Cycling every week from Aldridge, Pelsall or Bloxwich

Walsall Area CTC is a member group of 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 up to 70 miles in the summer. 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! Membership is only required after your first three rides, however, after that is is required for insurance purposes. To join:http://www.cyclinguk.org/

Who is 'Wheel We Make It' (WWMI)? They are our sister group who specialise in family orientated and easier rides. All of their riders are CTC affiliated members and many also ride on Sunday's with Walsall Area CTC. WWMI also organise an 'easy road ride' alternative to our Sunday ride program, we also have great joint social nights . Riding with 'Wheel We Make It' is a great way to build up to the longer Sunday CTC rides.

Our history...
Walsall Area CTC (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. Until recently his twin sons Bob and Alan Oakley rode with us. From those early days the club has flourished and now offers a great program of Sunday and mid-week rides, starting from Aldridge, Pelsall or Bloxwich plus social events as well as friendship and advice. Our sister group 'Wheel we make it ' family group also organise a great program of shorter Saturday morning and mid week rides. Perfect to 'rescue the bike from the shed' or start cycling before moving onto the Sunday CTC rides. At Walsall Area CTC everyone is made welcome whether it is your first ride, or you are an experienced rider.

Why ride with a Cycling UK member 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. 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 CTC 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 Cycling UK member you will enjoy third party insurance in the event of a claim against you, also legal representation if you are involved in an accident where someone else is to blame and you need to make a claim, as well as receiving the informative magazine ' Cycle'. Ride with us and make friends for life!