Come and join us cycling in the glorious countryside around Bristol and discover quiet lanes, delightful villages and traditional Country pubs. We offer regular weekend rides (click here) to suit all abilities. Whether you just fancy a leisurely amble or a more strenuous challenge.
We believe it should be fun!
Non-members are welcome attend up to 5 rides
before joing the CTC. Please complete a 'Guest Entry Form' to give to the
Ride Leader at the start - click here
Join the CTC
click here
Cycle Bristol CTC Committee - vacancies 2010-2011
Hugh Marshal (chairman), Dave Johnston (treasurer) and Jane Chapman (secretary) wish to stand down from their current roles on the committee. These positions are obligatory and without them Cycle Bristol CTC cannot function as a member group. A brief outline (from the CTC policy handbook) of what each position entails can be found by clicking here...
Greater Bristol Bus Network - Fishponds Road cycle infrastructure review
Bristol City Council are looking for cyclists to help with the cycle infrastructure review for Fishponds Road. If you can participate in the site visit on Wednesday 25th August from 11am-5pm contact Francis Mann, Cycling & Walking Project Officer, Traffic Management, Bristol City Council, tel 0117 903 6840.
Members have decided that they are not willing to accept the decision of the Chair to use his discretionary proxy votes at the AGM to force through Motion 8. A petition has been created and is being circulated, calling on the CTC to hold a 'whole poll' of the Club under Article 36 of the Articles of Association (the Club's rules).
The petition requires the signatures of 200 CTC members (or 6 members of Council) in order to have effect - but the more signatures that the organisers get, the more powerful the message sent to Council.
You can download the petition here We'd encourage you to sign it - and get your friends to as well.
Cycling maintenance for women
The Bicycle Maintenance Skillshare evenings for women continue to run every Monday from 4pm - 7pm, at the Bristol Bike Project workshop in Hamilton House, 80 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS1 3QY. Access is at the rear of the building on City Road near the junction with Stokes Croft. Hamilton House is the five-storey office block set back from the road next to an outdoor car-valeting business. There is a small car park in which to park whilst dropping off bikes.
Drop in any time between four and seven, to fix your bicycle, learn more about bicycles, help other women or just to chat.
Womens Cycle Survey
The survey is web based, super short and doesn't ever ask for any identifiable info (so no emails, names or addresses). The idea behind the survey is just to capture a snapshot of current bike riding and ownership trends in the U.K. The anonymous results are available to anyone and will hopefully be of use to policy makers, bike shops and organisations in understanding the reasons for, or barriers to participation in cycling by women. This is a completely non-political, non agenda driven 'open source' resource which I hope will do some good. http://www.misterpoll.com/polls/484185
Free pannier covers!
Jane has 50 backpack/pannier covers to give away to CTC members courtesy of Cycling City.
They will be available at the club room and on Jane's rides, or you can collect one from Jane (0117 962 9766 or jane.chapman@blueyonder.co.uk).
To pay or not to pay, that is the question
There has been some confusion about the 30p 'charged' for Cycle Bristol CTC rides. The 30p is, and has always been, a suggested voluntary donation to club funds. We receive 18 pence from your CTC subscription, about £250.00 per annum. The costs of running a successful club are many and varied, for example, printing the rides and social programmes, website fees, the rental of a room for the AGM, telephone calls, postage, stationery, and YHA membership. The Get Gorge-ous Cycle Challenge is funded separately by Cycling City.
Ring road - proposed cycling ban
South Gloucs are currently consulting on the widening of the ring road between the M32 and Coldharbour Lane (i.e. UWE). At the end it has a note that states: "For safety reasons cyclist will be excluded from using the Eastbound high occupancy lane." If you use this road regularly you might want to comment / object. - https://consultations.southglos.gov.uk/inovem/consult.ti/PT.3898A4174RingRoadHOV/listdocuments
Cycle training
Life Cycle is offering Bristol residents cycle training for just £5 thanks to a subsidy from Cycling City. They can give complete beginners up to three lessons at £5.00 each. If you know how to ride a bike, but feel a bit wobbly and nervous about cycling in traffic, you can have two lessons for £5.00. Finally, for anyone who feels confident in most places but wants to master Bedminster roundabout or multi-lane roads, one £5.00 lesson is available. Please contact www.lifecycleuk.org.uk/enquiries for more information.
Plus, for those of you with children, Life Cycle are offering half term cycle training courses for 8 to 11 year-olds. Courses run for two hours each day for three days at Bristol Grammar School and Widcombe Junior School. Training begins off-road, away from traffic, but then moves onto local roads. Children learn how to control their bikes, how to anticipate other road users' behaviour, and how to carry out manoeuvres with skill and confidence. Places cost £10 for all three days. Please phone Life Cycle on 0117 353 4580 to book a place or click here for more information.
