Return to Cycling (RTC)

Return To Cycling (RTC)

Did you use to ride with the children when they were young? Perhaps you cycled to work or used to ride a bike when you were at college.

Many of us "used" to cycle at sometime in our lives and most enjoyed that time. However, time passes, traffic gets worse and the incentive to ride a bike is lost.

It can be intimidating these days to ride on the road network, so what better way to get that feeling again by riding with others to gain that confidence and build new friendships! Check out our Return to Cycling rides on the back cover, or if already a cyclist consider joining one of our many club rides!

It's Portsmouth CTC's centenary year, as a club we've been cycling for the last 100 years and building lifelong friendships.

We are one of several hundred groups which make up CyclingUK, the national cyclists' organisation with a membership of over 70,000. Formerly known as the Cyclists’ Touring Club (CTC), CyclingUK works to promote cycling and protect cyclists.

Portsmouth CTC (originally the Portsmouth District Association) was formed on May 8th, 1926. We remain, to this day, one of the largest and most active CyclingUK member groups.

Equipment

You will need a serviceable bike, but you don't need special cycle clothing as long as you are protected from the weather.

Bikes come in many shapes and forms, mountain bikes, gravel bikes, "racing" bikes, shopper bikes, as long as it is roadworthy and UK road legal they are welcomed on our rides.

Many of our members have ebikes, so you will not feel out of place riding yours, if you're lucky enough to have one.

Spares and tools can come in handy but you will be riding with experienced riders who carry spares and tools with them. It is however a good idea to carry an inner tube for your bike as others may not fit.

Clothing

With cycle clothing, as long as you are comfortable that is all you need. A cycle helmet is also a good idea and most club members do wear helmets.

Age

You might ask how old do you need to be to take part in our rides. Well, we don't cater for very young riders, but other than that there is no age barrier.

We tend to have more mature riders in our club, but welcome anyone. Younger riders may be suited to other clubs, especially if the intention is to race, as we are not a racing club.

There are approximately 200 members in our club, male and female who over the years have participated in many areas of cycling.

Club Rides

The rides we offer span different distances, terrain and speed. Initially they are open to anyone, for up to three rides, after that you need to join CyclingUK as they provide our insurance cover.

We offer everything from short social rides to local cafes, day rides at different speeds, cycle touring and long distance riding.

The rides being offered in the “Return to Cycling” series are a combination of off road, quiet roads and country lanes over different distances, with the intention of building confidence to allow you to join the other club rides that we offer.

Code Start Location Ride (Click link to book)
RTCMAY16A Gosport Saturday 16th May 2026

Eclipse Cycleway Loop

RTCMAY16B Chichester Chichester to West Dean
RTCJUN06 TBC
RTCJUN20A Portsmouth Gosport Loop
RTCJUN20B Chichester Chichester to Bosham
RTCJUL03 Portsmouth Portsea Loop
RTCJUL04 Portsmouth Anchorage Park to Southsea Seafront & Return
RTCAUG08 Portsmouth Follow the Lions
RTCAUG22 Portsmouth Hilsea Lido to Southsea Seafront & Return
RTCSEP05 Portsmouth Hilsea Lido to Emsworth Quay & Return

Enquiries: 07459 344022 or contact the ride leader by following the links above.