We need a sizeable band of Velo Volunteers to make everything happen this year. If you can spare some time, click here and get in touch. To thank you for helping, you’ll be entered into the Velo Volunteers prize draw at the Annual Awards Evening.
Events Calendar
One off Rides, Coaching, Social Events, and Trips in 2024
Here’s an overview of what great opportunities the club has in store for you this year. Some events have limited places, and all communication/booking will be on Spond. These events are of course in addition to our regular midweek and Sunday group rides. Enter Time Trials here and check out Zwift for online events.
Use the Member’s calendar here to highlight calendar events and add them to your own personal calendar app.
January
4 January: Full Gas open track meeting
Previous track racing experience is essential, and there is a range of para-cycling races to join. All equipment must comply with current BC Technical Regulations and venue terms & conditions. Lee Valley VeloPark, Abercrombie Road, London, E20 3AB.
16 January - 5 February: Kit shop open
Our Kalas Club kit shop order window is open! Order here using login code detailed on the members page.
February
4 February: Newbury Velo Awards Evening
Our first-ever awards evening will be held in the private function room at the Bowlers Arms, Wash Common, Newbury. The evening will start at 7pm, with our chair starting the evening at 7.30pm. We will be recognising the achievements of our club members in 2023, which will include kids’ awards, adult progression, TT championship winners, and the very first President’s Award will be awarded. A buffet and bar will be available, costing £15 per member or guest. Don’t miss this one; it is the highlight of the social calendar! Contact our social secretary, Lisa, for more information.
11 February: Dirty Chai mountain bike trip to Swinley Forest
This is a great opportunity for fun off-road riding around the Crown Estate at Swinley Forest. Swinley has some great trails, which are all graded. We’ll ride steadily, and our Mud Queen, Beckie, will be on hand with her great tips for off-road bike handling. More details and signs are available on Spond.
25 February: Introduction to group riding - women only
Riding in a group can be a daunting prospect to the uninitiated, but it is the heartbeat of many cycling clubs, including Newbury Velo. Our experienced female ride leaders will take a small group of women out on the beautiful lanes around Inkpen. Starting and finishing at the Honesty Cafe and the Crown and Garter. Get the most out of riding in a group safely. Non-members are welcome. Email our women’s lead, Lizzie Lock, for more information (women@newburyvelo.cc).
26 February: Ride leader training
Chris Dace will host the popular ride leader training at The Bowlers Arms at 7pm. A fun, informal evening of hints and tips for new, aspiring and experienced ride leaders, both on and off-road. Sign up on Spond.
26 February: Monthly Social
Off the bike, socialising in town at a local watering hole. Information will be added to Spond on 21 February.
28 February: Time trial volunteer training
The club needs helpers to run our fun Monday evening time trials this year. They are one of the club’s primary ways of building our community. They are open to everyone, regardless of bike and ability! Training will include timekeeping and other jobs that help ensure time trials run smoothly. Email Rachael Elliott for more information (racing@newburyvelo.cc).
March
9 March: Tandem Pilot Training
Learn to pilot a tandem, so you can take visually impaired riders out cycling. Contact Kevin Hurley, our president, for more information.
20 March: Wednesday Afternoon TT, 10 miles H10/3R
Our midweek TT, open to all, check out the TT page to enter.
29 March: Monthly Social
Monthly Social - Off-the-bike socialising in town at a local watering hole. More information to follow in Spond.
30 March: Clocks go forward!
Evening riding is back… However! Don’t forget to move your clocks forward an hour, or you’ll be alone at the clocktower in the morning!
April
3 April: Chaingang evening rides recommence on Thursdays
The chain gang is a great way to increase fitness, and since it's a fixed route, there is no risk of getting lost if you drop. The idea behind a chain gang or paceline is that the lead rider only spends a short amount of time on the front (and in the wind); they then peel off and allow the rider behind to take the front, which is repeated with each rider taking a turn on the front. The name comes from the fact that the riders appear to be rotating, looking like a chain. Thursday evenings - details and sign up on Spond.
