Who we are and what we do
Cycling UK, formerly known as the CTC is the national cycling charity; it inspires and helps people to cycle and keep cycling. It encourages all types of cycling, on the road or off it. It supports you if you already ride, or would like to ride, to work or school, for health, touring, sport and leisure – or just because it's fun. Members of Winchester CTC range from those who like to ride 10-20 miles to those who ride Sportifs and events of over 1000km. Some members also enjoy touring in the UK and abroad.
Winchester CTC is the local group of Cycling UK. It covers the area in and around Winchester (including Chandlers Ford and Bishops Waltham); however we regularly welcome riders from outside this area. It offers a range of cycle rides throughout the year; the rides range from short, easy rides suitable for novice cyclists to more challenging rides that are longer and faster. Winchester CTC also puts on open challenge events throughout the year; some events are jointly arranged with Southampton CTC. It also campaigns locally for better cycle facilities.
Membership: You don't need to be a member of Cycling UK when you first come out on a ride with Winchester CTC. You can ride with guest membership for 3 rides to see whether you like us. Membership is national and when you join Cycling UK, you can ride with any CTC/Cycling UK group anywhere in the country. Membership also provides you with £10 million 3rd party insurance cover plus free technical and legal advice and a bi-monthly magazine. For more information on Cycling UK and how to join see here
Coming out on your first ride with us? Please see information here
What you need for our rides:
Bike: all you need is a roadworthy bike. You'll find life a lot easier on a reasonably lightweight road or touring bike rather than a heavy bike or mountain bike with knobbly tyres. Don't be put off trying one of our rides because you think you don't have the right bike. We can advise on how you can adapt your existing bike and provide expert advice if you want to buy a new one.
Clothing: Specialist clothing and a helmet are optional. A light, waterproof jacket is almost essential for the British climate. Otherwise just bring something to drink, a spare inner tube and tyre levers and lights for winter and evening rides. Rides stop for refreshments at regular intervals but you may like to pack a cereal bar or similar as emergency rations.
Rides: We offer a full range of leisure rides ranging from short to long at varying speeds. Each ride has a leader who decides the route and makes sure that nobody gets left behind. We also organise open challenge events; they have no leader but you are provided with a full route description.
For a full description of our rides and the current programme, see Our Rides page