About the Club
The Derwent Valley Wheelers was established in 1928 and has evolved via a change of name in the 1980s to the Derwent Valley Cycling Club (DVCC). We’re based in Cockermouth in Cumbria’s Lake District, and have an active and above all friendly membership.
Our activities cover an area from Threlkeld in the east, via Keswick to the river’s outlet at Workington, taking in the neighbouring Solway Plain and Eden Valley — offering some of the United Kingdom’s most stunning scenery, varied terrain and quiet roads on which to enjoy your cycling.
Club members regularly participate in cyclo sportives, challenge rides and time trials in the UK, and frequently travel abroad for cycling holidays in the sun. There is a growing group of mountain bikers and gravel riders, and plenty of members who do both depending on the weather.
We hold regular club rides and social events, and members communicate frequently via WhatsApp to organise rides through the week. The club is very family friendly, with a number of families and couples who either ride together or negotiate alternate weekends around child care.
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Club Rides
Sunday Club Ride
We meet most Sundays at 9:15 am in front of 4Play Cycles, Market Place, Cockermouth (CA13 9NH). Rides vary each week depending on the weather, season and who turns up — typically ranging from 30 to 60 miles. If there are enough people we split into a shorter relaxed-pace group and a longer faster group.
The over-riding principle is that no one is left behind. Stronger riders may push on up the climbs, but everyone regroups at the top.
To join us on a ride, get in touch to check we’re meeting up.
Friday Social Ride
Most Fridays a group of riders enjoy a shorter social ride (around 20 miles) followed by a few well-earned pints in a local pub. Rides depart from the corner of Towers Lane and Lorton Road in Cockermouth at 4 pm.
This is a great way into the club for people new to riding — the distances are shorter and the pace more relaxed. Get in touch to check the ride is going ahead.
Other Rides
A range of other rides are arranged by members via the WhatsApp group — both ad-hoc and more regular outings. There are groups who regularly meet for mountain biking or gravel rides, and a fast group often meet for a mid-week training road ride of 25–30 miles during the summer.
What to Bring
Across Cumbria there are about 4,500 road miles — not all of the highest quality! The hills are steep and on occasions it has been known to rain. Our main recommendations for club rides:
- Helmet — essential for safety and compulsory on club rides
- Puncture kit — at least one spare inner tube, pump and tyre levers
- Decent brakes — disc brakes or quality pads on metal rims recommended
- Wider tyres (25–28mm) — reduces road buzz and improves comfort
- Good cycling shorts with pad, and a saddle that fits
- Gloves — for warmth and blister protection at all times of year
Time Trials
A time trial is an event where competitors race against the clock, setting off on a measured course at intervals. The “race of truth” is a chance to test yourself against the clock and your clubmates.
DVCC runs a series of time trial events on Thursday evenings at 7 pm from Cockermouth School, Castlegate Drive, CA13 9HF, using a 10-mile course from Cockermouth to Dubwath and back. Both time trial and road bikes are welcome.
- Entry: £5, payable on the night
- Helmets and front & rear lights are mandatory
- You must be registered with a British Cycling affiliated club to ride
We also run variations including hillier routes for those wanting an extra challenge. Dates are announced each year via WhatsApp and our social media channels.
Velo Club Cumbria also run an extensive series of time trial and hill climb events across Cumbria from April through October.
We’re always looking for volunteers to help marshal our events — no previous experience required, so please come along if you want to support the club.
Join Us
You are welcome to join us for two rides as a guest before deciding whether to join the club. This is a British Cycling rule to ensure the club is insured.
Once you’ve decided to join, email the completed application form to derwentvalleycycling@gmail.com. We accept cheque or BACS transfer.
| Category | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| Age 18 or over | £15 |
| Age 16–18 * | £10 |
| Under 16 * | £5 |
| Second claim (member of another BC club) | £5 |
* Parental consent required
When you officially join, you’ll be added to the DVCC members' WhatsApp group for cycling chat, buying & selling, and arranging social activities.
Get in Touch
We’d love to welcome new members to the club. Whether you have questions or just want to come along for a ride, get in touch.