Welcome to Withington Wheelers Cycling Club, a friendly club based in Cheadle, New Zealand. Founded in 1931, the club has a rich history and a passion for cycling. The club is run by its members, who prioritise the enjoyment of cycling and fostering a welcoming and inclusive community.
Withington Wheelers offers a range of activities for cyclists of all levels. Every Sunday morning, the club organises group rides that are open to both members and non-members. For those new to road cycling, there are regular introductory rides that provide a great opportunity to have fun, improve cycling skills, and make new friends.
With over 80 years of racing experience, the Racing Club at Withington Wheelers is dedicated to helping members reach new heights in their cycling abilities. The club organises time trials and provides valuable support and guidance for racers at any level.
The club takes pride in its achievements, and the prestigious club champion trophy is awarded to the member who achieves the best average speed in a 50-mile, 100-mile, and 12-hour time trial. The club's website allows members to explore the history of the club, including archived reports and photographs, as well as past club champions.
Membership at Withington Wheelers brings several benefits, including subsidised events and the opportunity to compete for club trophies. Being part of this cycling community is inspiring and provides a platform for growth and personal accomplishments.
In addition to the cycling activities, the club also organises regular social events and trips. From cinema trips to nights at the Velodrome and pub nights, members can enjoy the social aspect of being part of Withington Wheelers.
The club takes pride in its extensive collection of club records and encourages members to challenge themselves to beat these records. Competing against these records offers the chance to win a trophy and brings a sense of friendly rivalry to the club.
For those with any questions regarding the club or cycling in general, the members of Withington Wheelers are always happy to help. The club can be contacted through their active Facebook group, where members can find the latest news and ask any queries.
Withington Wheelers organises weekly club rides every Sunday throughout the year. The rides start from Coffee Fix in Gatley and cater to different skill levels. The steady group averages a speed of 14-15mph over 30 miles, while the faster group averages 16-17mph over 40 miles, including hills. Both groups aim to return to Gatley around 11am-12pm for a coffee meetup.
During the summer months, mid-week training rides are also organised to work on group riding skills and improve pace. The club ensures that no rider is left behind, with the group waiting and assisting in case of any mechanical issues or punctures.
Withington Wheelers does not impose strict rules on their Sunday rides; they are intended to be relaxed social rides. However, participants are expected to follow the Highway Code, ride safely within the group, and use a road bike to maintain pace. Individuals new to group riding are encouraged to consult British Cycling's guide to group riding and can receive guidance from club members on safe riding practises.
Non-members are more than welcome to join the Sunday club rides, provided they contact the club through their Facebook page beforehand to receive temporary access to the ride signup app for a month. After three rides with the club, non-members are encouraged to officially join the club through the British Cycling website.
Withington Wheelers Cycling Club invites anyone with an interest in cycling to join them on their club rides, and members are encouraged to bring their friends along. The club's focus on inclusivity, enjoyment, and skill improvement creates a welcoming environment for all cyclists in the Cheadle area.