AOCC RIDES

What should I expect on a club ride?

You should expect a safe and enjoyable group ride. To help achieve this, please bear the following in mind:

• Ensure that your bicycle is roadworthy, with brakes, gears and tyres in good condition.
• Bring with you a pump, spare inner tube and multi-tool.
• Wear clothing appropriate to the weather.
• Fit mudguards during wet weather and winter months.
• Bring water, snacks and money for the cafe.
• Bring emergency contact details with you.

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Reliability Rides – What to expect

The reliability ride is traditionally a test of a cyclist’s reliability and that of their bike coming out of the winter period. The emphasis is on fitness, self-reliance and navigational skills, although they are also used by competitive cyclists for training ahead of the racing season.

The objective is to complete the prescribed route within a given time. The route is not signposted but a basic route map or description may be provided (along with a GPS file these days).

The ride is not a race. Like a normal cycling club ride, it takes place on open roads and without marshals etc. It is imperative that participants ride responsibly and in accordance with the Highway Code and the guidance of the 95 Alive initiative – click here to view document.

In comparison to sportives, reliability rides are low key and aimed at local club cyclists or riders interested in joining a club. There are no feed stations, timing chips or souvenir t-shirts etc, although refreshments are available following the ride. Route cards and maps will be available at the start.

Under 16/18: Under 16s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. All under 18s must provide a consent form completed by their parent or guardian. Download the consent form here.

For further information on reliability rides, see the British Cycling website:

British Cycling – Get into cycling, road reliability trials

What is a Reliability Ride?

The Yorkshire Reliability Rides are a long-established highlight of the counties cycling calendar. Originally set up as Ron’s Reliable Five, the series expanded to The Hateful Eight in 2018 and this year move to Notorious 9, kicking off with The Struggle’s ride on the 19th January 2020.

A Reliability Ride is not exclusive to Yorkshire. Nationwide, a Reliability Ride is a long-standing winter tradition. It’s known as a test of a cyclist’s reliability and that of their bike coming out of the winter period. The emphasis is on fitness, self-reliance and navigational skills, although they are also used by competitive cyclists for training ahead of the racing season.

What happens on a reliability ride?

Reliability rides are for all abilities. Some reliability rides will set riders off in groups of average speed varying from 20mph to 12mph with the fastest riders leaving first. Others have no organised start, with riders setting off when they choose and riding with whomever they choose.

Traditionally the route is not signposted but a basic route map or description may be provided. Nowadays GPS files are available and you’ll find all the Yorkshire series routes below.

Riders then enjoy coffee and cake at the finish point. A reliability ride is a great way to meet and ride with new cyclists from different groups and clubs or to test your fitness against old rivals.

There are no feed stations, timing chips or souvenir t-shirts etc. The ride is not a race. It takes place on open roads without marshals. It is imperative that participants ride responsibly and in accordance with the Highway Code.

Yorkshire reliability ride dates and routes

All rides require riders to sign on and pay £4 in cash. Riders are encouraged to bring exact change.

Under 16s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. All under 18s must provide a consent form completed by their parent or guardian. Download the consent form here.

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Traditionally the main weekly ride of the cycling club: long summer days in the saddle, shorter winter warmers and everything in between.  The pace is steady and sociable, and the destination is always a café.

Whilst a calendar of destinations is planned in advance, both this and the route are confirmed on the day to suit the weather conditions and other requirements.  Sunday club rides also sample roads further afield through ‘park and rides’.

Everyone is welcome on the Sunday club run although the distances may be a little long for beginners.  If in doubt speak to Julia, Rob or an experienced rider beforehand.

Each Sunday Ride is now advertised in advance via the club Facebook page.