100 years in the saddle heralds centenary celebrations for Newbury Road Club
In 2025, Newbury Road Club (NRC) reaches its 100th anniversary.
This milestone marks a century of continuous cycling in West Berkshire for one of the oldest clubs in the country.
It also sparks a year-long programme of club events and celebrations.
Throughout 2025 the club will be showcasing the best of cycling in Newbury, with plenty of opportunity for everyone, whether a cyclist or not, to take part and help celebrate its birthday.
NRC can trace its roots back to the 1870s, but was formed in 1925 after a 17-year-old boy placed a local newspaper advert suggesting local cyclists get together and form a club.
Throughout the decades it has fostered many cycling legends, staged countless on- and off-road races and always advocated the fitness aspect of cycling – even in the days when cycling was simply the only mode of transport.
In 2009 the club hosted the national 10-mile championships in Newbury, welcoming cycling greats such as Dame Sarah Storey.
Dave Portwood, NRC member and club historian, has been documenting the club’s archive for a retrospective exhibition at West Berkshire Museum.
“We have been lucky to have had so many strong cyclists in Newbury over the decades,” he explained.
“Older residents will remember Arthur Frost who for 50 years was simply known locally as ‘The Newbury Cyclist’ and probably rode over 75,000 miles in his racing career.
“And many will recognise the late Dave Jones, who was in the club for over 75 years and aged 92 was still cycling every day.
“We will be remembering them and many others who have achieved great things on two wheels.”
While competitive cycling is still a key part of the club calendar, NRC has evolved to reflect the boom in leisure cycling.
The majority of today’s 200-plus membership predominantly enjoy social group riding.
Lorraine Murrell, Newbury Road Club chair in 2025, has seen the club triple in size in recent years and it is bigger than any time in its history. She puts this down to the welcoming nature of the club.
“The club has a great community feel,” she explained.
“Cycling gives so many wellbeing and environmental benefits and Newbury Road Club adds a healthy dose of fun to that mix.
“In 2024 we ran over 400 social rides, from our regular Sunday and midweek slots, to longer away-days and trips overseas.
“Ride options typically range from 20 to 60 miles for a range of bike types, and e-bikes are especially welcome.
“Everyone has been on a bike at some time in their life – Newbury Road Club provides the inspiration, motivation and enthusiasm to get on one more often.
“That’s something that hasn’t changed over the last 100 years!”
The club plans to mark its centenary in style.
A commemorative 10-mile time trial, re-staging of early club rides and a cycling trip to Newbury twin-town Eeklo are already in the calendar.
Alongside these are public events that will appeal to the wider community, including a Newbury Town Hall showcase of the club on March 15, the club history brought to life at an exhibition at West Berkshire Museum from April 9 to May 18 and the launch of a Festival of Cycling on June 14.
“Our 100th anniversary has been the catalyst for launching the inaugural ‘Newbury Cycling Festival’,” continued Murrell.
“It will be jointly hosted with other local cycling clubs; Newbury Velo and Spokes.
“The festival will include plenty of cycling-related activities in Victoria Park and its centrepiece is a mass parade of cycles through Northbrook Street, featuring vintage bikes from the last 100 years.
“We are grateful for the support provided by West Berkshire Council, Newbury Town Council and Newbury Business Improvement District (BID).
“It reflects the importance cycling has, and will continue to have in Newbury.
“We look forward to welcoming lots of visitors and cyclists; past, present and future.”
For details of all the planned NRC 100 celebrations and how you can take part, visit newburyroadclub.co.uk
