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
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.
Help needed
Club members organise many events each year, for example, the South Glos 100 km Audax, the Vets 100, the Avon Cycleway Audax and the Castle Combe Caper. You can help out at controls on route, or at the start and finish, by stamping cards, making and serving refreshments (tea and coffee, sometimes sandwiches and cakes). Controls as follows:
South Glos audax (8th May): Marlwood School, Thornbury (start); The Royal Oak, Leighterton; The Daneway Inn, Sapperton; The Hunters Hall, Kingscote; The Cross Hands Pub, Alveston (finish).
Avon Cycleway and Castle Coombe Caper (19th June): Cleve Rugby Club - Mangotsfield (start and finish); The White Hart, Littleton upon Severn; Scarlett's Cafe, Clevedon; The Royal Ship Luckington; Sweet Apples, Marshfield; Chew Valley Lake Cafe.
The Vets 100: Winterbourne Village Hall (start and finish); Charlton Village Hall (morning Coffee; afternoon tea).
Please contact Jane if you would like to help (jane.chapman@blueyonder.co.uk or 0117 962 9766).
Big Spring Ride - 24 April 2010 Special CTC/BcyC fun ride to Chew Lake for everyone, bring your own picnic.
Register now, email info@bristolcyclingcampaign.org.uk. Bring the completed entry form to the start.
Click here to download an entry form...
NOTE: children only with parent or legal guardian.
Enquiries please email us.
Tell your friends ! - open to non-members
Ride for Precious Lives 2010
A challenging 3-day event in July in aid of Children's Hospice South West (CHSW). The event mainly uses Sustrans Route 3. Potential cyclists can go to www.rideforpreciouslives.org.uk and download the registration form or they can sign up online on the CHSW website www.chsw.org.uk. The registration fee of £100 covers the cost of the hotel accommodation in Bideford and Taunton and tea/coffee/lunch stops.
Vets 100 - 6th June 2010
Places on the Vets 100 are filling up (there is a max of 60) so you need to enter as soon as possible. Dave would also like to see more women take part - you must be over 50! Contact: daveonbike@btinternet.com
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
Bike Week - date change
The date of National Bike Week has changed. It is now 19-27th June NOT 12-20th June. Bristol's Bike Week events remain unchanged; they will just be at the beginning of Bike Week rather than at the end. Bristol's Biggest Bike ride is on 20th June and the Avon Cycleway Audax is on 19th June. The Get Gorge-ous Cycle Challenge will take place as arranged on 12th June.
Cyclists' Quiz night -Thursday 11th March
This will take place on the Sabrina 6 moored in Redcliffe Backs close to Redcliffe Bridge, 7:30pm to 11:00pm. Cost: £10.00 per team (max 5 in a team). Please send cycling-related questions to Richard Burton and let him know if you are able to help on the night as well. If you want to enter but don't have a team contact Jane Chapman.
Richard burtthebike@blueyonder.co.uk or 01454 616212 - Jane jane.chapman@blueyonder.co.uk or 962 9766, 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/
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.
No. 10 petition - mobile phones
"We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to introduce driving ban and phone confiscation, if not car confiscation, for drivers caught using/holding mobile phone - potentially lethal weapon."
If you want to sign this petition go to http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/mobilemenaceban/
There are several other cycling-related petitions on this website as well.
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
Get Gorge-ous Cycle Challenge 2010
Get Gorge-ous 2010 got off to a good start on Sunday 17th January with about 30 people turning up for their first training rides. If someone you know is interested in taking part this year get them to email me sooner rather than later (suehawkins@care4free.net) We have over 100 people registered and will soon run out of spaces. Riders must register on a 5- or 10-mile ride in January.
For more information visit our new website... www.getgorge-ous.co.uk The video of the 2009 challenge is now available to view.... click here
For those who took part in the 2009 event photos and a DVD are available now. Contact Dennis Harris for more details, click here
Grampian Rally - 28th May to 2nd June
CTC Grampian are pleased to announce that their fifth rally will take place on the above dates. The Rally will again be held at Maryculter - about 7 miles from Aberdeen just to the south of the River Dee.
Grampian is an area with wide and diverse cycling, from a flat coastal plain, undulating farming and forestry to remote and hilly terrain. There will be 20, 40, and 60 mile cycle rides on Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Route sheets will be provided and leaders will accompany the rides. Social events are planned for each evening with Ceilidh Dance & Carvery Meal on Tuesday 1st June.
