Sunday club runs

We meet every Sunday morning at 9.00 am, come rain or shine, at the junction of Portsmouth Road and Brighton Road in Surbiton, in the car park of the Laitwaites wine shop. View map.

Typical routes
Club run rules
Club run FAQs

These rides start from 40 miles and can often be longer. We usually ride out towards the North Downs on the Surrey Lanes at a pace of about 16-18 mph but we don't leave anyone behind. Usually we will split the ride into three groups from the start:
- Short ride at club run pace, normally 40 miles, often with a stop for tea and some cake.
- Long ride at club run pace, typically 50-65 miles, often with a cake stop.
- Training ride which is 50-80 miles, a harder faster ride for those wanting to be race-ready.

New riders are always welcome to come along and ride with us so please come along and introduce yourself on the morning. Routes vary each week and we often stop for a hot drink, so remember to bring some cash. If you're new to the club, have a look at the FAQ that relate to the club run.

The Sunday club runs are the central activity of the club. They take place year round and many members have joined after enjoying on the Sunday morning rides. We get a lot of interest in our club runs and often taking a group of new riders out onto the roads isn't as straightforward as it may seem. Club members have to give some thought to the route to make sure it's right given the weather, traffic, and most importantly, the people taking part. Because of this, we've decided to list a few ground rules. Most are common sense but they're worth setting out so newcomers can get a better idea of what the club runs are about.

Typical Routes

Here we set out some of the typical routes used by the club run, but this is just the start. Many of our members have an expert knowledge of every Surrey lane so we'll often take a route that's based on something below but with a twist. The cafe stop is in bold.

Route 1 Quick club run 36 Miles, 2.45	Surbiton - Cobham - Plough Lane - Effingham - Ranmore Common - Westhumble - Box Hill - Epsom - Surbiton	Map
Route 2 Regular 3 Hills 44 Miles, 3.15	Surbiton - Cobham - Plough Lane - Ockham - East Clandon - Chapel Lane - Crocknorth - Ranmore - Westhumble - Box Hill - Epsom - Surbiton	Map
Route 3 Leith Hill and Coldharbour 45 Miles, 3.30	Surbiton - Cobham - Plough Lane - Effingham - WhiteDown - Abinger Common - Leith Hill - Coldharbour - Dorking - Box Hill - Epsom - Surbiton	Map
Route 4 Windsor Great Park 43 Miles, 2.45	Surbiton - Hampton Court - Sunbury - Chertsey - Virginia Water - Windsor Great Park - Old Windsor - Runnymede - Staines - Laleham -Walton - Moseley - Surbiton	Map
Route 5 Fairoaks Airport Flat Ride 45 Miles, 2.45	Surbiton - Hampton Court - Sunbury - Shepperton - Chertsey - St Anne's Hill - Stonehill Road - Chobham - Fairoaks Airport - Addlestone - Weybridge - Walton - Hampton Court - Surbiton	Map
Route 6 Hard and Fast Training group ride 68 miles, 3:45	Surbiton - Cobham - Combe Bottom - Albury - Guildford - Blackheath - Shamley Green - Farley Green - Peaslake - Forest Green - Holmbury - Leith Hill - Dorking - Ranmore - Mickleham - Headley - Epsom - Hook - Surbiton	Map

Club Run Rules

Ahead of all the other suggestions below always remember the Highway Code, rules, regulations and laws of the road apply. You're responsible for you're safety so ensure your bike is road-worthy and you're confident riding on the open roads.

