Overview

Following on from the successes of 2008-09 winter training there is a programme of training for 2009-10.  The aim of the training programme is to bring Club members together in an environment that encourages personal development, with all the benefits of camaraderie that allow you to overcome the less appealing realities of cycling, such as training on dark evenings or winter days.  We will be following a programme of training with exercises that change throughout the season, to bring you to peak fitness in the racing season.  The training programme is designed to benefit everyone, whether you are new to competitive cycling or a 1st cat road racer this training will benefit you.

If you have any questions about the training or the structure that we follow, then don't hesitate to give Club Captain Leo a phone call on 07527 430 140.

Spinning

Spinning takes place on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings at Fitness First, Aspects Leisure Park, Bedford.  Class commences from 8:15pm but you should be there by 8pm, and classes normally last for around an hour.  Cost is £4 payable to Leo on the night.

Due to popularity there are requirements to partake in spinning: you should pre-book your place, this can be done from Friday morning for the following week by sending a text to Leo on 07527 430 140 - please clarify which days you want to attend.  If the class is fully booked then Leo will advise you of this, otherwise you will not receive a reply.  If you cannot make a session after booking, then please do text Leo no later than 5pm on the day of the class so that your place can be re-allocated.  Repeated failure to advise may result in you loosing the right to pre-book.

The spin bikes are good quality with reversible pedals, so you can wear either trainers and use the toe clip, or your cycling shoes and clip into the SPDs compatible pedal.  The pedals may require tension adjusting with a 4mm Allen key.

The class follows a similar format weekly so that progress can be monitored.  Regardless of your current fitness level, you can attend and the same exercise principles will benefit all.

After the class spinners have access to Fitness First facilities including: steam room, sauna, and pool.

Saturday

Training with a group through the winter is the best way to motivate yourself in the inclement weather.  Meeting the bunch gives you the incentive to get out of bed when its raining, and you soon find that its never as bad as it looks from indoors.

Saturday training departs from the Clubhouse at 10am, this is winter training so we don't hang about in the cold, if we've already left then you can catch us going up towards Hillfoot at a very steady pace.  The route takes around two and a half hours to complete (assuming no mechanicals) and never ventures far from the 1Z/11.3 course, so you don't have far to travel home if you are unlucky enough to have a mechanical.

On the Saturday training we follow a set route and format of exercises, so progress can be monitored, riders know what to expect (and where to expect it), and can set their own goals to be achieved within each exercise.

The Saturday training is designed to embrace all abilities, especially newcomers, and for this reason we do not impose a ruling on mudguards.  Although etiquette prevails, and those without mud guards should ride towards the back of the group; any questions then do call Leo.

Sunday

This training will be for the more ambitious cyclists, while it is not elitist and most members will be welcome, you should contact Leo to check suitability to your personal abilities.  The rides will be at constant pace, and duration will be measure in hours not miles.  The routes will orbit Bedford Town, so you should never be too far from home.  The Sunday training is designed to embrace all abilities, especially newcomers, and for this reason we do not impose a ruling on mudguards.  Although etiquette prevails, and those without mud guards should ride towards the back of the group; any questions then do call Leo - 07527 430 140.

Training rides will meet at the Swan Hotel in Bedford on the corner of the Embankment and the High Street, and depart at 10:00 sharp.  Please be on time, we don't hang about in the cold.

You should not confuse Sunday Training with the Club Run, which is the most appropriate introduction to long distance cycling.