Bristol is chosen as England's first Cycling City
Cycling City is a source of great pride for Bristol and South Gloucestershire Councils. It represents clear recognition of our solid commitment to promote and encourage cycling through better infrastructure, training and promotion.
Cycling City status is not just an award - it is an opportunity. The total funding of £22.8 million brings the potential for unprecedented levels of innovation, involvement and creativity. Read more click here...
CTC Trips & Events
Brewery visit - Bristol Beer Factory in Ashton Gate, BS3 - 29th September (TBC)
Likely to be Wednesday 29th September, followed by a curry. Contact Jane (jane.chapman@blueyonder.co.uk)
Brittany Camping Trip - September 2010
Depart 9th Sept 23:00 ferry from Plymouth - arrive Roscoff 8:00am Fri 10th Sept. Return from Roscoff 23:00 on Wed 15th Sept arrive Plymouth about 6:30am Thu 16th Sept.
Moving-on tour of Finistere (West Brittany), cycling 30-40 miles a day at a leisurely pace, but carrying camping gear. Camp sites are abundant and relatively cheap in France - options to eat out or cook your own meals in the evening. Cost of return ferry (with reclining seat) £82 approx - cabin available at extra cost. I will be making ferry reservations at the end of July - participants need to make their own travel arrangements to and from Plymouth (cheap advanced train tickets are released 12 weeks prior to departure date). If you would like to come please contact Jane Chapman (jane.chapman@blueyonder.co.uk or 0117 962 9766) before 24th July
Cancale - 7-11th October 2010
Due to a change of circumstances, the YHA hostel in Dinan is not open after September. Instead we have found a hostel in Cancale a small coastal town just west of St Malo - see http://www.hihostels.com/dba/hostels-Cancale---Mont-St-Michel-020045.en.htm for more details. At the moment this hostel can accommodate us. The cost is 19.50 euros a night bed and breakfast.
Thu 7th Oct - Portsmouth-St Malo night ferry (approx cost £70 return - cabin option on outward journey)
Fri - Breakfast in St Malo then cycle to Cancale
Sat and Sun - day rides, possibly one to Dinan (yes we will see it) and Mont St Michel
Mon - morning ferry back from St Malo to Portsmouth
Evening meals - 2 at the hostel (if possible) and one in town. I would like to book this hostel up as soon as possible but can only book for people who can commit with a deposit. If you would like to come please contact Jane on jane.chapman@blueyonder.co.uk or 0117 962 9766 before 1st July. If you have already expressed an interest in Dinan please confirm if you are coming.
St Briavel's Medieval feast - Saturday 4th Dec 2010
We have booked St Briavel's Castle (YH) for a medieval feast and overnight stay on Saturday 4th December (medieval dress optional!). There will be organised cycle rides to and from St Briavel's (approx 35 hilly miles each way) or you can make your own way there. The cost of the weekend is approx. £35.00 (tbc by YHA) This includes a bed in a same sex dorm, medieval feast and breakfast on Sunday. Wine, beer and cider may be purchased at the hostel. If you would like to join us please email jane.chapman@blueyonder.co.uk to let her know and send a £15 deposit to secure your place (cheques payable to CTC Bristol Section) to Jane Chapman, 9 Newcombe Rd, Westbury on Trym, Bristol BS9 3QS.
Mallorca 2011 Sunday 20th Feb to Sunday 27th Feb
Self-catering accommodation at Puerto Pollenca for 6 nights, the last night in a hotel at Can Pastilla. The self-catering apartments are either one, two or three bedroom apartments – bedrooms are twin beds – prices are roughly £160 for a one bedroom apartment, £200 for a two bedroom apartment and £250 for a three bedroom apartment – that’s for 6 nights at Puerto Pollenca – generally you will have a twin bedroom for yourself. The Can Pastilla hotel offers B&B in a twin room at about £30 for the room.
Puerto Pollenca is a picturesque resort in the north of the island – however it will be quiet and off-season in February. There is a supermarket within 5 mins. cycle ride of the apartments which makes self-catering quite easy.
This is not an official CTC holiday, however applicants must be CTC members and be responsible for their own travel insurance arrangements.
Rough Itinerary
Sun 20th Feb fly Easyjet from Bristol dep. 7.05am , return Sun 27th Feb dep. 11.00am.
Applicants will be responsible for booking their flights – when this is done I will book the accommodation.
If you take bikes on the flights that costs another £18 each way; you can hire bikes in Mallorca as an alternative but this will have to be done independently.
