Over the years, as our Runs Programme has expanded, we have tried to group rides into certain named categories which would give an idea of what to expect on each type of ride.
This has proven to be more difficult than expected.
For example, the term "Easy Going" is very much a relative one.
25 miles may be easy for some but not so for others!
Nevertheless, below you will find generic descriptions of the various ride categories mentioned throughout this site.
Ladies Only events are exactly that - limited to female participants only.
Unlike most of our programme, Ladies Only events are scheduled on Saturdays.
They take place on the first Saturday of each month.
Usually no more than 15 miles long and cycled at a very relaxed pace.
Lunch stop during the ride.
Main Run events are anywhere between 30 and 60+ miles.
They take place on the second Sunday of each month.
Normally 10:00am starts but this can vary on occassion due to ferry timetables, long distances to start point, etc.
Average on-road speed can be anywhere from 8-14mph, depending on route, weather and mix of participants.
The average speed does not include time taken for lunch stops, re-grouping, etc.
Lunch stops generally tend to be in a pub/cafe/restaurant during the colder months of the year and picnic style during the warmer months.
The vast majority of our Easy Going events are close to 25 miles in length although we do have a couple of routes which are slightly longer at anything up to 30 miles long.
Easy Going events take place on the fourth Sunday of each month.
Normally 10:00am starts but this can vary on occassion due to ferry timetables, long distances to start point, etc.
Easy describes the pace, not necessarily the terrain.
Average on-road speed is usually in the 8-10mph bracket, depending on route, weather and mix of participants.
The average speed does not include time taken for lunch stops, re-grouping, etc.
Mid-week events vary in distance from 25-45 miles.
Run fortnightly on a Wednesday over late Spring and Summer.
Normally 10:30am starts.
The pace usually falls somewhere between our Easy Going and Main Runs but is variable depending on group members, weather and terrain to be covered.
All mid-week events are classified as picnic lunches. i.e. Bring your own food.
Our
Special Run category covers rides which do not fit into our standard descriptions.
They contain events such as Hostel Weekends, fast pace rides, rides which start outside of Ayrshire, themed outings, etc.
As such, they can be any length/speed.
If you are unsure as to whether a particular run will suit your abilities,
contact one of our Run Co-ordinators for additional information on any ride.
Although most take place on a Sunday, due to the very nature of Special events, they can take place any day, any time.
Details are contained in each ride description.
Tens are routes aimed at beginners, the less experienced cyclist, those returning to cycling after a long break or simply those wanting to learn local cycle routes and quieter minor roads.
You do not need to be a CTC member to participate in these rides.
At around 10 miles in length, each route has little in the way of hills.
Cycled at a fairly slow pace - expect to take around 1.5 hrs. to cycle 10 miles.
Run on Thursday evenings during the summer months to take advantage of the available daylight hours.
Public Events are a category which indicate other rides open to the general public.
Public events cover a wide variety of events such as short history rides (~10-12 miles), themed distance rides (15-50 miles) and everything in between.
They are registered as such with the CTC and therefore have special insurance coverage for non-CTC member participants.
There are age restrictions, details of which can be found
here.
Most of these rides are free but some are pay-to-enter.
Any fees will be outlined in the ride description.
D.I.Y. Meets consist of an agreed pvenue to meet for lunch and you organise the cycling there and back!
You start from wherever you like, cycle to a designated cafe, arrive at the designated time, meet up with other local CTC members, put the world to rights over a coffee then head for home - perhaps with company for some of the way.
Ayrshire 
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