The Horsley u3a cycling group is extremely popular and we have over 100 members. To maintain a sensible size for the group both to ensure the individual rides are not too large and to limit the amount of administration of the group we have decided at this time, 1/9/2025, to limit new membership to those that live in East and West Horsley. This limitation does not apply to experienced road riders who are welcome to join the Monday and Friday road rides group.

We have several different cycling events each week. See About Our Rides below for further details.

Also please read the Rules below to understand what you should do while cycling.

Also please read the Cycling Guide which gives more information on cycling rules and Etiquette

The Cycling group caters for all levels of riders alike. Members take it in turns to plan rides in advance, and ride details are circulated by SPOND app beforehand. Groups of riders go out on several days of the week, weather permitting, as we don't ride on very wet, windy, or frosty days! Some rides are easy while others are a more strenuous. However, all rides are at an enjoyable pace and usually include a halfway stop for coffee and cake.

Main Group riders meet on Tuesdays, usually at 9.30am, when they can choose between (usually) four or five alternative on-road or offroad routes, each for up to 9 riders. These ‘social’ rides are usually 15-25 miles long and last up to 4 hours including the obligatory coffee break.

Although rides normally start and finish locally, some start further afield. In the summer we also organise day trips – for example cycling the Shipwright’s Way to Portsmouth or the Downs Link route to Shoreham. In most years we also organise overseas cycling trips of a week or more.
If you have any questions about your bike or your level of fitness and which activity would best suit you, do contact one of the contacts listed and discuss it with them. All u3a riders must follow the rules under which we operate, set out on the Cycling webpage of the Horsley u3a website.

There is a group of intermediate riders who meet on Fridays for a 20-25 mile on-road ride with road or hybrid bikes, lasting up to 3 hours including coffee break.

A small sociable group of experienced cyclists who go for road rides, on drop handlebar road bikes, of typically 30 to 40 miles every Monday and Friday morning, Friday rides being generally slightly shorter and easier paced. All rides pause for coffee, and cake if wanted, at around the half way point. We are generally back in Horsley by 1pm to 1.30pm. Most rides have typically 3 to 8 participants. Most rides start from Horsley or Effingham, although occasionally we meet up for a ride a bit further away by driving to the start. We also occasionally head out for a longer day ride or participate in cycling events. Members take it in turns to plan rides in advance, and ride details are circulated by email and coordinated by the cycling organising App SPOND.  Riders with road E-bikes are welcome; several group members now use them.

Easyriders are cyclists who are returning to, or are new to cycling, who meet on Tuesdays with the main group.  Their rides, led by an experienced rider, cover gentler terrain and are 10-15 miles long with a coffee break.  If you have any questions about your bike or your level of fitness and which activity would best suit you, do contact us to discuss it.

For the last few years we have organised annual multiday trips, varying from cycling in Jordan, Puglia, Italy, cycling to Paris, back from Bristol, exploring the New Forest and historian led tours of WW1 and WW2 battlefields. 

Organisation of the Group is shared between Bob Spackman, Sue Reeve, Mark Blowers, Jan Dodgson (Easy Riders) and Kelvin Hayes (Experienced Road Riders).

• How to Join Us 

  You must be a member of Horsley U3A to become a member of the cycling group. See  Contact Us for further information. Why do you need to join the u3a? This will provide you with public liability insurance for anyone organising a cycling event and access to the full range of u3a activities and meetings. The annual fee is modest and good value. Either way if you are thinking of joining us for the first time please contact Bob or Sue who will welcome you to the group. You will be invited as a guest on your first ride after which you will be expected to join the Horsley U3a if you intend to continue to ride with us.

You must wear a helmet and follow The Highway Code.

Please make sure you carry a small card in your wallet or purse giving details of your name, any relevant medical conditions such as severe allergies, diabetes, epilepsy, medications such as anticoagulants and your next of kin and their telephone no.

When on busy roads please cycle in single file and in groups of no more than 4. Allow space between groups for vehicles to pass. Don’t worry about getting left behind. The ride leader will wait at suitable stopping points to make sure everyone is ok. No-one will be “dropped”.

Please wear bright and preferably reflective clothing.

Many riders have flashing lights. These are allowed by the Highway Code.

Rides are rarely cancelled e.g. for bad weather. If the air temperature is below 3 DegC at 8am road rides will be automatically cancelled.

See our Cycling Guide for further details.

There is one other unofficial rule: enjoy the ride!