Ride a Bike

Starting Cycling?

Join us for a ride from the clock tower in Newbury to taste one of our group rides, or check out our calendar of events to find out when we will next be holding an introductory ride.

If you're looking for a relaxed, social ride at a leisurely pace, then a Sunday Mocha ride is for you! We will go at the pace of the slowest rider and never leave anyone behind. There will be a chance to get some refreshments at the end of the ride at the Pineapple café and meet up with other club members before heading back home.

If this is your first ride with Newbury Velo, don't hesitate to get in touch with us so that we know to expect you. Please browse our site and look at the details for new members. Don't be put off by the 'How to ride in a group' video. Before setting off, we will show you basic group riding techniques suitable for your chosen ride.

If you are completely new to cycling or are returning to the sport after a long time away, it is worth considering your fitness levels. As with joining any sports club, a little preparation will pay dividends. Our weekend social rides start at the Mochaccino level, which lasts around two and a half hours at a speed of 11-13mph / 18-20kph. If you need conditioning to reach that level, please download the British Cycling Sofa to 50 km training schedule. This will give you a great head start and help prepare you for joining a cycling club.

Women’s Cycling

At Newbury Velo, we warmly welcome female members. A good proportion of the club’s members are female, and five of the club committee members are women.

We offer support to female members of all abilities. You might be competing at regional road or track events, taking on your first sportive, or riding 10 miles. Whatever your goal, we will help you achieve it.

Below are just some of the activities you have access to as a member:

– Time Trials

– Ladies-only rides

– Ladies-only mechanical and bike maintenance sessions.

British Cycling reached its seven-year plan to inspire 1 million more women to ride, race and be a part of the British cycling community by 2020. We are working with British Cycling to provide more opportunities for women and girls at all levels and get even more women riding. Contact our women’s lead, Lizzie, for more details.

On the Road…

Newbury Velo is a club for all types of road cyclists, including the experienced racer, the novice looking for an introduction to competitive cycling and those who enjoy riding their bike.

Racing

Perhaps you’re wondering whether to try racing? If you are new to cycle racing, we can help introduce you to this exciting sport with advice and coaching support.

In a road race, all the competitors start together, and the winner is the first rider to cross the finish line. Road racing is tactical, fast-paced and exciting, with riders making attacks and forming break-away groups as they attempt to outwit the other competitors. Team tactics play a big part in road racing, and a race will often finish in a dramatic bunch sprint.

Time Trialling

In a time trial, riders compete against the clock. Normally, a time trial is a solo competition, but some races are for teams of 2 or more riders. The winner is the fastest rider over a set distance or covers the greatest distance in a fixed time. The most popular time trial distance is 10 miles.

You do not need any special equipment to participate in a time trial. Newbury Velo runs TT events. Riders of all abilities participate, which is an ideal introduction to time trialling. Find out more details below.

Non Competitive Road Events

Club members participate in long-distance Audax and Sportive events across the South-East and further afield, sometimes into Europe and beyond.

Off the Road

Newbury Velo has some great off-road riding areas nearby that are suitable for Gravel and MTB. We also travel further afield to places like Swinley Forest near Bracknell.

The Club tries to run as many off-road rides as possible, but we could do with more off-road ride leaders. Off-road rides are organised through the Club Spond App. You will need a membership to access this information. Non-member riders are not covered by club insurance. They may be held personally liable for any injury or damage they may cause, so you’ll need to join to come off-roading with us.