Challenge Event Training

Join our free training cycle rides, walks and runs!

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. Everyone is welcome!

Group walks

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.

Sunday walks (monthly January – June) | 8:30 am
Sunday walks start at 9:00 am prompt with tea and coffee available from 8:30 am.
Walks are suitable for all abilities with a circular route starting and finishing at the YMCA, Princes Road, Redhill, RH1 6JJ.

Wednesday evenings (weekly from April – June) | 6:00 pm
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.

Group cycle rides

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.

Sunday cycle rides (monthly January – June) | 8:30 am
Sunday rides start at 9:00 am prompt with tea and coffee available from 8:30 am.
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 cycling challenges. Rides are suitable for all abilities with a circular route starting and finishing at the YMCA, Princes Road, Redhill, RH1 6JJ.

Tuesdays (weekly March to September) | 6:00 pm
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

For more information, please email challenge@ymcaeastsurrey.org.uk.

Walking route downloads

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.

Wray Lane East 2.2 miles

Wray Lane West 2.2 miles

YMCA Cliftons Lane and Reigate Priory 5.4 miles

YMCA Reigate Trumpets Hill 5.4 miles

YMCA Nutfield Marsh 5 miles

YMCA Reigate Hill and Margery Wood 5.7 miles

YMCA Nutfield Marsh 7.7 miles

YMCA Outwood 9.5 miles

YMCA Outwood longer 10.5 miles

YMCA Chipstead Lane 14 miles

Be Cycle Safe - tips on cycling safely

Be Seen

Be Considerate

Be Prepared

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

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 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
Set up In Case of Emergency (ICE) details on your mobile
Carry identification

YMCA Fitness Centre

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.

Find out more