Welcome to Cycle Bristol CTC
Who we are
Hello! We are Cycle Bristol CTC, the local member group of Cycling UK, formerly The Cyclists' Touring Club, which is Britain's oldest and largest national cycling organisation.
As our name suggests, our focus is a little different from many other clubs. It's all about the essential spirit of "touring". That doesn't only mean exotic places, however, although there may occasionally be some of those! Our focus is neither speed nor endurance, but the pleasure of being out on the bicycle in pleasant surroundings, both locally and on trips away. On a ride with us you will have the support of experienced leaders and a companionable and varied group. Our members span many ages and levels of fitness. Some of our most active leaders are women. All our rides and trips aim at inclusivity in every sense. While some of our rides take a full day, they are never about competition, endurance, or hurry!
Upcoming events
85th Semaine Fédérale Internationale de Cyclotourisme July 20th to July 28th 2024
This year's Semaine Fédérale Internationale de Cyclotourisme will be in Roanne, Loire. There is already a large group of Bristol cyclists registered so if you want to attend you can be confident you'll be amongst friends. Contact Joe Prosser for any help with registering and to obtain the registration group name and password. He can also add you to the Sem Fed 2024 WhatsApp group. You will have to organise your own transport to the event.
Joe Prosser 07971 036933
Roscoff trip - 30th Sept to 5th Oct 2024
We are organising a social trip to Roscoff, France with a choice of short and long rides to suit all. You will need to book your accommodation and ferry. Contact Jane@cyclebristolctc.org.uk with your mobile number if you are interested in coming along to be added to the WhatsApp group.
We have regular rides. Please keep an eye on any of the below for the programme:
Weekend rides
We organise cycle rides most weekends all year round. The aim of these is to get out in a friendly and supportive group to enjoy the wonderful countryside within reach of Bristol. The rides are led by experienced leaders along routes they have scouted or ridden before. We aim every weekend to offer both an easy shorter ride to a suitable café, and longer and more adventurous "country" ride of up to 100 miles. All ages are welcome, including minors if accompanied by an adult The longer and shorter rides alternate between Saturday and Sunday to give as many people as possible an opportunity to join either or both.
Our shorter café rides are especially designed and run to encourage cyclists, whether new or returners, who want an easy and supportive way of "getting out" on the bike. They start from and return to venues with toilets and parking, run at a very easy pace and take no more than a half day.
On longer Country rides we stop for morning coffee, lunch (usually at a country pub), and where appropriate, afternoon tea.
Almost all our rides (except for a few clearly advertised as such) are run to accommodate the pace of the slowest rider - so you won't get left behind! Joining a ride does not commit you to the whole day. If you prefer, come for the morning or whatever suits. See our Rides Calendar for further details. All the rides' start points and further information about our rides can be found here.
If you are not a member of Cycling UK, you are welcome to come along and try three rides before joining, just turn up at the start.
Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult. In addition all minors under the age of 18 must complete and bring along this Parental consent form.
Evening Pub Rides
On Wednesday evenings in the summer we enjoy short leisurely rides to a local pub.
Cycle Tours
We aim for a Spring and Autumn weekend away annually, as well as more occasional long weekends (or longer) both in the UK and abroad. Organised and led by our members these offer a slightly more adventurous entry into the spirit of cycle touring, with group support and without any pressure. Accommodation is usually in suitable bunkhouses or camping.
Audax Events
Cycle Bristol CTC members organise and/or promote and support several 100k audax rides and special events during the year. For details look at www.aukweb.net.
Winter Clubroom
From late September to April we have an interesting programme of cycling and other travel presentations as well as quizzes and an auction of cycling bits and pieces. See the Winter programme for more details.
So come and join the happy and friendly world of CTC Club Cycling! Meet new people, keep fit, enjoy yourself and explore the wonderful countryside on our doorstep from your bike!
Our calendar lists forthcoming rides and events. Please feel free to turn up at the start if any appeal to you!
You can keep up to date with all the latest Cycle Bristol CTC News and events by following us on Twitter, Facebook, Strava or signing up to the weekly club newsletter below...