Registration form here:- http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/ctcwest/files/
Cycle Bristol CTC Easter Trip 2010 - last chance to book!
Fixed based cycling tour to Stow on the Wold YHA next Easter (1st -4th April 2010) for CTC members. The outline programme is:
Friday: Led ride to Stow approx (60) miles or drive to Stow or catch a train to Cheltenham and cycle the short distance from Cheltenham.
Saturday: Cycle to Hook Norton (approx 20 miles) for tour around the famous Hook Norton Brewery
Sunday: Day ride around the Cotswolds (approx 40 miles)
Monday: Either cycle home or a day ride and then drive home
Cost:
Hostel aprox £17 per person per night (shared single sex rooms)
Breakfast - self cater or £4.95 for full English
Evening meal - self cater or have a Hostel meal for approx £9.50 for 2 courses or eat in Stow
Brewery Tour aprox £10.00 per person (Adults and Children over 12 only)
There will be limited spaces (probably 20) If you would like to come please could you contact Jane Chapman by email at jane.chapman@blueyonder.co.uk or telephone on 0117 9629766 as soon as possible.
Coast and castles - June 2010
Jane is looking at organising a cycle camping trip at the end of June (24th - 30th?) on the Sustrans' Coasts and Castles route (Newcastle to Edinburgh) a spectacular ride along this historic section of coastline.
See http://www.sustrans.org.uk/what-we-do/national-cycle-network/long-distance-rides/england/coast-and-castles. The total distance is about 200 miles, which can be covered in 4 or 5 days cycling (plus 2 travelling days). You will need to make your own travel arrangements to Newcastle and from Edinburgh. If you are interested (and are a CTC member) let Jane know ASAP (0117 962 9766 or jane.chapman@blueyonder.co.uk.
CTC Birthday Rides – A Taste of Cornwall - 19 - 25 August 2010
This year’s Birthday Rides, hosted by CTC Cornwall, are based at the Combined Universities of Cornwall Tremough Campus, Penryn. This 70-acre site has spectacular views over Falmouth, the sea and the surrounding countryside, the perfect base for exploring Cornwall’s stunning coastline and dramatic landscapes. The Campus itself will be the venue for indoor accommodation and meals, with campers having the use of the Rugby Club less than a mile away. All rides will leave from the Campus, and all other events take place there unless otherwise indicated.
Jane is about to book her place on the Birthday rides - If anyone would like to book with her then please can they let her know ASAP (by the end of this week at the latest). Jane is booking the
camping option (£120 for the week includes camping, registration, rides packs and Birthday tea).
For more information please see www.ctcbirthdayrides.org or contact Jane Chapman at jane.chapman@blueyonder.co.uk or 0117 9629766
August Bank Holiday 2010
Stourhead Base Camp (National Trust) in Wiltshire.
More details to follow at some point but if you are interested contact Jane to reserve a place
(962 9766 or jane.chapman@blueyonder.co.uk)
Cider festival - camping weekend
The Red Lion at Trellech, 7th-8th Aug 2010
Jane is thinking of organising a cycling trip to this cider festival in August (camping overnight on the 7th) if there is any interest. Basic camping facilities at the pub. If you are interested then please contact Jane on jane.chapman@blueyonder.co.uk or phone 0117 962 9766.
French Pedals – Luxury cycling in France - Special Spring booking offers for CTC Members. Click here for more info...
Social programme
Wednesday 10th March
Cycling along the Danube with Mike Atkins. Followed by drinks at the Port of Call in Clifton.
Wednesday 17th March
Touring Poland and beyond with Richard Shopland, followed by drinks at the Shakespeare in Redland.
The full social programme is at www.ctcwest.org.uk/bristol/winterprog.pdf. The club room is at Redland Park Church, Redland Park, Clifton (junction of Redland Park and Whiteladies Road) and sessions start at 7.45 pm prompt (doors open 7.15 pm). Entry (£2.00) includes tea and biscuit.
