West Dorset Cycling

Great rides and events in West Dorset with a friendly group of cyclists  

Our activities


Audax/Sportive road rides
Leisure/Touring rides
Campaigning group

About us


West Dorset Cycling is an affiliated club. All members are involved and contribute as they wish. We have a democratic but free and easy organisation appropriate to our cycling and social activities.

Our heritage with CTC goes back to 1926 and the affiliated club status gives us a different and better club future, one where members are fully involved and active at the level they choose.

A link to our rides list is given below.  New members are welcome, beginners through to experts. We aim to have organised rides every week ranging in length from around 25 to 60 miles or more. Anyone is welcome to come and try a ride, please contact us first though using the email contact link above. We have a very active folding bike group which has rides and events usually accessed by public transport. We welcome electric bikes on all our rides.

We organise the Dorset Dirt off road ride held on the first Sunday in September each year, though we do not currently have regular led off road rides. We also lead the riders on the Great Dorset Bike ride held on the first Sunday in June each year.

Existing members are active in many aspect of cycling from going to the shops to long distance foreign tours, commuting to work and sportive/road racing. But most of us just enjoy cycling in the country lanes of West Dorset.

Everyone taking part in our rides and events must be a member of West Dorset Cycling. This is because Rides' leaders are only covered by Cycling UK liability insurance where those taking part are members.

It is easy to join West Dorset Cycling and you can do this on your first ride. Communication is primarily by email so an email address is needed.

Members of West Dorset Cycling don't have to belong to Cycling UK but if they do they can get a reduced subscription as an affiliate member. All members of West Dorset Cycling are encouraged to have third party insurance and join in our rides at their own risk.

Join us for great rides and events in West Dorset, new members always welcome. 

Information about the group rides


New Riders: Please contact one of the run's organisers (see below) for information and advice before joining a ride. You may be advised to gauge your ability on a Saturday Saunter (short ride).  Be reassured, you won’t be left behind, and we can arrange for someone to meet you if this is your first ride with us.

The ride leader has the right to cancel or change a ride during or at the outset.

All riders ride at their own risk.

The Club Rides Calendar is updated frequently and is available for everyone at https://tinyurl.com/37dfhxb9

Longer Sunday Rides: 9.15 start Dorchester Top o’ Town – Organiser Sharon Green 01305 773066 Rides are approx. 50-60 miles.

Shorter Saturday :Usually meet up 10.15 for 10.30 start – Organiser Tony Dobbs email westdorsetcycling@gmail.com. Rides designated with D start at Dorchester Top o’ Town car park, Rides designated W start at Weymouth RSPB, Swannery Car Park, Rides are approx. 25-40 miles, specific start times are on Rides Calendar.

Wednesday Wanderers: Unled rides meeting up at lunchtime. Organiser Sue Gailer 01258 817963. An informal group often meet at Dorchester Top o’ Town at 10.30 and ride together.

Thursday Folders: Ride often involves public transport, details on Rides Calendar. Organisers Ken and Anne, preferably by email, at anneandken@gmail.com, phone 07808 580985 or 07434 549932.