CTC Grampian Runs Programme

CTC Grampian aims to provide a comprehensive runs programme to suit all abilities.

Runs Categories

There are 5 main categories of runs:

Try Cycling: This initiative is run with the support of Aberdeen City Council to encourage individuals trying out cycling for the first time or those returning to cycling and for those individuals seeking a very easy paced half day ride.

Morning Runs: Easy paced half day rides (guide average speed 10-10.5 mph). Recommended for individuals new to riding with a group and members who have progressed from Try Cycling. A coffee stop is included.

Slower Full Day (SFD) Runs: Easy paced full day rides (guide average speed 10-10.5 mph). Recommended for individuals new to riding with a group and members who have progressed from Try Cycling and/or Morning Runs. A coffee stop and lunch (or picnic) stop are included.

Medium Full Day (MFD) Runs: Medium paced full day rides (guide average speed 11-11.5 mph). Recommended for members who have progressed from Slower Full Day Runs. May include hillier terrain. A coffee stop and lunch (or picnic) stop are included.

Faster Full Day (FFD) Runs: Faster paced full day rides (guide average speed 12-12.5 mph). Recommended for fit experienced members. Likely to include more frequent hillier terrain. A coffee stop and lunch (or picnic) stop are included.

Runs Programme

For each category of run there is a runs co-ordinator, and the overall programme co-ordinator is John Scott. The programme is drafted and agreed on a quarterly basis and published 1-2 weeks ahead of the quarter.

The programme is dependent on a group of club members who have volunteered to be runs leaders and are registered with CTC to ensure they are covered by organisers liability insurance.

The programme is based on a four-week rolling structure:

  • Week 1: Saturday: SFD | Sunday: FFD, Morning Run, Try Cycling
  • Week 2: Saturday: MFD, Try Cycling| Sunday: FFD, Morning Run
  • Week 3: Saturday: FFD, Morning Run | Sunday: SFD, Try Cycling
  • Week 4: Saturday: FFD, Morning Run, Try Cycling | Sunday: MFD

Start Times

Mid February – mid November: Morning Run: 9:30am, SFD: 9.30am, MFD: 9:30am, FFD: 9.00am.
Mid November – mid February: Morning Run: 9:30am, SFD: 9.30am, MFD: 9:30am, FFD: 9:30am.

All year: Try Cycling: 10.00am.

Distances:

Distance (miles):     A*:75+     A:60-75     B:45-60     C:30-45     D:20-30     E:10-15

Mid February – mid November: Try Cycling: E | Morning Run: D | SFD: C | MFD: B | FFD: A
Mid November – mid February: Try Cycling: E | Morning Run: D | SFD: C | MFD: C | FFD: B

Start Locations:

Try Cycling: Alternating between Hazlehead Park, Duthie Park, Seaton Park

Morning Runs: Within the City Boundary

SFD Runs: Within the City Boundary

MFD Runs: Both outwith and within the city boundary

FFD Runs: (Feb-Nov inc): Old Mill Inn, Peterculter (west end), Westhill Shopping Centre, Parkhill Bridge, B&Q Bridge of Don which alternate to ensure we go in different directions in successive weeks

FFD Runs: (Dec-Jan inc): Leggart Terrace, Airyhall Library, Hazlehead (Groats road), Brig o Balgownie when weather conditions may mean poorer road conditions out of town early in the day

Joining and Leaving a Run:

Individuals may join a run for the whole day or for part of the day. Individuals joining the run after the start or leaving the run before the end are requested to ensure that the designated leader is aware of their intention.

In case of bad weather, you may wish to phone that day’s designated run leader to check if the run is going ahead.

Other Runs:

Pub Runs: Medium paced Wednesday evening rides (guide average speed 11-12 mph). Recommended for experienced members. Start time: 7.30pm. End April – Beginning September.

Special Runs: Organised on an ad hoc basis. Include: Longer day rides, Car assisted rides, 100 mile rides, Weekends away, Tours, Audaxes. Details published in the Runs List and/or Google group.