Latest RidesSaturday 13th March
Chipping Sodbury
An easy-paced, 25-mile ride. Leave the Fishponds Fish at 9.30 am. One cafe stop. Leader: Sally Pearson (07885 388277)
Sunday 7th March (Mothering Sunday)
Stanton Drew
A medium-paced, 35-40-mile ride. Leave the Bristol end of the Railway Path at 9.30 am or join at Bitton Station at 10.30 am. Morning break at Bitton then continue to Saltford and route 10 to Stanton Drew (a couple of hills). Return via Norton Malreward (hill) and Whitchurch Railway Path. Lunch may be at the pub at Stanton Drew or cafe at Whitchurch (depends how busy the pub is). Leader: John Maguire.
Malmesbury
A medium-paced, 55-mile ride. Leave Winterbourne at 9.30 am. There will be a coffee stop and lunch at Malmesbury. There should be lots of choices for lunch but as it is Mothering Sunday it might be an idea to bring sandwiches just in case places are pre-booked and busy. Afternoon cafe or pub stop. Leader: Wendy Etheridge (0117 979 0476).
The full rides programme (January-March 2010) is now in bike shops. You can also download a PDF Version Click Here, or a Word Doc Click here
Don't forget your
lights for evening rides!
Other Upcoming Rides
Barry's Bristol Ball Buster - Long Ashton 100 km & 210 km Sunday 28th March
A new challenging event that takes riders on an orbital route around Bristol before heading south to the Mendips and Somerset levels.
Highlights include: Clifton Suspension Bridge, views of both Severn Road crossings, Cotswold escarpment, Mendips, Glastonbury Tor, Somerset levels, Gordano Valley. Start and finish at Long Ashton Village Hall. Visit http://www.lvis.org.uk/files/audax10info.pdf for more information.
South Glos 100k - Saturday 8th May
Starting from MARLWOOD SCHOOL ALVESTON, N. BRISTOL at 9.30 am. A 100 km scenic cycle ride around South Gloucestershire and the Cotswolds Through the picturesque Kingcote valley and the market town of Tetbury to Daneway for lunch and then home again through ‘The valley where time stood still’. Average speed – Minimum 12.5km per hour/Maximum 25km per hour. Refreshments available en route and at the finish. Entry fee £5.00. For more information and entry details please contact Jane Chapman on 0117 9629766 or email jane.chapman@blueyonder.co.uk Or visit http://www.aukweb.net/
Black Rat Cycle Challenge - Cyclo Sportif Event 16th May
A fabulous tour of North Somerset and the Mendip Hills. Taking in classic climbs on the Mendips, including Cheddar Gorge - which will be closed to traffic for the day. This is not a "throw in every local hill you can find" sportive - there is plenty of variety in each route, which will be mostly ridden on quiet roads.
Visit http://www.blackratcycle.co.uk/section.php/15/1/bristol/ for more information.
Bristol & West Triennial Veterans’ (TriVets) ride -
Sunday 6th June
Lunch if wanted will be £7.00 for two courses with the WI at Cricklade, 11s at Charlton (free!) and Tea at the same place cost approx £4.00. Event limited to 60 riders for admin, safety and catering purposes. Get your entries in early , I don't want any of our Bristol mob left out!
Click here for an entry form.
Bristol 50 & 100 -
Sunday 13th June
Join us on this brand new ride for 2010! Setting off from Bristol Cathedral in the heart of the city, this exciting new circular ride offers two demanding routes. Both skirt the edge of the Cotswolds on their outward leg, the short route turning towards the Severn just before Stroud while the long turns at Gloucester, making its way down the flats of the beautiful Severn Valley to meet the short route route near Berkeley Castle - then on to the finish, where a hero’s welcome awaits!
Click here for 50 mile info, and here for 100 mile info.
THE AVON CYCLEWAY 130km Audax - Saturday 19th June 2010
A circular ride around Bristol using the ‘Avon Cycleway’ on quiet country lanes with splendid scenery. Entry fee £5.00 (plus £2.00 insurance) 8.30am start speed 13-25 kph. For more information please contact Jane Chapman on 0117 9629766 or email jane.chapman@blueyonder.co.uk Or visit http://www.aukweb.net/
CASTLE COMBE CAPER 50km Audax - Saturday 19th June 2010
Ride around the South Cotswolds through the scenic villages of Badminton, Luckington, Castle Combe and Marshfield. Entry fee £4.00 (plus £2.00 insurance) 9.30am start speed 10-20 kph. For more information please contact Jane Chapman on 0117 9629766 or email jane.chapman@blueyonder.co.uk Or visit http://www.aukweb.net/
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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