If you’re new to cycling or just returning it’s often difficult to work out what sort of rides will fit in with your experience, fitness and confidence. CTC North Hampshire offers a range of rides which, hopefully, will cater for all types of rider. These rides are open to all, although non-members are expected to join the CTC if they decide to ride regularly.

The web site gives details of when the rides take place, where they start and their general direction. There are rides for both on-road and off-road cyclists. Our web site’s photo gallery gives a good indication of the type of rides, the riders and the bikes that they use.

If you’d like to find out more please contact any of the ride coordinators.
Easy Paced Road Rides
Mid and Faster Paced Road Rides

Off-Road Rides

The off-road rides are usually on bridleways that can be quite rough, rutted, muddy or overgrown and, since this is Hampshire, there are hills. All of the off-road rides need a suitable off-road bike. Most riders have, as minimum, front suspension with knobbly tyres: road tyres with close fitting mudguards will quickly get clogged up. It is essential that food and drink, waterproofs, two spare inner tubes and a pump are carried. Off-road riding is more demanding than road riding. Stamina-wise assume each mile off-road is very roughly equivalent to two on the road; even more if it’s very muddy.

“Beginners Welcome” rides are suitable for anyone who is confident riding an off-road bike on a bridleway, going down and up gentle hills and using the full range of gears. These rides are particularly suitable if you have not ridden with us before. They will help you gauge your own stamina and bike control, and help you get a feel for our route standards. These rides are generally between 15 and 20 miles.

 Rides that are labelled “Not Suitable for Beginners” require a good level of fitness and proficiency in off-road riding. The bikes used are a mix of front and full suspension models. The riders are used to riding single track, rutted bridleways, drop-offs and steps. Riders also need to have enough stamina to cope with steep hills and rides of 20 to 40 miles lasting three to six hours. A good way to gauge your level is to try one of the harder mountain bike rides on the Test Valley or Hampshire County Council web sites.