Frequently asked questions
What we've tried to come up with is a list of questions we commonly get asked so as to try and bring new (and sometimes existing!) members up to speed on who we are, what we do, where we meet, and any other issues that crop up. If you think that there anything that should be added to this, please email me.
  • I've just come to Cambridge and want to road race. What do you offer?

    A lot. CUCC are a very strong road racing club and compete frequently in local, student and national events year-round. For more information see our racing page or get in touch with Tim Melville, our road racing secretary and racing captain.

  • OK, so when and were do you train?

    Group rides leave from Brookside at 13:30 on a tuesday, thursday and saturday. The fast ride tends to be the tuesday ride, with a more medium paced one on thursdays and a long one on saturdays. During lent term a chain gang leaves on tuesday evenings for a very up-tempo ride in the form of a team time trial. See our riding pages for more information and a guide to group riding which details CUCCs conventions and ground rules. As ever, the best way to be in the know is to keep a close eye on our mailing list.

  • Right, so road riding's not my thing, but I do want to race mountain bikes. What do you do?

    Despite the local terrain, there is a very strong group of mountain bikers within CUCC. We compete at a number of events from traditional XC races, to Enduro rides (winter and summer series at Thetford forest nearby, and others in Wales for example) to Trailquest (mountain bike orienteering) to 24hour team rides (Red Bull Mountain Mayhem, Shimano Sleepless in the Saddle). CUCC is represented at the BUSA student champs each year in XC and, when we can get riders, in downhill as well. We also have an annual race against the Dark Side (Oxford) mountain bike club.

  • Hmmm, I've ridden a lot but never really raced. Are 'beginners' catered for?

    Yes! Any riders wishing to race are appreciated, regardless of experience

  • Well, to be honest, racing isn't my thing, can I just go out and ride with someone for company locally?

    Yes, of couse. 'Just' going for a ride is fundamental to the sport. Going out, either on or off road, in the local area is very pleasant and a great way to keep fit. If you don't fancy the higher speeds of the road groups, our touring secretary Nicola Kerrison is the person to get in touch with. If you fancy a chilled out ride off road then email the list. With over 170 subscribers, there is always someone willing to go out riding!

  • OK, what I am interested in is going for epic off-road rides. Do you do this here?

    Yes, there will be mountain-biking trips away twice per term (one around week 3 and one around the end of term) organised by the mountain bike general sec. Bart Hallmark. The aim of these weekends is to go out riding in more challenging terrain than is offered in the local area and then chill out either over either tea and cakes or an ale or two in the evening...! Typical places we go are Snowdonia, Peak District and Yorkshire Dales. For more details, see the MTB trips section.

  • I like the sound of all this, but I'm worried I'm not fit enough

    That's always something that can be improved upon. If you're road riding, then it would be advisable to go out with the slower groups to start with until you can guage where you stand a little better. With the mountain bike rides, things are generally a little more relaxed and we'll wait for anyone who drops behind. If you plan on coming away on a weekend trip with us, I would advise (unless you're already an experienced rider) that you go out riding with us a few times first, again just so that you know what to expect!

  • Do you ever get together, out of lycra?

    We have been known to...! Every wednesday we meet up at the Free Press at 21:00 and there is generally a curry or two going on during the term. We also have the annual dinner, garden party and Varsity dinner. For more info look at our social information.

  • All this is cool. One snag, I have a valuable bike - how do I prevent it from being stolen?

    Cambridge is renowned for its bike crime, and our advice is to use it only for training or racing, not general riding about town. Even if it is locked up securely, it would come as no suprise if someone nicked your saddle/wheels/handlebars or just vandalised it. Have a look at our bikes in rooms for a college by college guide to keeping you bike in your room. Investing in a strong lock is always a good plan if you haven't done so already as is checking up on your insurance. You may be suprised that you may be able to get your bike covered by your parents existing house insurance policy (if you're an undergrad), and on your contents insurance (if you're a postgrad or undergrad in a house of no more than 3 people; the Prudential or Marks and Spencers contents insurance is good for this). If you're sharing a hostel then it is unlikely that any insurer other than Endsleigh will touch you for anything let alone a bike. In these circumstances your only option may be through people like the CTC.


    If there is something you want to know that is not covered here, then please don't hesitate to get in touch with a member of the committee.