More about Eden Valley CTC
Welcome to The Eden Valley Cumbria Group of the CTC which caters primarily for cyclists in northern Cumbria, encompassing Kirkby Stephen, Appleby, Penrith, Carlisle, Kendal, Keswick and Cockermouth. Our well established (since 1996), successful and steadily expanding group presently has over 80 members (both male and female!). With both longer and shorter rides every Wednesday and Sunday starting from various locations, that's more than 100 possible rides a year!
Our leaders put on normal and moderate rides largely on scenic routes and quiet lanes, varying in length, hilliness and pace. Normal rides are 50 to 70 miles in the summer (plus our annual 100 miler), but less in winter with an average riding speed of 12 to 13mph, whilst moderate rides are about 35 miles with an average of 10 to 11 mph. Most rides have elevenses and lunch at designated cafés enabling cyclists to ride directly there to shorten or lengthen their day. We also have a small but expanding core of off-road cyclists and rides. For an overview, please browse the quarterly Runs List on this website or available from our secretary. Note there is a useful list of Cafés.
Each year we organise a week long stay based in self-catering chalets at which nearly half the group attend – so we must be doing something right! The group has enjoyed great cycling in destinations such as Dumfries & Galloway, North York Moors, Northumberland and Trough of Bowland. A smaller contingent has established an annual off-road moving on tour normally in Scotland. Members have also toured extensively in the UK and overseas, independently or with CTC tours.
We have hosted three Tri Vet events at which riders from countrywide enjoyed 100 miles of Cumbrian lanes. Members regularly attend the CTC York rally and Birthday rides. Several give financial and practical help to the Eden Cycling Campaign group and Cycle Carlisle and we also interface with other organisations such as Sustrans and the YHA.
A sizeable group are keenly interested in sportive and audax riding.
If you would like to experience what our successful and convivial member group has to offer, we very much look forward to meeting you on one of our rides. Please make contact initially with the secretary (see contact page) or the person shown on the Runs List as leading your chosen ride.