100 years in the saddle heralds centenary celebrations for Newbury cycling club
In 2025, Newbury Road Club 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 their birthday.
A rich heritage of cycling
Newbury Road Club (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.
NRC has long been synonymous with competitive cycling. 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.
"We have been lucky to have had so many strong cyclists in Newbury over the decades"
Dave Portwood, NRC member and Club historian
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 ( below left) 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, (below right) 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.”
Below: Authur Frost in 1968 and Dave Jones in 1955
Newbury Road Club evolves to reflect cycling trends
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+ 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.
"Cycling gives so many wellbeing and environmental benefits and Newbury Road Club adds a healthy dose of fun to that mix"
Lorraine Murrell, Newbury Road Club Chair
“The Club has a great community feel,” she explains. “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!”
Below: Newbury Road Club in 1951 and 2024
NRC Centenary is the catalyst for 2025 Newbury Cycling Festival
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 15th March, the Club history brought to life at an exhibition at West Berkshire Museum from 9th April–18th May and the launch of a Festival of Cycling on 14th June.
“Our 100th anniversary has been the catalyst for launching the inaugural ‘Newbury Cycling Festival"
Lorraine Murrell, Newbury Road Club Chair
“Our 100th anniversary has been the catalyst for launching the inaugural ‘Newbury Cycling Festival’”, continued Lorraine 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 and Newbury Town Councils, and Newbury 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 visit our Special Events Calendar
For more information contact us
Further Reading: History pages: https://www.newburyroadclub.co.uk/100
Press release, high resolution images and Logos available at : https://31f08732-9a0d-42d8-8f84-6f670a37da4c.usrfiles.com/archives/31f087_ee32371f128c40e2ade8fd249f6a5bea.zip
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