Join Cheltenham CTC

Cheltenham CTC is a friendly, relaxed cycling club based in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, for riders of all abilities. We are a social and touring club, not a racing club, and we welcome all comers. This page covers what it costs, how our three trial rides work, how to choose a group and what to expect on your first ride. You can read more about the club on our about page.

What it costs

  • Club fee: none. Cheltenham CTC doesn't charge a separate club fee.
  • Cycling UK membership: from £4.14 a month for an adult, and includes ride insurance. You need it to join the club, and you can read how to join in Joining Cycling UK below.
  • Trial rides: your first three rides with us are free, before you join. See Your first three rides below.

Your first three rides

We are happy for prospective members to ride up to three rides with us before they join. To try a ride, check the rides page for what's on, then get in touch. Who to contact explains how.

Membership is required to ride with us once your trial rides are over.

Choosing a group

Depending on numbers, a ride may run as three or more groups according to ability. Our groups are A, B and C, each with an average speed range:

  • A ride: averaging 12-17 mph
  • B ride: averaging 12-14 mph
  • C ride: averaging 10-13 mph

The ranges overlap, so if you fall between two groups, either one may suit you. If you're new to group riding, start with the group that matches your usual average speed, and choose a shorter ride while you get used to riding in company.

The speeds are a guide only. They don't include time spent stopped for elevenses or lunch. For the full table of ride types, distances and speeds, see ride types and speeds in our ride guidance.

Start times and destinations are on the rides page, and you can also see dates on the rides calendar. Check the start time before you set out.

What to bring

Most riders bring a few essentials, and we'd suggest you do the same:

  • A safe, roadworthy bicycle. You'll need one to start out (see riding safely in a group).
  • A helmet, which we'd suggest you wear.
  • A pump, a spare inner tube and a puncture repair kit.
  • Water and some food for the ride.
  • A waterproof jacket, as the weather in Gloucestershire can change quickly.
  • A charged phone, with an ICE (In Case of Emergency) contact set up.

Lights and high-visibility clothing are useful in the darker months and on evening rides.

Where we meet

Most rides start from the Ice Cream Hut (ICH) on Central Cross Drive, Pittville Park, Cheltenham GL52 2DX. Open the meeting point in Google Maps.

The exception is our cafe meet-ups, where riders make their own way to the cafe.

Last-minute changes, including cancellations due to the weather, are posted in our members' WhatsApp community and Facebook Group.

What happens on a first ride

We'd suggest arriving a little before the start time, so you have time to say hello and find the ride leader.

Let the ride leader know it's your first ride, so they can look out for you.

Most riders stay with their group, and you can always tell the ride leader if you'd like a rest or want to ride at a different pace.

Rides are a social occasion, and most riders chat as they go.

Joining Cycling UK

Cheltenham CTC is affiliated to Cycling UK, and you join the club by becoming a Cycling UK member. You can join Cycling UK here. For what membership costs, see What it costs above.

Once you've joined

Once you've joined Cycling UK, let us know your Cycling UK membership number. Cycling UK doesn't share member details with us, for data protection reasons, so you'll need to tell us directly. You can do this using the details under Who to contact. You'll then:

  • Be able to join any of our club rides
  • Get invites to our regular social events
  • Receive our club newsletters, sent out at minimum every quarter, with invites to social events, upcoming special rides and other club news
  • Be able to join our WhatsApp Community and/or our Facebook Group

All this information will be sent to you by one of the club committee.

Who to contact before a first ride

Before your first ride, or once you've joined Cycling UK, get in touch through the contact form on our homepage, or email secretary@cheltenhamctc.org. We'll put you in touch with the ride leader, so you're well looked after.