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Waldy Wheelers Cycling Club is a small and friendly cycling club located in Teddington, Middlesex. The club was formed in 2014 by a group of friends following a successful cycle ride from Teddington to Paris.

​Ten years later, the ethos of the club is firmly based on fun, fitness and enjoyment with all members getting involved in club activities.

​We spoke to Waldy Wheelers club members Alison Hood about the clubs origins, ambitions, community, the clubs culture.

Four male 'wheelers' riding together in a race in their matching kit.
Group shot of six 'waldy wheelers' in their matching kit.

Origins & Identity

How did the club begin, and how has it grown over the years?

After a group of ten Teddington friends took on the challenge of cycling from London to Paris back in 2014, they created Waldy Wheelers Cycling Club, taking the name from the Waldegrave Arms pub in Teddington, where they used to meet for their training rides.  Eleven years later, Waldy Wheelers has grown to over 100 members, including a very active women's membership.

What makes your club unique compared to others in your region?

There's certainly a lot of local "competition", with many cycling clubs in the area, but we try and stick to the original principles of being small, friendly and open to everyone

What does your club name or identity represent to you?

Friendly, inclusive, and not taking ourselves TOO seriously

How would you describe the spirit or personality of your members?

A relaxed and supportive community, whether you're smashing out hot laps around Hillingdon race track or enjoying easy Richmond Park laps in the sunshine. We are here to enjoy our time both on and off the bike.

Community & Culture

What makes being part of your club special?

Waldy Wheelers is its own family. There's something for everyone, and no-one is pigeon-holed into one group or another. We'll support you if you want to go further or faster, or just try something new, but there's no pressure. If you need support with bike maintenance or a recommended solicitor, there are always people to help.

How do you keep such a large community connected?

There are a LOT of Whatsapp groups, for ride leaders, racers, Zwift-ers etc, as well as our website. Our committee is well established with clear roles & responsibilities but our views are democratic within the committee as well as being led from our members. We're open to tips for how to manage better...

How do you welcome new members or riders into the group?

Our Membership Secretary will share when we have trialists who will link up with their ride leader for the day. Newbies/trialists are also welcomed into the community on their first rides as well as to the club WhatsApp announcements.

Club Ambitions

What kinds of events or challenges does the club take part in?

Everything! As well as regular Sunday and ad-hoc mid-week rides, we have a strong race team competing in road and cyclocross races as well as time trial events.  In the last couple of years, we have also organised our own TT at a local course.  

Members also take part in various longer distance cycling events at home and abroad such as Chase The Sun, starting at sunrise on the Kent coast in mid-June and aiming to arrive 200 miles later in Western-super-Mare before sunset that evening, or sportives like L’Étape du Tour, following the route of a stage of the Tour de France.

What keeps your members motivated to ride and stay involved?

Finding new roads to ride, new hills to climb, and new coffee stops for refreshment, and great chat on the way there.  We have monthly cycling challenges focussed on getting people riding but with some competition mixed in. 

What’s next for the club any big plans or upcoming milestones?

We celebrated our 10 year anniversary last year (with special LeCol custom kit), so a while for our NEXT milestone, but are looking forward to continue to expand and diversify our membership and activities. We also have our annual club tour coming up in May 2026, to beautiful Tuscany

Group photo of the 'Waldy Wheelers' riding together in matching kit.

Custom Kit

What inspired the design of your current kit?

We wanted something classic, but also distinctive. The pink shoulders make us highly visible, as well as highly recognisable.

What details or design elements mean the most to you?

Clearly there's the double W in there, also representing a road going up some mountains - although admittedly, not many mountains in SW London/Surrey...  

Lifestyle and Rituals

What’s your go-to club route or favourite weekend ride?

Most folks love the classic "Bun Run" out to Windsor; mostly flat with a little push up St Ann's Hill, then through beautiful Windsor Great Park, and a fast, flat blast home.   “Staple, Crock, Box” is another timeless route. With many ride leaders offering different routes a lot of excitement is found in finding somewhere new

Where does everyone stop for post-ride coffee or cake?

Cinnamon Cafe in Windsor is the perfect stop all year round, with delicious buns as big as your head.  1910 by Kingston Bridge also proves very popular for an end of ride stop.

If someone joined your club tomorrow, what kind of experience would they have?

A very welcoming and supportive one - We want folks to enjoy their riding, racing, chatting AND cakes.

 

Three male 'wheelers' riding together in a race in their matching kit.

Club Classic

Route Name: Windsor Bun Run

Distance: 65 km

Elevation: 240 m

Highlights: Mostly flat with a little push up St Ann's Hill, then through beautiful Windsor Great Park, to Cinnamon Cafe for a bun, and a fast, flat blast home.

GPX: Windsor Bun Run

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