Hi Steven
The club has a wide range of members of all abilities, so there is pretty much something for everyone. We have a few different ride options wish are hopefully designed to cater for all those abilities.
There is a ride on a Saturday morning for riders like yourself who are new to riding, usually 30-40 miles at a sedate pace between 12-15 mph. Always involves a coffee stop and no one gets left behind.
Sunday offers a couple of options. The normal club run with will vary in length between 60-90 miles at around 15-16 mph. Again no one gets left behind and it has the usual coffee stop
The other ride is for those riders who like to be a little faster around 18-19 mph, it could be a non stop ride and if you get dropped you may have to find your own way!
You may also find ad hoc rides being organised by members through the week. The best thing is to join the forum and see what's happening.
www.sunderlandclarion.org.uk/forum
Depending whereabouts you are in Durham you might want to check out other clubs as well. Ferryhill wheelers, Cestria Cycle Club (Chester le Street), Houghton CC.