Ride a bike with skinny smooth tyres on tarmac or track? Got some news for you friend you're a roadie.

Whether you ride a bike simply to commute to work, improve fitness levels, or compete at open events there can be no doubt that cycling will improve cardiovascular fitness and may even help you live longer. At RNRMCA we pride ourselves with the diversity of athlete we attract for cycling is a sport with many guises and once started it's too tempting not to have a craic at them all. Have you ever tried a tandem? what about a recumbent or singlespeed? Try the thrill of the track or get yourself down to an open time trial to really push yourself to the limit, ride a sportive for a longer distance challenge or what about a charity Lands End to John O'Groats?? The list is endless.  There is no egos or arrogance and we cater for all standards whether training or racing; but where and when possible we strive to compete at the highest standard.

Computer space couldn't allow full justice to every variation of discipline so the intention is to concentrate on the primary genres currently being carried out by RNRMCA riders. If your sport isn't shown and you want to tell others about it then This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   Please e mail him with details.

Road Racing

Road Racing is a form of cycling racing where you compete in a group, with the first to cross the line being deemed the winner, so tactics is essential.  The RNRMCA will be focusing on more Road Races this year, so here are a few pointers for those who intend racing for the first time.

 1.         You must be a current member (in date) of a Cycling Club that is affiliated to the BCF. For you that is the RNRMCA. If you have not joined the club or your membership has run out then update it soonest.

 2.         You will require both a BCF Licence which (£32.00) and a minimum of BCF Silver Membership (£36.00) to compete. You can opt for the Gold Membership package (£64.00) which is more expensive, but comes with additional incentives, such as personal accident cover.  Check the BCF website for further info.  So to race it will cost you either £68.00 (Silver and Licence) or £100.00 (Gold and Licence). Note if you are new to BCF currently you can get Bronze membership for FREE, but this does not allow you to race, or alternatively if you are new or have had your previous licence lapse for more than 2 years then you get a further discount of £13.50 off a Silver or Gold membership if affiliated to a BCF club.  Alternatively you can buy a day licence, but this can wok out expensive if you intend racing in 3 or more races.

 3.         When you apply, ensure that your first claim club is noted as RNRMCA on your application. This can be done on line.  On receipt of a successful application, your licence will be forwarded to the club’s Gen Sec who will then forward it onto the applicant.  Results will need to be forwarded to the Road/TT Race Sec (Sean Childs).

 4.         Entries can range from £10.00 - £20.00 for local races and £20.00 upwards for higher prestige races. Entries are only accepted on a formal BCF entry form and if entering team events the additional team form is to be submitted as well.

 5.         Entries normally close about 2 weeks in advance, but some lower priority races will accept on the day.  Check the BCF events list for full details.

 6.         Road Racing categories are calculated on accumulated points through the season.  You will start out as a 4th cat, then aim to become 3rd, 2nd, 1st and finally Elite.  It only takes 10 points to go from 4th to 3rd Cat, but more points are required for each category thereafter.  The amount of points awarded from 1st place onwards is dictated by the status (National or Regional) and distance (Band) of each event.  Some local races will only have 3/4 cats or 2/3/4 cats, so you have more chance of finishing in the points and some are designated as E/1/2 only.  Your licence will state your current category and the BCF Rankings are updated on a weekly basis.  If you move up a category, you will then receive a new licence.

 7.         Races vary from 20 miles (Circuit Race) up to 100 miles (Road Race).

 8.         You must race in the stated club colours of the RNRMCA.

 9.         The club aims to participate in more Road Races in 2010 (mainly lower profile and within districts), so if you need more info, please contact Sean soonest

Time Trialling

Again all matters Time Trial wise are coordinated by CPOPT Sean Childs (contact details via committee page). The following is Sean's message for the Time Trial Scene in 2010. Keep checking the message board for more details.

Time Trials are a race against the clock, where riders start at 1 minute intervals and race as fast as possible to cover a set distance in the shortest possible time.  The RNRMCA as a team was ranked the Best Ultra Endurance team in the UK, National 24hr champions, Welsh 12hr champions, ranked the best in the South West and completed the double at Inter-Services for the last 5 years on the trot, not to mention our many individual successes. For those who have yet to take the plunge, here are a few pointers as to the way ahead.

1.         You must be a current member (in date) of a Cycling Club that is affiliated to the CTT. For you that is the RNRMCA. If you have not joined the club or your membership has run out then update it soonest.

2.         You do not require any licences as £2.00 of your entry fee acts as a levy and goes towards the CTT.  This is forwarded by the Race organiser to the District Treasurer on completion of the race.  

3.         When you apply ensure that your first claim club is the RNRMCA. There is no rule on club colours; however the kit must meet a certain criteria with regard to length and design.  However all riders are encouraged to wear club colours when racing.  For events under 50 miles, some organisers may insist on a hard shell helmet being compulsory wear what you want , but for 50 mile+ events you are allowed to wear any head fairing or nothing at all.  

4.         Results are to be forwarded to the Road/TT Race Sec (Sean Childs).

5.         Entries range from as little as £6.00 for an Open event and normally do not cost more than £15.00 for a National Championships.  Entries are only accepted on an official CTT entry form which can be downloaded on from their website (also via the RNRMCA site).

6.         Entries normally close about 2 weeks in advance, but you are advised to enter as early as 1 month in advance for fast courses or National Championships, due to over subscription.  Late entries will never be accepted once the start sheet has been released.

7.         With the exception of regional points series (Rudy Project Series) there is no National points system.  However there is a British Best All Rounder ranking, of which anyone can enter.  All you have to do is complete a 50 mile, 100 mile and 12hr TT event in order to get a ranking and also a Long Distance Fellowship for 100 mile, 12hr & 24hr TT.  Additionally we have a RN and Combined Services Best all Rounder for open events in 10, 25 & 50 miles and a South West Best All Rounder for the same distances (but events within district only). 

8.         You are allowed team support for additional drinks/food for event of 100+ miles.

 9.         You can use a normal road bike if starting out for the first time, however the addition of Aero Bars, Disc Wheels, Aero Helmets and Skin Suits have their advantages of going faster.

 10.        The club will be racing regularly throughout the season at local and national events in 2010, so if you need more info, please contact Sean

 Sportive Rides

RNRMCA Riders have competed in many sportive's since 2007. Some great results were obtained at home and abroad with riders competing in the Etape Du tour, Dartmoor Sportive, Dragon Ride and Exmoor Challenge to name a few. A Sportive challenge is generally a mid - long distance road ride with the aim of finishing in the fastest time possible, or for some just finishing!!! The sport is growing in popularity each year with some likening the challenge to completing a marathon (and we have all wanted to do that at some point in our life!). So keep your eyes/ears open 2010 is going to be a bumper year for participation in cycling events from the club and Sportive riding might be just what you are looking for. If you joined the club to do a charity ride then this is right up your street why not use a sportive as your next fundraiser??.

Road Fixtures

Road Results