyclist, getting back on your bike or looking for a friendly group to help you explore cycling, our Cycle Squad is a great way to ride, get active and meet new people. We ride together, support each other and enjoy exploring the roads and routes around our communities – all while getting the benefits of being active outdoors. We welcome men and women aged 16 years+.
Sunday rides
Our Cycle Squad rides take place every Sunday. Our rides are led by trained volunteer Cycle Leaders, who help make sure the rides are safe, supportive and enjoyable for everyone.
Meeting point: Green Lane Shops, Cottingham, HU16 5JU. Please arrive in time for the pre ride briefing at 9am.
We take a short break over the winter when potentially there are more challenging weather conditions.
How fast do we ride?
Our aim is to ride at a pace that allows everyone in the group to have a good ride.
Ride distances and speeds vary, but as a general guide:
- Shorter rides (around 25–35 miles) typically average around 12.5 mph.
- Longer rides (50+ miles) typically average around 15 mph.
These are only guides, and the actual pace will depend on the route, terrain, weather and the group on the day. Our trained volunteer Cycle Leaders will help manage the ride so that the group can enjoy the experience together.
If you are looking for a different paced ride there are other local alternatives for example British Cycling Breeze Rides
Ride together
Our Cycle Squad is about riding as a group and looking out for one another. We ask everyone to follow a few simple guidelines to help keep the group safe and make the ride enjoyable.
General advice:
- Watch the two people at the front, if they are side by side, you should be too.
- It is important that you take responsibility for your own safety at all junctions.
New to the Cycle Squad?
New members are very welcome!
You can join us for up to three free trial sessions before deciding whether to become a member of Fitmums and Friends. It is helpful if you can sign up for a trial using this link HERE. This will help give us just a few details about you and provides you with a unique QR code which you use to sign in on rides.
We use a closed whatsapp group to post details about what rides are available each weekend - and importantly this is how you also book on a ride. Booking is essential as it helps with planning the right number of leaders, with the aim of having one trained Cycle Leader for every eight riders. Just click on the poll in the Whatsapp group if you wish to join a ride. Join the Whatsapp Club Ride group HERE
You can book onto a ride up to 10am on the Saturday before the ride. If less than two people have signed up on the morning before the ride, the ride will be cancelled. This will free our volunteer Leader up.
If you turn up without booking, we'll always do our best to fit you into the ride.
What should I bring?
Before heading out, make sure you're prepared for the ride. We recommend bringing:
- A suitable bike in good working order
- A helmet
- Water or another drink
- Food or snacks
- Money or a payment method (for any cafe stops on the ride)
- A spare inner tube suitable for your bike
- Small bike lock can be useful
- Clothing suitable for the weather and the length of the ride
It's always better to be prepared for changing weather and unexpected punctures!
More than just a bike ride
The Cycle Squad is about getting active, building confidence and enjoying the freedom of cycling – but it's also about the people you meet along the way.
Whether you're looking for a regular Sunday ride, want to build up your cycling fitness, are preparing for a cycling challenge or simply fancy some company on your bike, you'll find a friendly and supportive group to ride with.
For any enquiries please contact admin@fitmums.org.uk
Bring your bike. Bring your helmet. Bring your sense of adventure – and ride with us!