The Grand Day out has grown from an idea inspired by one of our member’s love for long distance rides into a whole club event now enjoyed by all the groups. It takes place in the summer months when the weather has the best chance of being good and is run at distances and importantly speeds appropriate for all our groups; A Riders through to D Riders. After routes, distances and speeds appropriate to all, it ends up in a social event at a pub near to home where all the rides can come back together and share their experiences. In running this club event the Dynamic Rides shop supports with mechanics and bike recovery, so this has the feel of an inhouse sportive that comes as part of your membership.

Rides DRCC members have enjoyed to date are to Monmouth and the Severn Bridge Crossing, the Birmingham Orbital, Skegness, the Kidderminster Killer route, Tour of the Cotswolds, and Hay in a Day.

Distances go from 75 miles for the D groups up to the A riders going anywhere up to 180 miles, the choice is yours.

A “big ride” is a challenge for any rider but have the confidence in your own ability and that the group will get you home, or at least to a cafe stop or pub for some all important carb loading rehydration.

The event is, in essence, a Sportive for club members.

What to expect

A varied and all terrain route, encompassing as many country lanes and places of interest as possible. GPS downloads are available for all routes. There will be plenty of photo opportunities #SayCheese!

Café or pub lunch stops for all, breakfast if appropriate and afternoon tea, shop stops for ice creams and emergency rations and the odd layby stop if necessary. All the stopping points are mapped out for you and it will be up to the groups to decide when and how long (within reason!) they stop and enjoy the day.

A long day in the saddle and a sore backside!

A social pub finish serving food for a well-earned and sensibly consumed drink. Chat and enjoy your and everyone else's experience of the day with your group and the wider club.

What you will need

Your bike prepared for a long run, make sure its in good condition for the day

Normal bike tools, spare inner tube and pump to re-inflate.

Doing the normal Saturday rides will get you most of the way there but it's a good idea to have put in some longer distances in advance so they are not completely new to you.

2 bottles on the bike with water and or your favourite energy additions.

Plenty of ride food to keep you going between cafés

Rain Gear, it is the UK! We would like the weather to stay fine but it's always good to have a back up. Remember if the group has a mechanical issue you may have to wait whilst that is fixed so be prepared for these eventualities.

Lights! Being a summer ride it's aimed to start and finish in the light. However if you cycle home after socializing you may need them.

A sense of adventure

An understanding family

A sense of humour

If you’d like to know more or to join the next DRCC Grand Day out then please let Steve Brotch or Martin Hammond know, or talk to your ride leader once you have joined.