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New to Cycling?

Thinking about joining a cycling club  but still a bit unsure or new to cycling? At Welland Valley Cycling Club we strongly believe that cycling is for everyone, here is an inside guide on how we can help you grow as a cyclist.

#1 Guided Rides [All Abilities]

If you want to cycle more but aren’t quite sure how to go about it, then Guided Rides could be for you. These are sociable rides that will help to build your confidence on a bike and develop your bike handling skills. All you have to do is turn up with your bike and helmet and the ride leader does the rest – apart from the actual pedalling for you that is!

There are three different categories of ride, Easygoing, Steady or Challenging so even if you haven’t even ridden a bike before you’ll be welcome on one of these rides, no-one very gets left behind.

The rides are supported by British Cycling and led by a volunteer accredited by British Cycling. For more information and to sign-up for a by visit https://letsride.co.uk/guided-rides and type your location into “find a ride” box at the top of the webpage. You do not need to be a member of Welland Valley Cycling Club to join a Guided Ride

#2 Women-Only ‘Breeze Rides’ [All Abilities]

Women only rides for any woman who has a road worthy bike, even if you haven’t ridden a bike for years you’ll be welcome on one of these rides. They are graded as Easygoing, Steady or Challenging, so you can pick the ride that’s right for you.

Supported by British Cycling and led by a Breeze Champion, these rides are friendly and sociable. We chat as we ride and no-one ever gets left behind. All you need is a road-worthy bike and a helmet.

You can find more details and sign up to take part on the British Cycling website https://letsride.co.uk/breeze and type your location into “find a ride” box at the top of the webpage. You do not need to be a member of Welland Valley Cycling Club to take part in Breeze Rides

#3 ‘Mudlarks’ Off-Road Training [All Abilities]

WVCC Mudlarks sessions last for an hour and focus on off-road skills, techniques and fitness, as we move into the CX racing season. No experience required, open to all over the age of 12 just bring a CX or MTB bike, bottle of water, lights, helmet, gloves, enthusiasm and energy. It will help you develop your skills on an off road bike and it’s a great place for novice off-roaders to start.

Every Wednesday from late August to Christmas @ 7pm to 8pm on the grassy area between Harborough Leisure centre and the 5 a side pitches.

#4 Regular Club Rides [10mph+ for 25miles]

A little more experience or if Breeze and Guided rides have built up your fitness and love of cycling then you may want to consider joining one of the club runs. Welland Valley run four “no drop” club runs on Sunday mornings with different average speeds. Whilst experienced cyclists may join the brisk (or even the fast) group, new cyclists will probably want to start off with the leisure (very steady) group.

This group cycles around 40km (25 miles) at an average speed of around 18-20km per hour (10-12 mph). There’s always a ride leader who will have planned a route and makes sure no one gets left behind.

We meet on the Square in Market Harborough from 9am come rain or shine, ready to set of cycling at 9.15am. We ride for up to two and a half hours before ending up at the café in Welland Park for optional food, drink and stimulating conversation.

Newcomers are very welcome to join us for up to two free rides before joining the club to try them out – just make sure you wear a helmet.

#5 Special Events

It always pays to keep your eye on our website because here you’ll find information about special events for novice cyclists. It could be a basic skills session or a bike mechanics session or even an introduction to racing.