Challenge event training

Join our free training cycle rides, walks and runs – whether you are taking part in a YMCA Challenge or not!

If you are signed up for one of our challenge events, we encourage you to take advantage of our free training. Not only will it ensure you are fully prepared for your challenge, but it will allow you to meet fellow challengers and the rest of the team. We always advise you to do as much as you can in addition to our training programme – the more you do, the more you will enjoy your experience!

Even if you’re not taking part in one of our events, we’d love you to join us for a group cycle, run or walk to explore the local area. All abilities are welcome!

Join us for our free group walks – perfect for those taking part in our walking challenges or if you just fancy getting fit with a friendly group. All abilities welcome.

Sundays (monthly January – June) | 08:30
Sunday walks start at 09:00 prompt with tea and coffee available from 08:30.
Walks are suitable for all abilities with a circular route starting and finishing at the YMCA, Princes Road, Redhill, RH1 6JJ.

Sunday 19 January 2025
Sunday 9 February 2025
Sunday 9 March 2025
Sunday 13 April 2025
Sunday 11 May 2025
Sunday 1 June 2025

Wednesday evenings (weekly from 2 April to 11 June 2025) | 18:00
Colley Hill circuits and mini hikes over North Downs
Meet at top of Pilgrims Way, Reigate

For more information, please email challenge@ymcaeastsurrey.org.uk or join our YMCA Walking WhatsApp group for the latest information on our group rides and events. Scan the QR code to join.

Please note training dates are subject to change.

Join our free group cycle rides to prepare for our cycling challenges or if you just fancy getting out on your bike with a friendly group. All abilities welcome.

All rides are carried out at participants’ own risk. Cyclists must wear a helmet and bring a drink. Please be aware that rides are on public roads so road or hybrid bikes are most suitable.

Please note training dates are subject to change.

Sundays (monthly January – June) | 08:30
Sunday rides start at 09:00 prompt with tea and coffee available from 08:30.
There will usually be a choice of three rides of different lengths (depending on the number of leaders available) tailored to build mileage to prepare for our 2023 challenges. Rides are suitable for all abilities with a circular route starting and finishing at the YMCA, Princes Road, Redhill, RH1 6JJ

Sunday 26 January 2025
Sunday 16 February 2025
Sunday 16 March 2025
Sunday 6 April 2025
Sunday 18 May 2025
Sunday 15 June 2025

Tuesdays (weekly 1 April – 25 September 2025) | 18:00
Choice of 2 rides (starting 10-15 or 15-30 miles, increasing as evenings get lighter)
Circular route starting and finishing at the YMCA, Princes Road, Redhill, RH1 6JJ

Tuesday cycle training starts Tuesday 2 April 2024 and runs until Tuesday 24 September 2024.

Book your place on Tuesday evening cycle rides

Monday Box Hill reps (weekly April – June) | 18:00
Join us for reps of Box Hill to get hill fit for our challenge cycle rides!
Every Monday evening at 18:00. Meet at top of Box Hill in the Car Park.

For more information, please email challenge@ymcaeastsurrey.org.uk or join our YMCA Cyclists WhatsApp group for the latest information on our group rides and events. Scan the QR Code to join.

If you love offroad cycling, Fran Stevens, one of our cycling event leaders, has written an excellent guide to offroad cycling in the local area, including gpx routes to download.

Alison Steel, one of our challenge event leaders, has kindly pulled together a few local walks that you may like to do in your own time. Many of these start and finish at the YMCA in Earlswood, Redhill. You can also download the gpx file for each route by clicking on the  walk directions below.

Tips on cycling safely in a group when training with the YMCA or riding solo

BE SEEN
• Use clear hand signals
• Make eye contact with other road users
• Wear bright clothing
• Cycle well away from the gutter and a door’s width from parked cars
• Stay well back from large vehicles
• Don’t weave but stay on a predictable straight course
• Use lights when visibility is poor

BE CONSIDERATE
• Obey the Highway Code
• Avoid riding two abreast on busy roads, on bends and never ride three abreast
• Use group etiquette by pointing out hazards using hand and verbal warnings
• Don’t zip ahead of the leader or drop behind the back marker
• If you are stopping, make sure you give warning to other riders to say that you are stopping and do not immediately stop. Find a sensible place to stop, not on corners, where you can be seen and cars can easily pass you.

BE PREPARED
• Be alert
• Don’t use mobile phones or earpieces
• Wear a cycle helmet
• Wear gloves and carry a waterproof
• Make sure you have enough water; and food in case your energy levels drop
• Carry all you need for puncture repairs for your bike
• Carry ICE in mobile
• Carry identification

If you really want to improve your fitness, check out our fully inclusive, modern, air-conditioned gym which is full of cardiovascular and resistance machines to give you all round fitness. In addition, our fully qualified gym team will be on hand to provide you with a bespoke fitness programme to complement your chosen challenge.

Redhill Cycling Club have a range of rides taking place on Saturday mornings for all abilities.

Reigate Priory Athletic Club offer a range of training sessions for everyone. Other local running clubs include Earlswood Running Club and Reigate Ladies Joggers.

Team Cake organise regular social cycle rides.

Surrey Cycleway – Surrey County Council has lots of useful information on local cycling routes.

For more information, please contact the Challenge Events fundraising team.

T 01737 779979
E challenge@ymcaeastsurrey.org.uk

Updates will be available on YMCA Challenge Facebook and Twitter pages, so please follow us.