6 April: Steelie ride
Do you have an old or a new steel bike hidden away in the garage? Dust it off and join this hugely enjoyable social ride that always finishes with a glorious fish and chips lunch at the Red House in Marsh Benham.
7 April: Tour De Greenham Common
Children’s Coaching Group Tour of Greenham Common. Keep your eyes peeled for communication from the coaching team.
7 April: Women's Maintenance Evening
A bit of a social with Cake! but also doing stuff with bikes. If you are unsure about any aspect of maintenance, this is for you. The Waterside Centre, Newbury 7-9pm contact Lizzie for details.
14 April: Ride Wessex Downs Sportive
Setting off from the grounds of Pangbourne College, the routes on this early-season ride, the latest in the RIDE Series, is considered one of the best charity cycling sportives in the south. With a heady mix of rolling terrain and punchy climbs across three road routes, there's sure to be something for every level of cyclist, from those just starting out to more experienced riders building up strength after the winter months! Raising much-needed cash for Action Medical Research. Enter and see route options here.
14 April: Newbury Velo Hits the Boards!
Club trip to Newport Velodrome, weather you have ridden in a velodrome before, or are a complete novice, this is definitely for you. A couple of hours with a track coach, and you cab even hire a bike at the velodrome if you don’t have your own track bike (who does!) - Organised by Nigel Brown.
15 April: ’Sports Night’ TT, 10 miles HCC247
A non standard distance course that is great for roadd bikes. Open to all, check out the TT page to enter.
16 April: Kids Coaching Starts
Our kids coaching for 3 - 12-year-olds will start up again at Henwick sports fields, Thatcham. Contact Melanie Sneddon for more details. (coaching@newburyvelo.cc).
25 April: Adults’ cyclocross - coaching session #1
Ahead of our evening summer cyclocross events, we are running a series of coaching evenings for adults who have never tried cyclocross or have just a little experience. We'll show you the ropes and get you ready to have a go. You'll learn everything from prepping your bike to race, what to do on race day, and, of course, key techniques to riding on grass. For details of the cyclocross events themselves, click here.
20-21 April: Road tour to Salisbury
The ride sets out on Saturday, with a group meal and overnight stop to return on Sunday. We will stay in the Premier Inn South Milford on a Saturday night. We recommend you book earlier to guarantee a room and get better rates. This ride is a repeat of the popular 2022 Salisbury tour. It is a steady-paced tour with overnight stops, and riders are welcome to join for both days or a single day only. Good company and chat guaranteed, with pubs for lunch. Hopefully, Kevin can make this one, as Covid prevented him from going in 2022. Details to follow in our communications and sign-up will be available on Spond.
22 April - 5th May: Kit shop open
Our Kalas Club kit shop order window is open! Order here using login code detailed on the members page.
26 April: Monthly Social
Monthly Social - Off-the-bike socialising in town at a local watering hole. More information to follow in Spond.
29 April: Monday Evening Ladies Night TT, 10 miles H10/3R
Start the week with a TT, open to men and women, but women particularly invited to try out a TT, check out the TT page to enter.
May
2 May: Adults’ cyclocross - coaching session #2
Coaching, session 2 at Henwick Fields.
6 May: Monday Evening TT, 15 miles H15/3
Kick off the week with a great 15 mile TT, open to all, check out the TT page to enter.
9 May: Adults’ cyclocross - coaching session #3
Coaching, session 3 at Henwick Fields.
12 May: New Forest Gravel Ride and Family Rides
New Forest Gravel Ride and Family Rides. Details to follow and sign up in Spond.
16 May: Adults’ cyclocross - coaching session #4
Coaching session 4 Goldwell Park, Newbury. This session will take place at the venue for the three races hosted by Newbury Velo.
19 May: Reading Lightweight Ride
One for the steelie riders. A relaxed vintage ride without the rigours of L’eroica rules. We’ll probably set off from the clocktower and pedal to the start in These. Sign up in Spond.
