Ivorcadaver wrote:Some of us like to cycle, have jobs and other things in their lives - we are not bike obsessives. We don't want to endure the stress of breaking down in the middle of nowhere with no back up or particularly want to make the commitment of regular club rides. I am perfectly happy to pay £25 or so now and again for somebody else to plan a route for me, give me some food, have the reassurance of a sweeper wagon and have a good day out with like minded souls. Each to his own but personally I am not one of the gritted teeth, all weathers, endurance, saddle bag and woolly sock brigade. If CTC could organise sportive there is a great potential to generate some cash and expose the organisation to a much wider audience.
You're describing what I call a club ride. No need to turn up regularly. People will be quite happy to see you when you can make it and since they are every week you can time it to suit you, not have to plan around someone else's timetable. There's no entry fee (other than the annual CTC membership fee) and for less than £25 you can have your fill at the cake and lunch stops. The distances are similar or longer and you don't need a sweeper wagon because no-one will leave you behind and if you have a mechanical they'll all help you get it fixed. So on the next pleasant sunny weekend pop out and join your local CTC club ride and enjoy.