Search site

Cycle Colchester

Sorry the Cycle Colchester website is a bit difficult to access, we are glad you found us!

Colchester Leisure World logo (large)

To keep up to date with what is happening in the Colchester cycling community....

Like us on Facebook at Cycle Colchester

Follow us on Twitter at cyclecol

Subscribe for Cycle Colchester Email updates by emailing cyclecolchester@gmail.com

Latest news

May 2013

pdf icon Tour Series Poster [4Mb] - Please have a look for more details on the Pearl Izumi Tour Series and put it up at your workplace, so that everyone can join in! 

The cycling season is finally here

Yes, it's finally happened! We have some lovely sunshine and friendly temperatures, just perfect to kick-start the cycling season. You don't even need to have somewhere to go in order to get on your bike: it's a pleasure to just be outside, enjoy some fresh air riding in the park, around your area or anywhere you like.

Also, there's loads of exciting things happening this month around cycling, culminating with the Tour Series on the 30th- and you could be part of it! Find out more below....

Pearl Izumi Tour series: BIG Colchester Cycle Ride- 30th May

This year the Colchester Tour Series brings you the chance to be a part of it by signing up to the Community Cycle Ride. This supervised ride is suitable for all ages and levels of ability, so you can come along and bring your family as well and the best thing about it - it is completely free!

The ride starts at 1pm, and will be approximately 2 miles, with a choice of starting from Tesco Highwoods or Hythe. You will be led by the CTC on a route into town, ending at 4pm on the High Street, under the elite race finish line!

Also, you will get an exclusive opportunity to meet and be photographed with one of the competing teams, so make sure you bring along your camera.

If you don't have your own bike, there will be bikes available at the event, so no excuses! Join this ride led by experienced ride leaders, where everyone is welcome. To avoid disappointment book early, as numbers are limited. To register, visit: http://www.ctc.org.uk/near-me/essex

The rides have been made possible by Colchester Borough Council and are being delivered by CTC, the national cycling charity.

Profile of a local cyclist

This month Mike White, CTC's ride leader shares with us his current projects with the CTC, including being a main ride leader in the BIG Colchester Cycle Ride, as well as some very ambitious and fascinating plans for the future: 'I want to do the End to End, I figured if I can do that in ten days (around 1000 miles), then I will be confident doing the Canadian [...]' Full article here

Fancy a bit of modelling?

Cycle Colchester is working with Culver Square in the town centre to put on a bike fashion show as part of their ECOmunity event on the 22nd June. We want to show that cycling is fun, cool and that you can look fantastic on a bike! We need models from all age ranges and will have four categories: business, street, party and vintage. It's going to be great fun so if you would like to be involved please get in contact, email cyclecolchester@gmail.com

Rewards for volunteers

Cycle Colchester is planning to be at a number of events over the summer to chat to people about cycling and encourage them to cycle more. Our stall usually offers a Dr Bike service, plus lots of local information and the opportunity to make a cycle related pledge. If you love cycling and enjoy talking to people, then what about volunteering to help out for a few hours at some of the events? We are also developing a reward system as a thank you for the hard work that volunteers put in. If you would like to find out more about volunteering please email cyclecolchester@gmail.com

Infrastructure updates

Wivenhoe to University, Colchester Road

-being provided as part of the new parking recently completed at the University

-likely to consist of a shared use path on the west side of Colchester Road from the Fire Station to Boundary Road

-design is underway and negotiations with landowners have begun

-may take a while to deliver if compulsory purchase of the land to widen the footway is necessary

Bridge and links from Castle Park to Leisure World and Riverside development

-being provided as part of the new housing riverside development on Cowdray Avenue

-design being finalised and work due to start shortly

-links from the bridge into Leisure World being installed as part of the Leisure World refurbishment

-the riverside development's paths linking to the new bridge should be open soon

- will allow those travelling towards town from National Cycle Route 1 (NCR1) on the north side of Cowdray Avenue better access to the town, and those in the town better access to Leisure World, as well as NCR1

Ipswich Road from Severalls Lane to Betts and Severalls Lane from Ipswich Road to Princess Drive

-being provided as part of the Betts development

-shared use of paths is proposed using existing footways as well as a toucan crossing in Ipswich Road.

-awaiting the start of the development before this work can commence

The Moors to Brook Street

-new route linking NCN 51

-currently being constructed as part of the residential development in Brook Street

-route will eventually join the east-west route proposed linking to the town centre at Colchester Station

Layer Road - Gladwin Road to Boadicea Way

-route being provided as part of the Tesco and football ground developments and will use the existing footways converted to a shared use path

-football ground development is currently under construction and therefore its contribution payment should be imminent, if not already paid.

-Tesco's contribution relies on them starting their Butt Road proposal, which is yet to happen.

Tour de Tendring 19th May

Cycle on one of the three circular routes available around the beautiful district of Tendring, along quiet roads with low hills and views to the sea. You can choose between a 6, 20 or 60 miles ride, depending on your preference.

All rides start and finish in Dovercourt and rejoin in Great Oakley, where you can unwind with refreshments, entertainment and a swimming pool! Also, the Sparks Will Fly Festival offers interactive games and sports on-site, perfect to enjoy with family and friends.

Click here for the full details and if you wish to book a place.

Regular events

If we haven't yet convinced you to get cycling this month, then perhaps we can tempt you with Chapeau's Alleycat, taking place on the 11th May (second Saturday of the month, as usual). Check their Facebook page here.

Alternatively, you can choose from the events Colchester Rovers are running:

-with the time trial season having started, evening 10's will run alternatively between Langham and Little Bentley. Please note that you have to be over 12 of age and of a reasonable level of fitness. Check out the list of events here or for more info go here

-grass track racing starts 18:30 (arrive 18:00 for signing on) 13th May, every Monday except bank holidays until August at Shrub End Sports Centre, Boadicea Way. Suitable for all abilities under 16, you can ride your own bike or use one of the club's track bikes. There will be a Go-Race series as part of this aimed specifically at novice riders.