17 - 20 May: King Alfred’s Way Tour
A wonderful tour over 4 days, setting off from Reading. King Alfred’s Way is an off-road adventure route through 10,000 years of history, connecting some of England’s most iconic sites. Despite being easily accessible from cities in the south of England, you’ll feel like you’ve escaped the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Think white horses on chalk hillsides and open-wide views across rolling waves of countryside. Details to follow and sign up on Spond.
20 May: Newbury Velo 10 mile club Championship TT H10/3R
The club event off the year, our Club Championships TT, open to all, check out the TT page to enter.
23 May: Summer Cyclocross Series #1
CX race 1 hosted by Newbury Velo. The first evening cyclocross event in the series. Six weeks of Summer Cyclocross fun twisting parkland courses accessible to all. MTBs, gravel bikes, and cyclocross bikes are welcome and encouraged for new riders. Newbury Velo and Sprockets will each host three of the series, with Newbury Velo at Goldwell Park and Sprockets at Dinton Pastures. You don’t need to enter every race to take part; find out more and how to enter here.
27 May: Bank Holiday 25 Mile TT H25/3C
Pit your self against the clock over this great 25 mile TT course, open to all, check out the TT page to enter.
28 May: Summer Cyclocross Series #2
CX race 2 hosted by Sprockets. Dinton Pastures; details here.
31 May: Monthly Social
Monthly Social - Off-the-bike socialising, in town at a local watering hole. More information to follow in Spond.
June
5 June: Introduction to Gravel Riding (TBC).
Join a small group of members on a glorious gravel ride and learn more about riding on the loose stuff. Get the most out of riding safely in a group off-road.
6 June: Summer Cyclocross Series #3
CX race 3 hosted by Newbury Velo. Goldwell Park; details here.
7 - 9th June: Summer Mystery Tour
Come back to find out more nearer the time.
11 June: Summer Cyclocross Series #4
CX race 4 hosted by Sprockets. Dinton Pastures; details here.
20 June: Summer Cyclocross Series #5
CX race 5 hosted by Newbury Velo - Goldwell Park. Details here.
24 June: Monday Evening 25 mile TT HCC/247
What’s better than to start the week with a blistering 25 mile TT, open to all, check out the TT page to enter.
25 June: Summer Cyclocross Series #6
CX race 6 hosted by Sprockets Cycling Club - Dinton Pastures Wokingham; details here.
28 June: Monthly Social
Monthly Social - Off-the-bike socialising, in town at a local watering hole. More information to follow in Spond.222
29 June: The Regain Sports Cycling Challenge 2024 - Thruxton racing circuit.
This all-inclusive cycling challenge is open to people of all ages and abilities. The racetrack is long (2.4 miles) and wide, so it's perfect for everyone! More details and sign up here.
30 June: Introduction to Group Riding (TBC).
Riding in a group can be a daunting prospect to the uninitiated, but it is the heartbeat of many cycling clubs, including Newbury Velo. Our experienced ride leaders will take a small group out on the beautiful lanes around Inkpen. Starting and finishing at the Honesty Cafe and the Crown and Garter. Get the most out of riding in a group safely.
30 June: Thatcham's Family Fun Day
An annual event held on the final Sunday in June at Henwick Sports Ground, Thatcham. Traditionally, we'll have our gazebo up and offer prospective members the opportunity to get to know the club.
July
8 July: Monday Evening 10 Mile TT, Two’s Company!
All welcome, but why not ride with a pal, 2-UP? This TT is open to all, check out the TT page to enter.
12 - 25 July: Kit shop open
Our Kalas Club kit shop order window is open! Order here using login code detailed on the members page.
14 July: Isle of White ride
Come and circumnavigate the Isle of White. This is a great ride. Travel to Southampton by car and get the ferry over on the morning of the ride, or alternatively, some members ride down the day before and stay in a Premier Inn. Either way, this is one to take advantage of. Sign up on Spond.
