Get Back to Cycling: A 50km Journey

Newbury Velo Cycling Club, Newbury Road Club, and West Berkshire Spokes are joining forces to help you rediscover the joy of cycling. Whether you've taken a break for family commitments, work demands, or simply lost touch with the sport, we understand that getting back in the saddle can feel daunting.

That's why we've created a supportive program to help you return to cycling with confidence and guide you through a journey to riding from zero to 50km. Building your skills and stamina at a comfortable pace. The program culminates in achieving an exciting milestone: completing a 50km ride.

This initiative welcomes riders of all ages and backgrounds. You'll benefit from guidance from experienced cyclists, group support, and a structured approach that makes returning to cycling both achievable and enjoyable. You’ll develop proper techniques, build endurance gradually, and regain your cycling confidence.

Join our local cycling community and let us help you reconnect with the freedom and joy of riding. Together, we'll work towards your 50km goal while creating new friendships and lasting memories on two wheels, and when you are ready, you are welcome to join one of the three local clubs.

Start Your Cycling Journey

Finding Your Perfect Starting Point

Whether you're new to cycling or returning after a break, we understand that taking the first step can feel daunting. That's West Berkshire’s three local clubs are working together to support cyclists at every level of their journey. If you're just starting out or can ride up to 15km/9.5 miles, Newbury Road Club will guide your first pedal strokes. Once you're comfortable at this distance, either West Berkshire Spokes or Newbury Velo are ready to support your progression to longer rides. Once you are comfortable and confident, you are then free to join any of the three local clubs. To start from zero, please use the green button to email William Pitt at West Berkshire Spokes, who will help you with which club to visit first. Newbury Velo are a British Cycling Go-Ride club, which means we offer cycling opportunities for beginners of all ages, this includes some sun summer cycle-cross off road (grass) riding in May and June. We hold regular maintenance evenings throughout the year, as well as women only rides and maintenance evenings too.

Perfect First Rides

If you are already able to ride for an hour or two, then our Sunday afternoon ‘Cortado’ Rides are designed specifically for newcomers to group cycling, or the same speed Sunday morning ‘Mochaccino’ rides offer a great place to start. These relaxed 2-2.5, or 3-3.5 hour, respectively, social rides maintain a comfortable pace of 11-13 mph (18-20 kph), creating the perfect environment to build your confidence. We operate a strict no-drop policy, ensuring no one is ever left behind, and our experienced ride leaders make sure everyone feels welcome and supported throughout. To jump straight either f these two rides please use the pink button below to email Andy Hockedy, our Club participation lead.

Try a Taster Ride

The best way to experience our club is to join us for a taster ride, starting from Newbury Clock Tower. We regularly host introductory rides, including women's-only sessions, all designed to help you feel comfortable riding in a group. These rides typically conclude at the Pineapple Café, where you'll have the chance to meet other club members over refreshments and learn more about our cycling community.

Before Your First Ride

We recommend getting in touch before your first ride so we can properly welcome you and ensure you have the best possible experience. Our slower social rides typically last about two and a half hours at a steady pace of 11-13 mph, but don't let this intimidate you. Before setting off, you'll find our members incredibly supportive and encouraging. For those looking to build their fitness before joining, we recommend considering the joint club 0-50km initiative, or downloading British Cycling's Sofa to 50km training schedule, which provides excellent preparation guidance.

Getting Started is Easy

If you are completely new and want to start from zero, then contact William Pitt at West Berkshire Spokes, who will pass your details to the most appropriate club for you needs, if you can comfortably ride for around 20km, please contact Andy Hockey, our participation lead, who will link you up with a ride to suit your needs.

Club Activities

Women's Cycling at Newbury Velo:

We're proud of our strong female membership and leadership, with women making up a significant portion of our club, including five committee positions. Whether you're racing at regional events or tackling your first 10-mile ride, you'll find dedicated support and encouragement. We offer women-specific rides, mechanical workshops, and maintenance sessions throughout the year. Our women's lead, Lizzie, works closely with British Cycling to expand opportunities for women and girls at all levels.

Road Cycling:

Racing

Ready to test yourself in competition? Our experienced members will guide you through your first races, offering tactical advice and coaching support. Road racing offers exciting bunch sprints, tactical breakaways, and team dynamics - we'll help you master them all.

Time Trialling

Discover the "race of truth" where it's just you against the clock. Time trials offer a perfect introduction to competitive cycling, with our club hosting regular events. The classic 10-mile distance is ideal for beginners, and you don't need specialist equipment to start - just bring your regular road bike and enthusiasm.

Social & Endurance Events

Many of our members participate in Audax rides and Sportives across the UK and Europe. These non-competitive events offer great opportunities to build endurance and explore new routes in good company.

Off-Road Adventures

Our NVXC section caters to both beginners and experienced riders, offering:

• Local gravel and MTB routes

• Regular trips to premier venues like Swinley Forest

• Growing calendar of off-road events

• Dedicated off-road community

Please note: Off-road activities are organized through our Club Spond App and require club membership for insurance coverage.

Want to join our rides or learn more? [Contact Us Button] [Membership Info Button]

Leading rides interests you? We're always looking for enthusiastic off-road ride leaders to help grow our community.

Triathlon:

And of course triathlon involves cycling, so joining a club that has a triathlon section could be your window into a completely new sport. We have regular swimming sessions, with a British Triathlon qualified coach, and group of members who regularly run together too.