I'm with you Craig, an earlier start is better for me too & i'd vote for meeting at 9.30.

I don't know the history behind the change in time; anyone know?

10 is fine with me. Gives me an extra 30 mins in bed 😉

It's 0930 on a Saturday as it affects a lot less people and people tend to want to get back to do other things. Not sure a 0930 start makes much differance to the short and long rides on a Sunday. May be the middle ride isn't going to work in the winter. Different start times will stop people having a choice on the day.

I've always been an advocate for earlier starts, as I like to try and get back early afternoon. 9.30 isn't extreme, I once proposed an 8.30 start which got laughed at 🙂

For a commuter used to leaving at 5.45, an 8.30, 9.00 or 9.30 start is utter luxury anyway...

Not been an issue for the 3 years I've been in the club. Why change what works for the majority?

Don't understand you last statement. A 930 start works for the majority for 7 months of the year, what changes in the winter months. Not suggesting this for one run, but all. This has no impact on the middle run, just thought it would be simpler with one start time all year. Also all because we have always done something one way does not mean alternatives can't be discussed, that's how democracy works.

And a 10 start works for the majority the rest of the year.

I put the idea up for discussion, see who was in favour, who was against and what the reasons are on both sides. I am for it being 9.30 all year round, gives continuity and in the winter months an extra half hour of light at the end of a ride just in case of mishap, puncture, mechanical etc. I am one voice as is anyone else in the club, if the support was strong to change the start time I would suggest it was discussed by the club at it next meeting. At the moment 3 for and 1 against in a club our size is not worth pushing the issue.

To reiterate, i agree with you completely Craig; just because something has always been done one way doesn't mean it should carry on that way, the argument about an extra 1/2 of light is particularly strong.

I think an extra half an hour in bed is particularly strong - especially for the younger, more handsome and growing members of the club such as myself. Mmmm sleep zzzzzzzzzz.

The late start does give a little longer for ice to melt on the worst days.

@Derek .H wrote:

The late start does give a little longer for ice to melt on the worst days.

Finally Derek hits the nail on the head, If you set out to attend a club run at 08:45 - 09:00 on a really icy day the roads will be a little better if you set out 09:30 onwards. Thats the main reason the runs start at 10:00 in winter plus historically most of the winter rides tended not to go as far.

Craig, Jules
Speaking as one of the sheep [ha ha] I don't mind if it's 9:30 or 10, getting off on time is more of a isssue, some people seem to work on the " I'm not standing round for 15 mins, I'll arrive at 10:15" , rule, maybe [with a couple of weeks worth of publicity] the run leaves on the on the dot..

But remenber, we have a large catchment area, there are members that cycle over from Runcorn, Frodsham and surrounding areas,
they dont want to be riding over in the morning half light.

But the reason there appears to be a bit of apathy is I suspect that most club members are happy to comply with the published times.. whatever they are.

Jim

i agree with jimmy on this one, standing around on a morning isnt ideal. the warm up you have just done for some is quite long others quite short you soon loose that warmth you have gained. think we need to start leaving at around 5 or 10 past 10.00 rather than 15 or 20 minutes past? im sure if we announced it at the meet on sunday morning we need to get going sooner on a morning then most would be quite happy with that.

That's fine so we looking at leaving no later than 10:10 , so if your running a little late our punchure en-route to social club tough we've gone 😉 Just hope this does'nt happen to me en-route esle you wont know where your going!! 😆 😆