Walsall Area Cycling

Walsall Area Cycling is affiliated to Cycling UK the cyclists champion, which offers a range of easy to middle paced leisure bike rides, starting from Aldridge, Pelsall and Bloxwich. Rides head out into rural Staffordshire, Shropshire, South Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Warwickshire with the occasional unusual ride using towpaths and easy off-road routes. Rides are always easily achievable for ordinary leisure cyclists with typical speeds between 12 - 13 mph and distances from 35 miles in the winter to over 70 miles in the summer, there is usually a 100 miler! There are also half day easy 'Taster Rides' Our rides are primarily for socialising and fitness with morning and afternoon coffee stops and a lunch usually at a pub in the country. For those who do not wish to be out all day there is often a half day ride option. The format of the day is to meet at the designated start point, we will ride (normally in two groups depending on ability) to the morning coffee stop, after coffee we ride on to the lunch stop and there is usually an afternoon tea (and cake!) stop. Everyone is made welcome, nobody is left behind, rides are free, all you need to do is turn up at the start point, introduce yourself to the ride leader and enjoy!

Our history...
Walsall Area Cycling (formerly CTC Walsall) has a rich history going back to 1920 when a breakaway group of CTC cyclists rode from Walsall to a pub at Stretton west of Cannock for a lunch and decided to to form their own CTC 'Section' as they were called then. One of those early members was Bill Oakley who wrote many books and articles on cycle touring as well as being a regular broadcaster. Bill went on to become president of the CTC. In April 2017 we became an Affiliate Group of the CTC (now called Cycling UK) offering members the chance to pay just £2 per year to ride with us, however members will have the choice of paying Cycling UK for 3rd party insurance in the event of them having a claim made against them. At Walsall Area Cycling everyone is made welcome whether iit is your first ride, or you are an experienced rider.

Why ride with a Cycling UK affiliated group?
We all know why we like to cycle - health, fitness, sense of wellbeing, convenience, low cost travel, no parking charges, no taxes etc. When incorporated into your lifestyle it ticks all the boxes. But why ride with a Cycling UK group? Well riding with a group of friends is just a great experience, you will feel part of a group, learn routes and visit places you did not know about. You can enjoy events that challenge you a little more such as an Audax or Sportive. You will have support in the event of a puncture or breakdown and benefit from the knowledge of others regarding bike maintenance. It is also safer to ride in a group as you are more visible to drivers. Walsall Area Cycling also hold social events such as a Christmas dinner, midweek rides out for a drink and food, even a mid summer off road 'Curry Run'. As well as social events walking and camping weekends are organised. As a member of a Cycling UK affiliated group, you will also have the opportunity to purchase 3rd party insurance in the event of a claim being made against you.