Port Velo Community Ride & BBQ

Saturday 25 July 2026 | Ride. Coffee. BBQ. Everyone welcome.

Saturday 25 July 2026

Port Velo Community Ride & BBQ

Ride. Refuel. Relax. Everyone's welcome.

Join us at Port Velo Cycle Works for a relaxed day of riding, food and good company. Ride one loop, complete the full 55 miles, follow the self-guided gravel route, or join us for the BBQ and afternoon social.

Rider arrival

08:00

First departure

08:30

Second departure

11:00

BBQ and social

From 12:30

Ride your way

Choose how you join us

Take on one loop, complete the full route, follow the self-guided gravel route or skip the riding and meet us back at the shop.

30 miles

Loop One

08:30 departure

Ride the first loop before returning to Port Velo for coffee, pastries and soft drinks.

55 miles

Full Ride

08:30 departure

Complete both loops, including a short stop back at Port Velo between the two routes.

25 miles

Loop Two

11:00 departure

Meet us at the shop and join the second loop, including the optional Belmont Hill Challenge.

Self-guided

Gravel Ride

Just after 08:30

Download the route in advance and ride at your own pace and risk. This is a self-guided route rather than a led group ride.

View gravel route

No bike required

BBQ & Social

From 12:30

Join us for the BBQ, drinks, coffee, cycling chat and the Tour de France.

Event schedule

The day

Arrive early for coffee and pastries, ride as much or as little as you choose, then settle in for the BBQ and afternoon.

08:00–08:30 Coffee, pastries and rider arrival
08:30 Loop One and the full ride depart
Just after 08:30 Self-guided gravel riders depart
Approx. 10:30 Return to Port Velo for coffee, pastries and soft drinks
11:00 Loop Two departs
From 12:30 BBQ, drinks and afternoon social
14:00 Watch the penultimate stage of the Tour de France, including Alpe d’Huez

Planning to join us?

Tell us you're coming

Let us know how you're joining the day so we can plan the rides, food and refreshments. Whether you're riding one loop, tackling the full route, following the gravel route or simply joining us for the BBQ, we'd love to know you're coming.

Community Ride Registration

Before the day

Register and view the route

Join on Strava

RSVP on the Port Velo Strava Club event so we know who is planning to ride.

View Strava event

View the full route

Review the full 55-mile route and download it to your device before the event.

View on Ride with GPS

View the gravel route

Review and download the self-guided gravel route before the event. Riders should be able to navigate and complete the route independently.

View gravel route

Optional challenge

Belmont Hill Challenge

Loop Two includes an optional challenge on Belmont Hill, with a prize or two up for grabs.

Taking part is entirely optional. The wider ride remains a friendly social ride rather than a race.

Ride responsibly

Essential ride information

This is a friendly social community ride organised by Port Velo Cycle Works. It is not a race or a closed-road event.

Riders must be comfortable completing their chosen distance and should remain self-sufficient throughout the ride.

  • Make sure your bicycle is safe and roadworthy.
  • A suitable cycling helmet must be worn.
  • Carry suitable clothing, food, drink, tools and spares.
  • Ride within your ability and follow the Highway Code.
  • Follow the ride briefing and instructions from the ride leaders.
  • Gravel riders must download the route and be able to navigate and complete it independently.
  • Show consideration to other riders and road users.

Routes, timings and activities may change because of weather, road conditions or other unforeseen circumstances.

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to register?

If you are riding, please RSVP on the Strava Club event. Please also tell us you're coming so we can plan rider numbers, catering and dietary requirements.

Which ride should I choose?

Ride Loop One for approximately 30 miles, complete both loops for the full 55 miles, meet us at Port Velo at 11:00 for Loop Two, or follow the self-guided gravel route.

How does the gravel ride work?

The gravel route is self-guided and leaves shortly after 08:30. Please download the route before the event and make sure you can navigate and complete it independently. Riders take part at their own pace and risk.

What pace will the ride be?

The ride is social rather than competitive. Final group arrangements and pace information will be confirmed before departure, based on rider numbers and ability.

Can I come just for the BBQ?

Yes. Partners, families, friends and non-riders are welcome to join us from 12:30.

Is there parking?

Parking information will be confirmed before the event. Please do not block neighbouring businesses, entrances or access routes.

What should I bring?

Bring a roadworthy bicycle, helmet, suitable clothing, food, drink and basic tools and spares.

What happens if the weather is poor?

Any important changes will be shared through the website, Strava and email before the event.

Can children join the ride?

Children are welcome at the BBQ with their families. Please contact Port Velo before registering anyone under 18 for the road ride so that suitability and supervision can be discussed.

Joining us on 25 July?

Tell us how you're joining the day so we can plan the rides, food and refreshments. We look forward to welcoming you to Port Velo Cycle Works.

Community Ride Registration

More to come

This is just the beginning

Over the coming months, we’ll be running more community rides, workshop evenings, nutrition sessions and dedicated demo days from Port Velo Cycle Works.