Newbury Road Club has been pedalling through history since 1925, but the first ride we can actually trace happened on Sunday 1 May 1927. Back then, members set off via Basingstoke for a quick stop, carried on to Bagshot for lunch, and rounded things off with tea in Whitley Wood. By the time they rolled back into Newbury at 8:45pm, they’d clocked up 85 miles—a serious day out on two wheels given the bikes and roads of the time.

Fast forward to Sunday 10 August 2025, and we decided those early riders deserved a fitting tribute. In glorious sunshine, NRC members turned out in force for special “100 miles for 100 years” rides. There were three routes: the big one (100 miles) rolling out at 8:00am, the 100km route starting at 10:30, and a more relaxed ride leaving at 11:30. All took in the best of the Test Valley’s stunning scenery—plus a few new café discoveries along the way. The Chilbolton village tea room charmed one group, but with limited seating another bunch had to push on.

Centenary jerseys were everywhere, and the day had that perfect mix of friendly banter, steady effort, and just enough competitive spirit to make it interesting. The final destination was The Carpenters Arms in Burghclere—a roomy country pub that handled our thirsty (and slightly sweaty) crowd with ease.

The first riders were back by 4:00pm, with others rolling in at intervals, each greeted by cheers, clinking glasses, and one or two celebratory pints. Like all our centenary events, it was a day of brilliant turnout, infectious enthusiasm, and that shared sense of “this is what it’s all about.”

For 100 years, Club rides like this have been at the heart of NRC. And in this milestone year, what better way to honour our past than by doing what we love most—riding, laughing, and making memories with friends.