UPDATE: We have sadly decided to POSTPONE Saturday’s women’s ride due to the heavy rain forecast. We will reschedule ASAP and keep you all posted! See you all soon.

Join us for our next women’s ride on Saturday 5th August at 8.45am from Kringle in Bents Green.

It was smiles all round last weekend as the biblical rain did nothing to dampen the spirits of the 7 Hills women’s ride. We’ve been overwhelmed by the response so far and our intention is to keep this ride going fortnightly. If you want to get involved and help organise the rides either get in touch or speak to Fiona, Heather or Anna (x2) on one of the rides.

Next Saturday’s longer 80km route heads over Beeley Moor before looping through the quaint village of Winster and back via a café stop in Youlgreave. If you’re pressed for time, Heather and Fiona will be doing a shorter 55km option peeling off at Darley Dale and back up via Chatsworth House.

We’re delighted to be bringing together female cyclists within our club and beyond. We want to create a welcoming, inclusive space specifically organised by, and for, a female audience.

This is a no-drop ride aimed at non-members – so get involved!

Answers to all your common questions below, but anything else do get in touch – Fiona, Heather and Anna (x2) are on hand and happy to help 🙂

80km route here: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43872250

55km route here: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43872397

FAQS

What’s this all about?

• Our women’s ride was set up to offer something slightly different for female cyclists around Sheffield.
• Routes tend to include plenty of hills over a 80-90km (50 miles) loop of the Peak District, with a well-earned café stop en route.  
• The group will aim to always stick together with exception to the odd ascent or faster section depending on the mood of the group riding.

Why are you offering a separate women’s ride rather than mixed rides?

• We have always offered mixed rides which cyclists of any gender can join, but we recognise that we need to do more to support more female riders.
• We recognise that some women might prefer group rides which are specifically organised by, and for, a female audience. 
• By offering a separate women’s ride, we hope to support more women who might otherwise be put off.
• As a club, we want to create an environment where women feel comfortable, safe, valued and involved. 

Is this a lesser ride? Are you saying women can’t keep up with men?

• The women’s ride is absolutely not a lesser ride.
• We recognise we could do more to promote women’s cycling. We want to provide a female-friendly environment where women feel comfortable, safe, valued and involved. 
• Women continue to be welcomed onto all of our existing mixed rides, and we hope that this new women’s ride will encourage more women onto our other rides too.
• The women’s rides are designed for women, by women.

How fast will the ride be?

• The pace will ultimately be decided by those who attend.
• We anticipate that the pace will be around 19-23kph (12-14mph), though this will vary depending on attendance, terrain, weather etc.
• We are seeking to offer longer rides at a moderate pace as there are few other female club rides of this type in Sheffield.

Will I get dropped?

• These first rides are no-drop rides as we want everyone to give it a go.
• If someone is struggling and doesn’t feel comfortable completing the full route, experienced riders will be on hand to ensure they get home safely.
• We anticipate that going forward the pace will be around 19-23kph (12-14mph), though this will vary depending on attendance, terrain, weather etc.

Why are you only offering a long ride at a moderate pace?

• We want to offer something new to female cyclists in and around Sheffield.
• There are already other female-friendly clubs in Sheffield offering shorter rides, but we’re providing something new for women wanting to cycle longer distances in the Peak District at a moderate pace.
• Generally some riders will be doing shorter versions of the route which will be made known at the meeting point.
• This is a new idea which will evolve over time according to those that turn up. We welcome feedback – get involved and let us know!

Do I have to do the full route?

• No – riders can choose to do all or part of the route.
• We always encourage our club members to offer shorter versions of the full route which others can then join.
• We strongly encourage riders to come prepared with whichever route they choose to do.

How often will the rides be on?

• We are hoping to run women’s rides fortnightly for the time being.
• This will depend on interest and will ultimately be decided by those women that get involved. 
• 7 Hills CC currently runs mixed club rides three times a week.

Are men allowed on the women’s ride?

• This is a women-only ride recognising the need to create an environment where women feel comfortable, safe, valued and involved. 
• We want to support women’s cycling by providing female-friendly rides which are organised by, and for, a female audience.

Sounds great – how can I get involved?

• Come to our next ride on Saturday 5th August at 8.45am from Kringle (Bents Green).
• We are looking for more amazing women to join our organising group. If you’re passionate about cycling and want to get involved, please get in touch!

What if I get a puncture or my bike breaks?

• Riders will be on hand to help in case of a mechanical, but please make sure you bring enough kit to be self sufficient. We recommend a multitool, spare inner tube, tyre levers and a pump.

What about the weather?

• We ride in (almost) all conditions!
• If the forecast is particularly bad, we will send an update via our social media channels.
• Otherwise, keep an eye on the forecast and bring a packable jacket (even in summer!)

I’ve never ridden in a group – what should I know?

• Riding in a group is a great way to meet new people, find new routes and have fun cycling!
• Communicate potential hazards (e.g. potholes, cars, pedestrians) using shouts (“car up!”) or hand signals.
• Single out where appropriate to allow traffic to flow – e.g. on narrow roads. A “single out” shout can help too.
• Maintain a consistent speed and avoid sudden braking unless in an emergency. Be aware that there might be other riders very close to you.
• Communicate as you slow down or stop (e.g. shout “stopping” as you approach a red light) – this ensures everyone stops safely.
• If you’re nervous about riding in a group let a more experienced rider know – they will be more than happy to help you settle in.
• Shout if there’s a split in the group or one person is off the back. This will ensure those at the front know to ease off and let the group reform.
• Look after one another – if someone is struggling consider dropping back to give some support. A little camaraderie goes a long way.
• More tips here: https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/knowledge/skills/get-started/article/izn20180503-Riding-in-a-group—Top-10-tips-0

Is the club insured?

• Yes, as a British Cycling affiliated club all our club rides are covered by public liability insurance.

What do I need to bring?

• A fully functioning road bike.
• Multitool, spare inner tube, tyre levers and a pump.
• Enough food and water (but there will be a café stop).
• Money/card for the café stop.
• A mobile phone.
• The route (not essential, but strongly recommended).
• Good vibes!