Frequently Asked Questions
Join the Forty Plus Cycling Club for a day of cycling!
📅 Saturday 22 August 2026
🕗 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
🎉 FREE event – Open to members, guests & all cyclists!
🔥 Post-Ride BBQ from 3:00 PM
🍻 Club Bar open from 3:00 PM
Whether you’re chasing distance goals or just love a great social spin, our Summer Social Ride has something for everyone — whatever your ability or fitness level.
🚴 Choose Your Challenge
- 160km (100 miles)
- 100km
- 50km
You’re welcome to roll out at any time but see recommended start times in the Key Information below.
If you are concerned about navigation the 100km and 50km routes will each have a ride led option, please let us know on the Ticket Details form.
Start your day with complimentary tea and coffee, refuel and unwind at the end with a free BBQ, and enjoy a well-earned drink at the clubhouse bar as we round off the day together.
This is more than just a ride — it’s a chance to connect with fellow cyclists, enjoy the beautiful Essex countryside, and make lasting memories.
Don’t miss out — mark your calendar and join us for a fantastic day of cycling and community! 🚴♂️✨
🎟️ Register now and secure your spot
Signup Instructions
How do I sign up and how much does it cost?
Registration is free, riders should complete these steps to help organisers estimate turnout:
- Go to https://www.trybooking.com/uk/GATX
- Click on Register Now
- Select your chosen distance
- Enter the number of places you would like to reserve for the given distance
- Enter Attendee Details for each person
- First Name, Last Name and 40+ Section are mandatory, but contact details would be appreciated where possible
- Enter details for the person making the booking
- All fields are mandatory
- At this stage you can add booking(s) for a different distance by clicking Buy more tickets
- Tick the acknowledgement
- Click Purchase
- You’ll be directed to a confirmation page and get an email confirming your requested place(s)
- Here you can forward confirmation to alternative email addresse(s) if booking on behalf of someone else
If you already know the distance, use the following links to cut out steps 1 to 3:
Alternatively scan this QR Code to go to the events home page:
Key information
How do I find the start?
The ride starts and finishes at the Chelmsford Rugby Football Club.
Full Address:
Coronation Park, Timsons Lane, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 6AG.
Coronation Park is very close to Junction 19 of the main A12.
Car park is accessed at the end of Timsons Lane.
The location is also close to both Chelmsford and the new Beaulieu Park railway stations for those who do not plan to drive. Routes from both stations can be found here on Ride with GPS.
What time do I need to arrive?
The event runs from 8am through to the early evening.
Early starters can arrive to register from 7.30am.
Actual start times are not fixed but the intention is that riders return between 3pm & 5pm, then join together for the BBQ and to socialise.
Recommended Start Times are:
08:00 – 160km (100 mile)
10:00 – 100km
11:00 – 50km
How much will the event cost me?
The following will be free of charge for all riders and helpers:
- car parking
- tea, coffee and biscuits at the start
- the ride itself
- one meal from the BBQ (including a soft drink)
Payment will be required for:
- extra food from the BBQ
- drinks from the club bar that will be open from 3pm until the end of the event
How do I know where my route goes?
All finalised routes can be found on Ride with GPS (RWGPS).
GPX files can be downloaded from RWGPS, turn-by-turn route sheets (A4 foldable suitable for handlebar map-holders) will be published here.
If you do not have a handlebar navigation device (Garmin, Wahoo, Hammerhead, etc.), then you can use RWGPS on most mobile phones to navigate, without purchasing a subscription, provided that you are enrolled on the Forty Plus RWGPS club library. Club members who have not enrolled and guests should email 40pluswebmaster@gmail.com at least one week before the event giving full name and home 40+ Section (if appropriate) for enrolment instructions.
What if I do not have a Navigation Device and am not confident of knowing the route?
100km and 50km routes will have the option to join a group with a ride leader. These groups will leave at 10am and 11am respectively.
Select the checkbox on the registration form if you would like to join a rider led group.
How does it differ from our standard Forty Plus club rides?
For a start, it takes place on a Saturday, we have invited riders from across the Forty Plus club, and we hope that friends and other cyclists will join us for the day – it’s a brilliant opportunity to introduce new people to the club. Our focus is on having a good day out and making friends within and beyond the club.
What are the options for shorter rides?
In 2025, a shorter 25km ride was offered; however, there were no participants. Instead, members preferred to complete the 50km route at a leisurely pace.
For 2026, we will introduce a rider-led group on the 50km and 100km routes, designed for those seeking a less strenuous experience without the need for self-navigation.
Please indicate your interest in joining a rider-led group when registering.
Are water and refreshments provided along the way?
Tea and Coffee are available at the start / finish.
For early arrivers, the local Toby Carvery across the road will be open from 8am for a cheap breakfast.
Along the route you will pass many cafes, pubs and convenience stores from which you can purchase food and drink.
There will be a BBQ at the finish from 15:00 till 19:00 and the club bar will be open for you to purchase additional drinks.
If I sign up for one distance, can I change my mind on the day?
Yes. This can be done at the start but bear in mind that those attempting the longer distances need to start earlier than those doing the shorter ones. If you want to change route or drop out after starting, please let the organiser know.
Do we ride individually or in organised groups?
This is entirely a matter of individual choice, but we expect that many will choose to ride with a small group for companionship and support. If you are not confident with navigation or dealing with roadside repairs (punctures, simple mechanicals, etc.), then you might want to join one of the rider-led groups, please indicate this when registering.
What should I wear / carry?
Each participant or group should be self-sufficient. That means wearing or carrying
- Water, snacks and money for refreshments
- A helmet is recommended
- Protective clothing for the vagaries of the English summer
- Mobile phone and map or navigation device
- Spare tube, pump, toolkit, first aid, and sunscreen
- Emergency contact details (e.g. on phone and/or 40+ ICE tag on helmet)
Do you need people to help on the day?
Yes! If you would like to be part of the event but don’t fancy cycling, we need volunteers for various jobs on the day at different times including:
Morning
- Register early riders
- Teas and Coffees
- Car park attendant
- Route queries
During the day
- The venue must be attended while riders are away
Afternoon
- Register riders as they return
- Issue catering vouchers
If you are able to help, please email the event organiser 40plus.secretary@gmail.com advising what time(s) you will be available.