Club Rides
Road and Gravel club runs are what we are all about. Over 100 runs each year offer riders the chance to learn new skills, gain experience, improve, learn from, and provide for others. For many members, the chance to socialise, have a chat, and cycle with like-minded folk is as important as the strains of a few hours in the saddle.
Livingston Cycling Club is and always will be a welcoming environment for both new and experienced riders. We are committed to promoting inclusivity and diversity as a cycling club. The club is open to everyone regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, religion or disability.
Road Cycling
Our club rides offer the opportunity to gain road cycling experience, improve group and road cycling skills, improve fitness, socialise and not least see much of the Scottish countryside you may have not seen before! Note that road bikes are recommended.
There are typically 5 groups on club runs for differing abilities. Riders are asked to be realistic in the groups they decide to ride with and are expected to achieve the criteria shown below. Note that groups 1 - 3 have a no-drop policy and riders will not be left behind, or on their own, during a run. Fast riders in a particular group should not push the pace causing other riders to be dropped, particularly where speeds are within the published guidelines.
Social - for new riders, those looking to learn group riding skills or improve fitness.
Avg speed between 10-12mph (16-19kph) with routes around 20 miles (32km).
Group 1 - for riders with a reasonable level of fitness, looking to improve skills, fitness, and endurance.
Avg speed 12-14mph (19-22kph) with routes 30-40 miles (48-64km).
Group 2 - riders with good level of skills and fitness, capable of sustaining good average speed over mixed terrain.
Avg speed 14-16mph (22-25kph) with routes 40-50 miles (64-80km)
Group 3 - riders with good level of skills and fitness, capable of sustaining good average speed over mixed terrain.
Avg speed 16-18mph (25-29kph) with routes 50-60 miles (80-96km).
Group 4 - experienced riders with high levels of fitness and endurance.
Avg speed 18+mph (29+kph) with routes 50-60miles (80-96km)
Gravel Cycling
During the summer of 2019, the club started a number of rides specifically for Gravel / CX riders which have proved to be very popular with the number of rides, riders, and routes increasing as the season progresses. The club currently has two Gravel rides per week with a "Training" ride on Wednesday evenings and a longer "Club Ride" on a Saturday morning.
The Saturday rides range between 20 - 100 miles and is suitable for drop-bar Gravel/CX bikes with tires ranging from 32-47mm. Each ride is given a "Rating of Difficulty" allowing you to decide whether you want to do the particular route based upon your own fitness level and ability.
Our aim is to get as many people as possible on these rides so depending on numbers there will be two groups if required on the day with one being more social-paced, nobody will ever be dropped or left behind.
Scotland is the perfect playground for adventure bikes and you’d be amazed what’s on your own doorstep, we have some wonderful local routes as well as cracking away days planned some with overnight stays. Café stops are mandatory on our rides so they’ll always be one built into the route where possible, some of the routes are remote so a packed lunch will be required but this will be mentioned in ride information posted.
Going forward we aim to offer LCC members the chance to do bike packing if the demand is there so keep an eye for future posts on this. As always non-LCC members are welcome to ride but after 3 rides we look for you to become a member.
Looking forward to seeing as many old and new faces as possible riding with the Gravel Crew.
We have 3 gravel groups:
Trailblazers - Fastest paced Group. Rides circa 50m +
Pathfinders - Strong pace Riders. Rides circa 40m +
Rockhoppers - Social paced starting point. Rides circa 20m
New to Cycling?
Cycling has never been more popular and people are finding out how they can keep fit, see the country, meet new friends and have a rewarding pastime. It can be as easy or difficult as you want to make it.
Like many members, once you've got the bug, you will want to go further, faster and this is where it is sensible to consider joining a club. It's important whether you are cycling in a group or solo, that you are prepared and know how to ride safely.