Frequently Asked Questions:

1) How many weeks does The Peloton last?

Riders on The Peloton service will follow a training plan for a minimum of 5 weeks and a maximum of 10, depending on the group objective.

If you are unsure of how many weeks you should ask for, don’t worry! Give Sportive Cycle Coaching a call or mention it on the enquiry form (below) and we’ll figure it out!

2) I am concerned about being dropped on the group rides

Don’t be!

First of all, the main principle of The Peloton is that it is aimed at helping groups of riders improve their cycling fitness together. If you would like to join The Peloton but you don’t know any other riders, then rest assured that we will always try to place you with riders at the same level of ability and experience so that the pace and duration of the ride can be adjusted appropriately.

2) Will there be any ladies only versions of The Peloton?

If enough ladies request this then absolutely there will be but you’ll have to accept Andy as the male guide!

3) Is the group ride accompanied by Sportive Cycle Coaching?

Yes, The Peloton group will be accompanied by Sportive Cycle Coaching in the first, middle and final weeks of their training period. 

4) What will I be doing during the individual sessions?

Each Peloton will be working towards a group objective of some sorts but that doesn’t mean every rider has exactly the same needs. So, while there is an ‘overall’ training plan for a Peloton, it will be a blend of sessions that will help towards the group objective and other sessions that are personalised for each individual rider.

For example, one rider may need a little bit of extra help with hill climbing, whereas another rider may get sessions that help improve their pedalling efficiency. It’s all about ensuring that a rider’s individual abilities are improved in context of achieving the group objective! Of course, you are also free to tell us any areas of cycling that you’d like to improve, such as speed, endurance, hill climbing, descending, pedalling technique etc.

5) Will I get any feedback?

For sure!

Verbal feedback will be given by Sportive Cycle Coaching during the accompanied ride(s). In addition, you will be asked to provide your own feedback on your individual sessions by any convenient method, such as email or use of the all seeing Strava app. In that way, you’ll get feedback on your own feedback, which is the best way to improve your cycling. We’ll also guide you on the Rate of Perceived Effort (RPE) score that you attribute to each personal session in order to help you compose that feedback.

6) You mentioned Strava - do I need to use it?

Not at all - bike riding is about enjoyment not technical aptitude!

However, Strava is so pervasive that many supporters do use it but it is by no means mandatory. As long as we have an agreed feedback mechanism in place and you can assign an RPE score, then that’s good enough!

7) The Peloton includes individual (personalised) sessions so why do you also offer 1:1 services?

Great question!

The simple answer is that we offer 1:1 Services and The Peloton in order to give riders choice about what is important to them. So, if camaraderie, coffee and cake are your main reasons for cycling but you also want to improve, for example, your hill climbing then the blended approach of The Peloton is right for you.

If, however, you’re a dedicated time trialist; or you dream about riding up Mont Ventoux; or you have your own personal challenge/event, then a 1:1 Service is the best way to ensure you are as prepared as possible. Don’t worry if you still can’t decide which is the best service for you - just use the contact form below and we’ll help you figure it out!

8) What happens if I book The Peloton then change my mind or drop out?

The Peloton is, first and foremost, a group service that requires a minimum time commitment and a minimum number of people for it to be both viable and effective. Any cancellations or dropouts can therefore affect the entire group rather than just one individual but we are reasonable people so we’ll try to factor in changes in circumstance that prevent you starting (or finishing) The Peloton.

To give you an example, assume that a Peloton is scheduled for 4 riders - Bob, Bill, Jane and Suzy. Unfortunately, Bob then hurts his back and decides he will cancel his place or, if the Peloton has already started, he decides to drop out. As the Peloton still has three riders, he might reasonably expect a refund of some sorts as the group could continue. However, what happens if Suzy has to cancel or drop out a week later for no fault of her own? The group would then consist of just Bill and Jane so it is no longer viable as a group. Suzy would therefore not be eligible for a refund unless Bill and Jane were also refunded. Clearly, it cannot be fair that Bob is entitled to a refund whereas Suzy is not just because Bob happened to withdraw at an earlier date.

With the above scenario in mind, refunds will therefore be considered on a case-by-case basis!