Gillingham Wheelers, est. 1993, is probably the friendliest cycling club in the world! Since the early days when the club had just a handfull of enthuiasts, we now boast more than 60 members of all ages & abilities, riding in most disciplines: from the purist tester, to the dedicated mountain biker, to the weekend warrior - we have them all. Why not come along for a go: we time trial every Wednesday evening during the Summer months and have regular club runs on Sunday mornings; if you like what you see - then join up!
The first club run in 1993, kindly sent in by Doug Smith
We are lucky to have a handful of dedicated time keepers who, come rain, wind or shine, always turn out to time keep; push-off; and marshal, without whom the Wednesday evening time trials just would not exist- so here is a big thankyou to those who remain the silent members of the club!
Time Trials
Time trials occur every Wednesday evening and give the riders both a 10 mile and 19 mile challenge (split approximately 3:1 in favour of the 10). Sign on is by 18:30 at the Library car park in Gillingham and just past the train station in Bruton for the 10 and 19 respectively, with the first rider off at 19:00. Guest riders always welcome.
Standard Sunday Club Runs
There is a ride every week starting at 9.30 from Gillingham Leisure Centre in Hardings Lane. Each ride is normally between 30 - 40 miles and is ridden at a medium pace. Newcomers always welcome. Sunday rides for September, October, November & December as follows:
Date Destination Shorter Option
2008
1st Jun Tarrant Hinton Compton Abbas
8th Jun Buckland Newton Sturminster Newton
15th Jun Chewton Mendip Ditcheat
22nd Jun Various routes to meet up with our SUNDIAL CHALLENGE ride
29th Queen Camel Holton
Longer Sunday Club Runs
Starting from various points: Mere; Hunders Lodge; Druly Hill etc. Average distance between 60-70 miles, starting at c. 09:00 and finishing at c. 12:30. For details phone Mike Donovan, between 18:15 - 19:00 on the preceeding Saturday.
SATURDAY CLUB RUNS
The newly-introduced Saturday rides are rapidly gaining in popularity, and are particularly suitable for relative cycling 'newcomers' and accompanied 'juniors'. Currently, the routes are between 20 to 25 miles in duration, averaging speeds of in the region of 12 to 13mph. Although the routes themselves tend to be decided 'on-the-day' they normally stay in the Gillingham/Mere/Shaftesbury/Wincanton/Kilmington area, thus allowing riders the opportunity to shorten or extend their rides if required. Attracting riders of all ages and abilities, the Saturday runs are primarily a friendly and sociable introduction to the world of club cycling as well as an ideal means of 'getting the miles in'. The rides start from Gillingham Leisure Centre, Hardings Lane (by the School and Football Club) at 9am prompt and return approximately 2 hours later. For more information, contact roberts.sarahj@googlemail.com .