Welcome to the Viceroys May Newsletter where we highlight all the main events, news and things you need to know for the month ahead! But before we get into May, let’s take a look at how the 2024 season kicked off.
April officially got the season off to a great start with track sessions resuming under the guidance of Coach Ralph, an amazing kit swop/shop evening where members got the chance to have a chat, ‘hydrate’ and meet new members and our new coach.
We’ve also had an amazing series of Race/Event Reports, catch up here, featuring Spring Onions, New Forest Classics, Paris-Roubaix Challenge, London Marathon and more.
Plus, Coaches Corner is back and will be updated throughout the year, so if you have any requests, please do let us know.
So let’s get to it then, here is EVERYTHING (well almost everything) you need to know for May…
MEMBERSHIP CARDS
The 2024-2025 Membership Cards have arrived! Whether you’re an old or new member, you’ll need to get your hands on this seasons membership card to access the FREE swims at Shepperton Lake.
Committee Members will be bringing cards to track, cycling and swim sessions, so please don’t forget to claim yours!
Contact Marit for more information.
!! NEW CYCLE MEETING POINT !!
As of the beginning of May, we’re swapping our usually cycle meeting point from the Ashely Car Park to Cowey Sale Car Park. Ride Captain Nick has done a review of the local car parks, and Cowey Sale came out tops for the reasons listed below. So we will be testing this as a new meeting location going forward.
Contact Nick for more information.
Cowey Sale Car Park (alongside Thames next to Walton Bridge):
- Still a fairly central Walton location
- Away from traffic (safety)
- Away from houses/flats (noise complaints)
- Easy to access when you know where it is
- Well known location
- Restrooms available (no bush wees)
- More opportunity to generate interest from passers-by when gathering
- Free parking
- Traffic is busy on the bridge junction (but we can use the underpass when on our bikes)
TUESDAY EVENING CYCLES
Every Tuesday Evening
6:45pm Cowey Sale Car Park
Our Tuesday evening social rides are BACK! Meeting in the new car park as mentioned above at 6:45pm to leave at 7pm, we take a ‘quick’ 30km spin through the Surrey countryside, usually returning just after 8pm.
Our first ride of the season was under beautiful blue skies and sunshine, with one group heading towards Ockham and the other taking in the sights of Leatherhead.
Riders of all levels welcome and it’s a great way to end the day.
Come join us and don’t forget your bike lights!
Contact Nick for more information.
FREE WEEKEND LAKE SWIMS
From Saturday 18th May
Shepperton Lake
Whoop, whoop! They’re back!
FREE Saturday OR Sunday morning swim (May to August / September) with a valid FULL membership card (one swim per weekend).
Again this is weather dependent on Shepperton Lake opening from the 18th May, so please check the VTC app before you head out.
This is a great way to get your weekend started!
NB: You need proof of FULL membership with a valid membership card.
SOCIAL RIDE TO BRIGHTON FOR FISH & CHIPS
Saturday 18th May
If fish and chips are your thing or you love nothing better than a stick of rock, then THIS is the bike ride for you!
You can bike there and back, bike there and train back or train there and back, it’s really up to you. This year we’ll be going on road bikes, setting off from our new meeting point and heading to the coast.
So sign up in the VTC app and get ready to fight off those seagulls.
Contact Nick for more information.
PLUS – EXCITING THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN JUNE
COACHED SWIM SESSIONS START
Early June TBC (dependent on when Shepperton open the lake for midweek swims)
6:30-8:00pm, Shepperton Lake
Coach Ralph and Swim Captain Rachel are looking forward to diving into the new swim season with a splash.
Weather permitting, we’ll be getting our first coached sessions underway early June. The first 6:30-7pm session will be for development swimmers, with the 7-7:30pm slot for intermediate, and 7:30-8pm slot for the torpedos.
If you have any queries about which session is best for you then speak to Ralph or Rachel.
Remember to sign up in the VTC app as places are limited.
Contact Ralph for more information.
CAKE & KIT EXTRAVAGANZA
First Coached Swim Session TBC
6:30-8pm, Shepperton Lake
What better way to plunge into the swim season than a cake fest! Starting from 6:30pm at Shepperton Lake, we’ll be having another kit sale/swop, PLUS CAKE!
So if you need new kit or have kit you want to sell/swop or just fancy some cake and a chat, then pop down to the lake (you don’t have to be swimming) and enjoy the sunshine, view and company. And a dip.
Contact Carla or Marit for more information.
24HR SWIM SHEPPERTON LAKE
Saturday 8th June – Sunday 9th June
Shepperton Lake
What’s better than swimming in the glorious sunshine? Swimming with a flamingo, people cheering you on, music playing, lights at night and all your VTC team mates, obviously!
This will be VTC’s third year at the event so we’re hoping to sign up 4 teams of 8. The more the merrier and friends and family are welcome to sign up for our teams as well!
It is a fun, low pressure overnight adventure where we swim in one hour slots. You can swim in skins; wetsuit; flamingo – whatever you fancy! No times just enjoying it!
We make it as flexible as possible so we can make it work for as many people as possible.
Click HERE to sign up. Team: Viceroys3. No password needed.
Contact Rachel for more information.
CLUB CHAMPS
Sunday 30th June
Thorpe Park
The Club Championships are designed to bring the club together and race the same event. Whether as an individual or as part of a team due to injury, we hope everyone has a great time.
Distances: 750M Swim, 20KM Bike, 5KM Run
Thorpe Park Sprint Triathlon offers a unique opportunity within the thrilling amusement park.
The lake is London’s ultimate watersport’s resort and the flat grounds lend themselves to a totally flat, fast bike and run course. This is the perfect venue for a chip timed personal best.
Join in the fun and book your spot by clicking here.
