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Come and ride with us!
CTC Cambridge welcomes new riders of all ages and abilities, who are looking for social, non-competitive cycling in the local countryside. Whether you are new to cycling, returning to it after a break or already a regular cyclist, we have a range of rides to suit different levels of experience and fitness. CTC Cambridge is a local group of Cycling UK, the national cycling charity.
Our Saturday morning social rides are a good starting point, usually covering about 40-50 km25-30 miles at a leisurely pace. Our Thursday rides are longer (approx. 95-115 km60-70 miles) and a little faster, and there are also Sunday rides at a similar pace to Thursdays but usually a little shorter (approx. 80-95 km50-60 miles).
We are a friendly club and every ride includes a café and/or lunch stop, giving an opportunity to get to know people while refuelling.
See our rides list to see what's on. Some of our rides require booking but most do not.
Most of our rides start from Brookside, just south of Cambridge City Centre. We also have rides that start from Great Shelford and from Haslingfield, just south of Cambridge. Occasionally our rides start from other places: check our rides list for details.
If you're not a member of Cycling UK you can try out up to three rides for free before joining the club.
We will ask you for your contact details (phone number/email address) either on the booking form (when booking is required), or at the start of the ride.
Why do we ask?
Providing your phone number will enable the leader to contact you with last minute changes and during the ride itself.
Providing your email address will allow the membership secretary to contact you after three rides to invite you to join.
Cycling with CTC Cambridge is an enjoyable way of keeping fit, making friends and exploring some of the country lanes, villages, cafes and pubs in the Cambridge area. Come and ride with us!
Any questions? See our FAQs, contact us, or ask the ride leader.
FAQs
What kind of bike do I need?
All types of bike in good working order are welcome, including e-bikes. We recommend mudguards to protect you and others. Make sure your tyres are pumped up.
What should I wear?
You can wear anything you feel comfortable in. While clothing designed specifically for cycling may be the most practical, it isn't essential. Layers are recommended and bring a rain jacket, in case the weather changes. Helmets are the choice of individual riders.
What should I bring?
You should bring some water, a phone, money or bank card for the café or lunch stop and for a taxi home in case of a complete breakdown, and tools to mend a puncture (puncture repair kit, spare tube, pump, and levers). If necessary, bring bike lights and/or sunscreen. Bring emergency contact details just in case and, if you are a Cycling UK member, bring your membership card. See the guidance for riders who are under the age of 18
What happens if the weather is bad on the day of the ride?
Rides usually go ahead even if it is wet, windy or cold, but occasionally it is necessary to cancel. Check the website before setting off, or contact the leader. If you have booked a place on a ride but decide not to go because of the weather, let the leader know.
What happens if I have a puncture or mechanical problem?
It is recommended that you bring tools to mend a puncture. Other members of the group will usually help fix it quickly but you should be able to do it yourself. While serious mechanical issues are rare, it may mean you have to take a train or taxi home.
What if I am slower than the rest of the group?
The leader will ensure you are not left behind and the group will wait for you at the next junction or top of a hill.
How much does it cost to join the club?
Check the Cycling UK website for latest pricing. Membership includes third-party insurance and legal advice, a bi-monthly magazine and a range of discounts at cycling and other retailers.
See our detailed riding guidelines for much more information about riding with us.
Our next rides
Please read our Guidance for riders. Booking is required for some rides.
Thursday 9th May: Offroad Thursday (leisurely plusThis ride is graded as "leisurely plus". These rides go at a slightly faster pace than our leisurely rides, averaging 18-19 kph.11-12 mph. More, approx 30 miles/48 km: mostly offroad) Meet at 9.15am at Brookside. Coffee is at Balsham, The Old Butchers Cafe. Booking not required. This is a new type of offroad ride. Tracks will be rough in places and may be muddy. Unsuitable for narrow racing tyres; suitable for a touring bike, hybrid or mountain bike. Long-sleeves may be useful. Leader: Yasmin.
Thursday 9th May: Midweek ride - southern (moderateThis ride is graded as "moderate". These rides go at a steady touring pace, averaging 19-22 kph). 12-14 mph). More, approx 65 miles/105 km) Meet at 9.30am at Great Shelford, Square and Compasses. Coffee is at Balsham, The Old Butchers Cafe. Lunch is at Clare, Platform One Cafe. Booking not required. Leader: Edward Elmer (07814 674602).
Saturday 11th May: Saturday social booked ride (leisurelyThis ride is graded as "leisurely". These rides are suitable for anyone who can ride a bike and enjoys fairly gentle exercise. The pace usually averages 16-18 kph.10-11 mph. More, approx 30 miles/48 km) Meet at 10.00am at Brookside. Coffee is at Wimpole Hall, The Old Rectory Restaurant. Booking essential. We plan to use an off-road track for part of the route. Leader: John Seton (07447 010628).
Sunday 12th May: Sunday light day ride (moderateThis ride is graded as "moderate". These rides go at a steady touring pace, averaging 19-22 kph). 12-14 mph). More, approx 55 miles/89 km) Meet at 9.30am at Brookside. Coffee is at Stradishall, Cafe 33. Booking not required. Leader: David Secher (07989 380148).
Sunday 12th May: Sunday afternoon ride (moderateThis ride is graded as "moderate". These rides go at a steady touring pace, averaging 19-22 kph). 12-14 mph). More, approx 44 miles/71 km) Meet at 1.00pm at Brookside. Tea is at 3.00pm at Ashdon, Village Museum (cash only). Booking not required. Leader: John Seton (07447 010628).
Tuesday 14th May: Midweek coffee meeting Meet for coffee at 11.00am at Melbourn, The Hub. This is a monthly club social event. There are no led rides - just make your own way to coffee and meet up for a chat. There's usually the option to join with others for an ad-hoc ride on the way home.
Thursday 16th May: Midweek ride - city (moderateThis ride is graded as "moderate". These rides go at a steady touring pace, averaging 19-22 kph). 12-14 mph). More, approx 65 miles/105 km) Meet at 9.15am at Brookside. Coffee is at Barkway, La Vita coffee shop. Lunch is at Stansted Mountfitchet, Yeoman's Cafe. Leader: Leader Needed.
Thursday 16th May: Midweek ride - southern (moderateThis ride is graded as "moderate". These rides go at a steady touring pace, averaging 19-22 kph). 12-14 mph). More, approx 65 miles/105 km) Meet at 9.30am at Haslingfield Green. Coffee is at St Neots, Ambience Cafe, Riverside Park. Lunch is at Perry, Harbour View Restaurant. Booking not required. Leader: Sharon Jackson (07969 412967).
Latest ride reports
2 May: Ride to Rushden and Much Hadham
Greg writes: As Greg sat at the bus-stop (don't worry: no public
transport users were inconvenienced since there's no public transport
hereabouts) he espied the approaching riders. Was it T.E. Lawrence
emerging... (full report)
7 Mar: Ride to Stradishall
So it began again, much like the previous one had left off, in chaos,
notes Greg.
Yes, our last village ride was three weeks ago, when Greg had led the
troops gloriously into battle.. We had five punctures... (full report)