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 Short and hilly 42 miles, 2:45	Surbiton - Cobham - Combe Bottom - Shere - Gomshall - Abinger Hammer - White Down - Ranmore - Westhumble - Box Hill - Epsom – Surbiton	Map
Route 2 Quick favourite 41 miles, 2:45	Surbiton - Cobham - Combe Bottom - Horsley - Ranmore - Westhumble - Box Hill - Epsom – Surbiton	Map
Route 3 Walliswood loop 47 miles, 3:15	Surbiton - Cobham - Combe Bottom - Shere - Pitch Hill - Ewhurst - Walliswood - Holmbury St Mary - Abinger Hammer - White Down - Effingham - Cobham – Surbiton	Map
Route 4 Three Big Hills 54 miles, 4:00	Surbiton - Cobham - Combe Bottom - Albury - Farley Green - Cranleigh - Horseblock Hollow - Peaslake - Hoe Lane - White Down - Ranmore - Box Hill - Epsom - Hook – Surbiton	Map
Route 5 Rusper Run 60 miles, 4:00	Surbiton - Epsom - Headley - Betchworth - Leigh - Charlwood - Rusper - Capel - Weare Street - Walliswood - Ewhurst - Peaslake - Shere - Combe Bottom - Cobham - 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

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. 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.
3. 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.
4. Don't race: You'll get fit riding the club runs regularly. There are no trophies on offer and many who come out for a club run do so precisely because they don't fancy racing. If you want a hard ride, go with the training group.
5. Keep together: On the North Downs, it's inevitable some will sprint up the hills and others will take their time. So if you ride up fast, you must wait at the top for the others and make sure the group reforms after any descent too.
6. Group size: Groups setting off together shouldn't be more than 10-12 riders strong. There's nothing illegal about large groups but collectively the group is like a long vehicle and the bigger the group, the harder it is to ride safely together.
7. Safety: Be responsible and ride safely. It's not complicated. You're responsible for your own safety but think of others. If you see an obstacle ahead like a pothole, then warn the others with a shout or hand signal. Likewise, if you're on the back of the group and notice traffic building up, shout for the ride to fall into single file.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.

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 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?
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 pretty much essential. 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.