On arrival cycle 50 miles to Puerto Pollenca – this is a good day ride across the island – alternatively you can catch a train near to the airport which goes most of the way – some trains take bikes some do not but I do not think it a big problem. Cycle rides from Puerto Pollenca each day offer lots of different grades of rides – it’s also easy to get a bus to Palma for a rest day if required..
If you are interested let me know by email johncrinion@yahoo.com quoting your CTC number – this needs to be done by Friday 24th September 2010. I will make a group of those interested and reply by Friday 1st October – I think we need a group of at least 10. If we go ahead with the holiday then applicants will be expected to book their flights and inform me of this by Friday 8th October. I will then book accommodation – unless I am told otherwise I will assume that applicants will want a twin room each at Puerto Pollenca and be willing to share apartments. At the hotel in Can Pastilla I hope that people will be flexible for the one night room arrangement. To view some photos from last years trip click here...
20% Cafe discount - The Walled Garden at Wrington are offering all cyclists (those who arrive there by bike) a 20% discount on their cafe bill. When you arrive just let them know that you have cycled there. If you plan to arrive in a group of more than 5 please give them advance notice. Phone them on: 01934 863 713 Click here for more info...
French Pedals - Luxury cycling in France - Special Spring booking offers for CTC Members. Latest offers and info below...
Offer 2011.doc
French Pedals Activity Sheets Devon and Cornwall.doc
French cuisine for the cyclist.doc
Other cycling-related events
Latest press release for Bristol Cycle Festival - Click here to view...
Bristol Festival of Cycling 11-25 September
This is a new event for Bristol - see http://www.bristolcyclefestival.com We will be organising led rides for these two weeks as part of our normal programme. If you would like to help contact Sue suehawkins@care4free.net or jane.chapman@blueyonder.co.uk
Around Bristol in 80 (and a bit) miles - The Avon cycleway (Sunday 26th September)
This ride is open to both CTC and non-CTC members to give non-CTC members a sample of what CTC rides are all about. Numbers will be limited and all participants must register in advance. If you would like to come on it please email jane.chapman@blueyonder.co.uk for more information and an entry form. Jane is also looking for a back marker to assist on the ride - please let her know if you can help out.
Core strength for cyclists - 20th October for 6 weeks
Melanie is organising some core strength sessions for cyclists, run by physiotherapist Andy Stenner. They will take place on Wednesdays at Redland Park Church halls from 6.30-7.30 pm (i.e. before the club-room starts) starting October 20th for six weeks (ending November 24th). Cost £42 for six weeks, payable in advance. Please email Melanie if you are interested at mweber@talktalk.net
Latest RidesPlease bring your CTC membership card. If you are not a CTC member you must download and complete a guest entry form for each ride you join (including evening rides). You can download the form from our website click here... You are welcome to join us on FIVE rides before you join the CTC.
Wednesday 1st September
Evening ride - an easy-paced, 15-20-mile ride to Severn Beach. Leave the Water Tower on the Downs @ 7.00 pm. Out to Severn beach via Blaise, Cribbs Causeway, Compton Greenfield on mainly flat lanes and off-road paths. At Severn Beach follow the Binn Wall to take in views of the Second Severn Crossing and Wales before returning via Northwick, Pilning, Easter Compton and Hallen. We will stop at a pub on the return route - plenty to choose from! Leader: Jane Chapman (962 9766)
Evening ride - a medium/hard-paced, 25-30-mile ride. Leave Clifton Suspension Bridge @ 7.00 pm. Leader: Paul Rainbow (951 4300)
Saturday 4th September
Banwell Castle - a medium-paced, 35-mile ride. Leave Ashton Court @ 9.00 am (NOTE TIME). Leader: Lucy Berthoud (07913 508659)
Sunday 5th September
PLEASE NOTE: The Bristol half-marathon is taking place today and some roads round the centre/Portway will be closed. Leave plenty of time to get to the start.
Wrington - a medium-paced, 30-mile ride. Leave Clifton Suspension Bridge @ 9.30 am. Hilly on the way out, flat on the way back. Ride to the walled garden (great cakes) at Wrington, via Winford and Blagdon Lake and returning via Claverham and the Flax Bourton Greenway. This ride is specifically designed for all riders who graduated either last year or this year from Get Georgeous. There will be some tips and hints on how to get more out of your cycling. Leader: Pete McCartney (07966 527894)
Nunney - a medium-paced, 60-mile ride. Leave Clifton Suspension Bridge @ 9.30 am. Leader: Hugh Marshal (950 9889)
Wednesday 8th September
Evening ride - an easy-paced, 10-15-mile ride around Bristol's docks, churches and rivers. Leave Millennium Square @ 7.00 pm. Leader: Bob Jefferies (07795 414297)
Evening ride - a medium/hard-paced, 25-30-mile ride. Leave Clifton Suspension Bridge @ 7.00 pm. Leader: Dave Redmill (950 8258)
The full rides programme (August 2010) is now in bike shops. You can also download a PDF Version Click Here
Don't forget your
lights for evening rides!