20 July: Monday Evening 10 mile TT - Steel is Really! H10/3
This TT is open to all, but if you have a steel bike of some kind, some along and ride in vintage style. check out the TT page to enter.
26th July: Monthly Social
Monthly Social - Off-the-bike socialising, in town at a local watering hole. More information to follow in Spond.
27th July: Family shopping spree by bike!
Dust off that old shopping bike, or strap a basket to what you have, details to follow about this fun day in town.
August
Date TBC August: Annual Club BBQ
The summer social is not to be missed. We’ll have the tandems out again and a modest bike jumble opportunity. Bring the whole family and join in the fun.
5 August: Monday Evening 10 mile TT - La Vie en Rose H10/3R
This TT is open to all, but if you some Pink kit, or indeed pink clothing of any kind this is the TT to wear it! Check out the TT page to enter.
19 August: Monday Evening 10 mile TT - Grand Prix de l’Amour (2-ups Welcome) H10/3R
This TT is open to all, but if you have a pal, lets spread the love and ride in pairs! check out the TT page to enter.30 August: Monthly Social
Monthly Social - Off-the-bike socialising, in town at a local watering hole. More information to follow in Spond.
September
2 September: Monday Evening 10 mile TT - Junior Special H10/3A
This TT is open to all, but if you are a junior rider, there are social prizes to be won. Check out the TT page to enter.
8 September: National Youth Championship for the GHS Trophy.
We are hosting this national Youth Championship, and we need club members to help put this on. Please contact Rachael Elliott to find out how you can help.
8 September: Introduction to Group Riding (TBC).
Riding in a group can be a daunting prospect to the uninitiated, but it is the heartbeat of many cycling clubs, including Newbury Velo. Our experienced ride leaders will take a small group out on the beautiful lanes around Inkpen. Starting and finishing at the Honesty Cafe at the Crown and Garter. Get the most out of riding in a group safely.14th to 15th - Autumn Mystery Route Tour.
16 September: Monday Evening 10 mile TT - The Finale! H10/3A
This TT is open to all, and is your last chance to get that elusive PB, the last evening TT of the season. Check out the TT page to enter.
23 - 26 September: Majorca goes pink
This trip is about club members intentionally coming together to ride on some fantastic roads and share social time on a beautiful (fingers crossed) sunny island. It’s not intended to be a training camp, although it can be if that’s what you want. Take your own bike or hire a bike, come for a week or just three days. Even though we will all be booking individually (or in small groups), we will look to arrange evening meals together; more details here.
29 September: Club Hill Climb - Walbury Hill.
This is a key fixture in our cycling calendar. Broom-wielding Velo Volunteers will be out in force the day before sweeping the route, ahead of riders pitting themselves against the clock and the mighty Walbury Hill.
14 - 27 September: Kit shop open
Our Kalas Club kit shop order window is open! Order here using login code detailed on the members page.
27 September: Monthly Social
Monthly Social - Off-the-bike socialising, in town at a local watering hole. More information to follow in Spond.
29 September: Walbury Hill Climb - HCC020A
We’ll sweep the roads so that you can speed up Walbury Hill unhindered. Open to all, check out the TT page to enter.
October
25 October: Monthly Social
Monthly Social - Off-the-bike socialising, in town at a local watering hole. More information to follow in Spond.
27 October: Newbury Velo Hosts Cyclocross
The Wessex League Cyclocross round will be at Kingsclere. Be sure to sign up and race. See newsletters and FaceBook for more details nearer the time. Signup link to follow.
November
TBC November: Christmas Social
Christmas evening meal, either late November or early December. More information to follow.
December
TBC December: Annual General Meeting
The AGM is a chance to discuss our performance and future plans, elect and engage with your committee, celebrate success, and build momentum for the year ahead. Newbury Velo’s AGMs are held at the end of each year. It is both our highest decision-making opportunity and when committee members are elected. Members are invited to stand for election and submit motions for debate and voting in line with our constitution. All motions will be subject to a process of scrutiny and possible amendment before the AGM. For queries or to submit motions, please email Helen, our club secretary.