i started riding with the ctc in the 70's. Clubruns were 20 - 30 riders. now i'm in two clubs, the local ctc and a racing club. the racing club is more to my iding style cos there's less messing around,and rides are home by mid afternoon but as my health is preventing me from racing i'm not planning on staying with them much longer cos there's little point maintaining that level of fitness. The ctc numbers have dwindled and my son has started riding for fitness so most of my rides are with him. the only club events i ride are the standard rides over 50, 100 and 150 miles.I used to organise the 200 mile overnight ride round the lakes but because i can't do it this year due to the state of my health , it's been cancelled, which has left me a bit annoyed as i'd offered to ride to show the route without having the responsibility.
so now i tend to do my own thing if my son isn't out, Probably doing the 200 next week, solo, should be fun! they are good for learning group riding and bike maintainence and it's good to be able to sit in after you've done your bit, i think it's a case of finding one that meets your needs and sticking with them, they all offer something different.The ctc has almost as many women riding as men, that is when they're not in remote places at the other side of the world on tour.