Essex CTC and Cycling UK

Essex CTC is part of Cycling UK (formerly Cyclists’ Touring Club), the national cycling charity, catering for more than 70,000 members nationwide, and 1,600 across Essex. The Essex CTC Member Group has four subsidiary Member Groups, or “sections”: Chelmsford City (Informal), Colchester (Informal), Havering, and Southeast Essex (Informal).

Coronavirus update 15 September 2020

Following the steady relaxation of government rules the Essex CTC decided to stop the organisation of Sunday rides on an informal basis and reintroduce runs lists with named destinations as practiced before the lock-down. These are published on this website under each Member Group.

The Government’s ‘Rule of 6’ announcement of 12 September has no immediate implications for our ride activities except that all cyclists riding together must not form a group larger than 6 people. If more than 6 cyclists arrive at the start of a ride then two or more sub-groups must be formed each consisting of 6 or fewer riders. Caution must be practiced at the start and at cafes/pubs during the day to ensure that there is no mixing between the sub-groups.   

See: https://www.cyclinguk.org/news/what-does-covid-19-coronavirus-outbreak-mean-cycling

Further update from Cycling UK: https://www.cyclinguk.org/article/coronavirus-qa-it-safe-cycle

Join Us Cycling in Essex

Essex is a beautiful county. We know this because our type of cycling takes us away from congested towns and into the countryside unspoilt by the motor car. Our rides through the villages can be like a step back in time as we admire the rolling landscape, quaint thatched cottages and the sights and sounds of authentic rural England. The pace of life in the countryside is matched only by our own modest speed!

There’s a freedom and beauty about Essex that only cycling can do justice. Some of us ride with Cycling UK because of the companionship, some for the scenery. Together we enjoy the fantastic bonus that this unstressed exercise really does keep us fit.

Cycling has so much to offer. Quite apart from the fitness and environmental benefits, more than anything cycling is fun. There’s a satisfaction about reaching a destination under your own power. It’s even better when riding with like minded companions while admiring lovely scenery along quiet country lanes.

In this car dominated era, the Essex CTC can show you why the bicycle can still be king. And you don’t need to be Bradley Wiggins to be able to join us. We go at our own moderate pace and we all stick together. We hope the advice based on reflections of experienced Cycling UK cyclists will encourage you to think about how we can motivate you to fresh air, fitness and fun.

About

Cycling UK provides its members with a range of services appropriate for modern day cycling such as third party insurance, legal advice and discounts on all kinds of cycling and general outdoor activities. The Club also campaigns for cycling issues both at local level and in discussion with government.

The Essex branch of Cycling UK originated as a CTC ‘District Association’ and was established in 1927. Since then the importance of cycling as a mode of travel has changed and our towns and cities are full of cars. But cycling is far from finished. In fact it’s a genuinely practical means of active travel as well as a fabulous leisure activity that is the perfect way of discovering the beauty of the Essex countryside.

We hope you will join us and share in our passion for cycling and together experience the joy it can bring to our lives.

Spotlight

The bi-monthly magazine of Essex CTC Member Group featuring articles and subsidiary group ride reports.

It is only £6 a year (including p&p) for 6 issues! Payment can be made by cheque (made payable to ‘Essex CTC Member Group’) or by bank transfer. Contact the Spotlight Distribution officer at spotlightsubscriptions@essexcycling.co.uk