Other Upcoming Rides
The Cheddar Adventure
Sustrans is organising an exciting new cycling challenge using the National Cycle Network, off road trails and minor roads to take you from Bristol to Cheddar and back. It's a chance to give yourself a real challenge and explore some of the amazing, but little known, trails within a few miles of Bristol. It takes place on Saturday 11th September. This ride celebrates the 15th anniversary of the National Cycle Network and the is first day of the Bristol Cycle Festival.
There are two routes- the 29 mile option goes to Flax Bourton and back, the longer 56 mile option extends the route out to Cheddar. Riders new to off road events and seasoned mountain bikers alike will find a route they enjoy.
The ride starts at CREATE centre and ends at Bristol's Tobacco Factory where everyone can get together to celebrate the ride and enjoy some well deserved refreshment. The majority of the route is on fairly gentle terrain, but Sustrans suggests that an off road bike (eg mountain bike or cyclocross bike) is ideal. Close fitting mudguards and slick tyres will not be suitable on the rocky or muddy sections, especially if there is rain. Please get in touch for advice on how to get your bike ready for the ride!
The ride will be signed and maps provided. There will be water available on the route and places to buy food. As with all off road events, riders must wear a helmet at all times. Registration is £20. Sign up here..
Tasty Cheddar - 101km Audax - 2nd October 2010
The ever popular Tasty Cheddar is back again this year on the 2nd October. Great friendly ride well attended with 131 entrants last year. For more info visit http://www.cyclebristolctc.org.uk/tastycheddar.html and for entry forms please click on the event in the Audax calendar - http://www.aukweb.net/cal/index.htm
Action 100 - 28th August 2010
The Action 100 is one of our classic rides and currently the only mainland point-to-point route we offer. Now in its 28th year, the Action 100 delivers a tough undulating route of 115 miles. With more than 600 riders taking on the original Action ride, this event has a great party atmosphere and cyclists can choose to start in Bristol or Bath. The bike ride ends at Kempton Racecourse and riders will also receive complimentary tickets for a day at the races. Return travel for you and your bike is available.
For more info click here...
Love to cycle? Want to help cancer patients in Bristol?
Above and Beyond invites you to join the 3Moors Tour Charity Cycle to raise money towards Above and Beyond's £1.6 million pledge to* *transform Bristol's Cancer Hospital. Do you have the stamina to complete 250 miles of road cycling from Bristol to Lands End across 3 stunning moors? This exclusive endurance event is open to just 70 cyclists. Secure your place by paying your registration fee today. This is a fully supported event with 2 night's accommodation, meals and refreshment stops included.
Date: Friday 24th September -- Sunday 26th September 2010 - Start point: The Downs Café, Bristol, 7am - End Point: Lands End (lunchtime), Registration fee: £100, Minimum sponsorship: £500 in aid of Above and Beyond's CaRE Appeal, Places available: 70, Event type: Road bike (open roads) For more information contact: lucy.smith@aboveandbeyond.org.uk or call 0117 3700 486. Website - http://www.aboveandbeyond.org.uk/
Silver Cyclists
Silver cyclists is a scheme funded by Cycling City and being delivered by Life Cycle UK who will be running cycle rides for older people to encourage them back into cycling. There will be 15 rides each in Easton, Lawrence Hill and Bedminster through the summer months. The rides will mainly be in the day time during the week with a few evening and weekend rides. Most of the rides will be very short and will use the cycle paths so that they attract people who haven't cycled for a while.
Life Cycle are looking for volunteer ride leaders (training provided and expenses paid). Ideally we would like the volunteer ride leaders to be from the local area and to be at least 50yrs of age themselves. Many of the rides will also have a cycle instructor accompanying them.
If you are interested contact Jacks Hurley on 07952 933270, jackshurley@aol.com or through Life Cycle on 0117 353 4580.
Permanent audaxes
100km - Long Ashton to Clevedon to Street, via Cheddar and Wedmore. Back to Long Ashton via Wells and Chew. Approx climb 650m.
160km - a combination of the 100km route and the 60km Over The Mendips ride which was available at the end of last year. Approx climb 1550m.
Both these should be open for riding in a week or so. If you want to ride them you need to complete the PERM entry form and send it to Chris Kula-Przezwanski with entry fee and potential ride date. See http://www.aukweb.net/cal/perms/index.htm for more details.
Bristol Cycling Campaign
For a rides list please click here
Download the latest version of Adobe Reader, handy to view our rides list and other documents on the site. Click here
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