1. Have fun: Above all, the club runs are fun. Even when it's snowing. There may be some rules here but the club run isn't a military drill, it's about enjoying getting out on the bike.
2. Highway Code: when riding, first and foremost you must at all time comply with the Highway Code and more than that, you must ride with courtesy and respect for other road users. You are responsible, not only for your own safety but for other riders around you. There will be a leader but their role is limited to choosing the route and so far as possible, making sure the Group stays together and respects other road users. They are NOT responsible for your safety, you are. You are also responsible for the cohesion of the Group and helping keep it together. Experienced Club members may ask you to adjust your speed, road position or style. Please respect them, as they are only concerned for everybody's safety.
3. Don't race: The Club Run is a social ride, it is NOT a race. You can race to your heart's content in organised competitive events but please not on group runs. Do not overtake the rider(s) at the head of the group. Anyone accelerating ahead of the group will be assumed to be on another ride of their own devices. They will not be called after or chased after if they take a wrong turn. We normally wait for people who go off the back of the ride. We do NOT wait for people who go off the front.
4. Group riding etiquette: Aim to ride with less than one metre between you and the rider in front. Ride in pairs, NEVER more than two abreast and directly behind a rider in front and not diagonally. Single-out if a car is behind and when filing out would enable the car to pass, or if the road conditions make it sensible to do so. Be careful when braking suddenly.
5. Ride together and wait: When at a slow down a little to allow the riders behind to catch up and proceed as a group. Everyone takes time to set-off, clip-in and get settled back in the saddle. Keep the group together. Likewise, re-group at the top of hills and if necessary at the bottom. The lead riders should make sure that all riders are back in the group before resuming the at normal pace. It is okay to keep moving but slowly, until everyone is back together.
6. Warnings and help: Front riders should warn of hazards ahead and inform the rest of the group verbally and/or with hand signals. Rear riders should ensure that no-one is falling behind. If they are, then they should inform those in front and the Group should slow to allow it to be reformed.
7. Change the lead: Every few minutes, the lead should change. So if you've been sitting on the front for a while, when it's safe to do so, tell the others and swap the lead. But if you're tiring and suddenly it's your turn to be on the front, tell the others as it's fine to take it easy.
8. Say hello: If you're new, please identify yourself to those leading the club run. Please listen to them, as they will explain how the run works and where it's going.
9. Join: We especially welcome new members on the club run and if you like the club run, please become a member. We're happy for you to try the ride a few times but after three or four rides you join if you want to ride with us.
10. Wear club kit: Members should wear the club kit if they can. The Kingston Wheelers clothing is pro-team quality and stylish, it's a nice gesture to support our sponsors.
11. Mechanicals: If someone punctures or has a mechanical, everyone is expected to stop. So in return for delaying everyone, make sure you start the ride with spares like an inner tube, tyre levers and that your bike is roadworthy.
12. The Knowledge: The Surrey Lanes might seem maze-like but with some map reading and riding you can get to know the local roads. To get more out of regular riding, be sure to learn some of the local roads.

These rules aren't set in stone, it's all about being sensible and aware whilst riding on the road. Our club runs attract lots of riders and so these rules set out what's required. Remember, you are responsible for your safety and take part in activities at your own risk.

Club Run FAQs

Do I have to be a member to come along for the Sunday Club Run?
We welcome all potential new members, so please feel free to come along as it's a good way to find out more about the Kingston Wheelers. If you like it, sign up.

Do you have other rides apart from the Sunday ride?
Yes but for members. These are informal and organised by members, often via the club's online forum.

Do I have to tell anyone or ask permission to join you?
No, just turn up before 9.00 am and aim to introduce yourself to a member in club kit, they'll explain more.

Do you meet every Sunday?
Yes, even if it's snowing members have been known to go out. But check the news on this site just in case there's a change of plan.

I'm not local and want to drive to the ride, where can I park?
Parking is regulated in the area near the club run start, and please don't park in the Laitwaites car park. Try parking further away from Kingston, towards Esher and then ride back in towards the start.

What sort of distance and pace can I expect on your Sunday club rides?
The distance varies according to the weather and what people feel like doing but 40-50 miles is normal whilst the pace is usually a steady 16-18mph. When you come along, introduce yourself to some club members and explain that this is your first ride with the club so we can make sure you don't get dropped or too tired. If you can handle a 40 mile ride, you'll be fine. Remember that riding with others is a lot easier than riding by yourself.

Am I fit enough?
It's always a personal question but you should be comfortable with a 40 mile ride at 15-16mph. As a rough guide if you can do three laps of Richmond Park in under 80 minutes then you should be ok too.

What do I need to bring
Bring some spares like an inner tube and pump and you should be capable of repairing a puncture. Also, bring some cash so if the ride stops at a café, you can get something to eat and drink.

I want to get fit for racing and cyclosportives like the Etape du Tour
Then come along and start with our club runs. Over time, build up the mileage and start joining the Training group of the club run and you'll be well on your way.

Do I have to have a racing bike and all the kit?
A road bike is highly recommended. Enthusiasm for cycling is the most important thing. Some members do have flashy bikes but the truth is they don't help you ride that much faster, a roadworthy machine is the main thing. A road bike is preferable although a mountain bike or hybrid with slick tyres should be ok too - but you need to be very confident about your fitness. We recommend you ride with a helmet and bring at least a spare inner tube and pump in case of a puncture.

What about mudguards?
They will keep you dry and modern versions like SKS Race Blades can be fitted to most bikes. But there's no requirement to ride with them. If the weather's bad, you'll always get mucky.

What about insurance?
You should accept responsibility for your own conduct and safety (including the safety of your bicycle and other equipment) during Club activities. You take part in Club rides entirely at your own risk. We strongly recommend that you take out appropriate third party insurance for your own sake. Membership of British Cycling or the CTC can offer you this form of cover and you're supporting cycling in this country too.

Is there a minimum age?
If you're under 16, you must drop us an email before you come so we can discuss how things work.