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Founded c. 1970 as a merger between Camberley Wheelers and Farnborough Hants C.C. two prominent cycling clubs of the 50s and 60s. The club has continued to thrive and is an active club with around 80 members. Having some very experienced riders and coaches the club is very succesful in developing new and young riders in a challenging and enjoyable sport. |
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What can Farnborough & Camberley Cycling Club do for the keen cyclist?For a modest annual subscription, the club can provide access to all aspects of the sport and pastime of cycling. With around one hundred members, it offers a sociable and helpful atmosphere to the newcomer to club cycling, whether male or female and whatever age. Families are especially welcome. Subscriptions cover clubroom attendance, a regular magazine, participation in club time trials, and third party liability cover when engaged in club activities. Members under the age of 18 years must supply written parental consent for all activities with the club. There is a monthly clubnight on the first Friday evening of the month at All Saints Hall, Chapel Lane, Hawley (at the junction with Fernhill Road), from about 8.00 pm to 10.30 pm - come along for a cuppa and a chat! The club is affiliated to all the national bodies, covering most aspects of cycling, enabling members to participate in time-trialling, road and track racing, cyclo-cross, mountain biking. |
Social and Fitness Riding
Cycling is an ideal way to get fit! More enjoyable for most people than working away in a gym. Weekly Sunday club rides start from West Heath roundabout, Cove. In summer there are additional early runs for those who like to "get the miles in". Newcomers to club riding are recommended to start their riding with attendance on clubruns, which enables them to gain cycling fitness and to get to know their fellow members.
Young Riders |
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British Schools Cycling Association (BSCA) |
The club is affiliated to this body, and has had considerable success with young riders in the associations promotions, which enable members under the age of 16 years to race on closed circuits. |
"All Stars" Juvenile Group |
Under-16-year-olds are automatically members of this section dedicated to introducing children to cycling as a sport and pastime. Sessions are supervised, and the emphasis is on learning to ride safely while still having fun! Most riding, especially for the youngest members, takes place off-road. |
Racing | |
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| Time Trials | During the summer, weekly club 10-mile time trials are organised, on local courses. This is a popular route into competitive riding and an excellent cardiovascular workout! Members may, on completing the necessary entry forms, participate in association and open time trials. Chris Boardman was a keen timetriallist and often used them as training for his Olympic exploits. |
| Road Racing | Looking to emulate Lance Armstrong? As a start, membership of British Cycling (BC) and possession of a racing licence are necessary: both can be obtained within the club. The club is affiliated to the Surrey League, which is the largest and most active league in the country and provides a full programme of road races through the season. Safety helemets are compulsory. |
| Track Racing | GB has had superb Olympic results in recent years, with Bradley Wiggins and Chris Hoy current champions. This is possibly the most spectator friendly branch of the sport. Membership of British Cycling (BC) and possession of a racing licence are necessary, and membership to the Reading Track League, which meets each Monday (and also on Saturday mornings, for training and childrens races) at Palmer Park track, Reading. There are excellent facilities, and track bikes may be hired for a small fee. Safety helemets are compulsory. |
| Cyclo Cross | A branch of the sport that complements summer racing, as it runs during the coldest, wettest time of the year. If you enjoy runnning and cycling through mud this could be for you. Roger Hammond has used his skill and strength from cyclo-cross to compete internationally in the worlds toughest one day races |
Mountain Biking (MTB)
Many members are keen mountain bikers, either as pure off road riders or combined with road riding, especially in the winter months. Regular informal mountain bike runs are organised on Wednesday evenings during the summer.
Equipment and Clothing
Younger aspiring members should note that it is not necessary to have an expensive super-lightweight machine to enjoy or to perform well in the sport. Except within the supervised All-Stars group, what IS necessary is that riders are sufficiently aware of the law relating to cycling on the road. They should be able to control their machines so that they are not a danger to themselves or to other road users. Further, machines must be road-worthy and of a suitable size for the rider. Members are expected to be able to perform minor repairs and adjustments (e.g. mend punctures and tighten loose nuts and bolts), and so should carry at least a spare inner tube or puncture outfit, tyre levers, a basic spanner and a small screwdriver. With regard to clothing, this should be suitable for the prevailing weather conditions. Shorts can be worn in summer, but in colder weather training trousers or a tracksuit are best, with layers of thin clothing rather than one heavy sweater or jacket. Jeans are not recommended, as they can be uncomfortable when wet and take a long time to dry. The club has a good selection of quality clothing in club colours for sale at very competitive prices. Shoes should be cycling shoes or trainers. Whilst it is compulsory to wear a helmet for road and track racing, and many members also prefer to wear one when time-trialling, the club does not make it a condition of membership for members to wear helmets when engaged in social riding. It is left to the decision of the individual, or to the parent or guardian in the case of under-18s.