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About Langport Cycle Club
Langport Cycling Club (LCC) started in July 2018 when a small group of friends decided to get together for a regular Saturday morning pedal around the quiet lanes of South Somerset in search of a good Café for some Coffee and Cake.
Word soon spread, and new members began to join us on these regular outings starting from "The Bridge café" in Langport. Over the years, we have been known as "Wessex Wheelers" and "Bridge CC", but we finally settled on Langport Cycling Club earlier this year when we officially became a "Club" and joined British Cycling / Cycling UK. We now have over 60 members, both male & female, from their early 20s to 70s+, so very much a mixed bag.
We cycle throughout the year with various routes for our different groups (see 'Our Rides') that cover different distances from around 20 miles, at speeds to suit whoever is riding so that we never leave anyone behind.
We also have a Tuesday morning "Early Bird" ride at 6.30 am. It's finished around 8 am, so you can exercise and chat before you get on with the rest of your day.
The 6 pm Thursday "Wobble" is a very popular event, as we ride to various local pubs in the area for a beer and occasionally a bite to eat. Our home pub is Eli's in Huish Episcopi as Ryan, the Landlord, rides with us, and we have monthly meetings there.
For the more intrepid riders, we do a monthly "Long ride" on the last Saturday of the month, which tends to be all day long and 100 miles or more.
Once a year, we organise a Cycling Weekend to get away and cycle in a different area. In the past, we have been to The Cotswolds, The New Forest, and the Isle of Wight, and the Wye Valley next year. In the Autumn of 2024, we are also planning our first overseas trip to Majorca to tackle some mountains in the sunshine.
We are a friendly club and are always looking to encourage new members to join us, so if you would like to know more, please contact us via this form.
Meet our members
Tony van Bergenhenegouwen (Club Chairperson & Ride Coordinator)
Grew up in: Still growing up!
Member since: May 2018 / Founder Member
Dream riding location: Pan-American Highway (Alaska to Argentina)
"I don't think I have ever stopped cycling since I was a kid. First to school, then doing a paper round and even riding Pedicabs in Australia in the 1980s. In the 1990s, I joined a local MTB Club (The Pork Pie MTB Club in Surrey), and we explored many routes around National Parks up and down the country. I moved to the Dark Side of Road Bikes around 2000 and haven't looked back since.
The Club was originally started by a small group of friends as 'a social cycling club for those with the passion to ride and be free', and I would like to think that we have stuck to that very well over the years."
Laura Jensen (Club Secretary)
Grew up in: 80s/90s
Member since: Sept. 2022
Dream riding location: Majorca!
"I’ve never been sporty but in Lockdown 2020 I dragged an old rusty mountain bike out of the shed and set off down the muddy droves with the kids. A few months later I bought my first road bike, a lot of lycra and have been hooked ever since. It took me a while to pluck up the courage to join the cycle club, I used to ride alone or with a friend and the thought of a club ride was quite intimidating, I’m so glad I did, everyone is so supportive and we all look out for each other (on and off the road), my confidence on the road has increased and I’ve picked up loads of tips on bike maintenance. Its great to get out on the bike and have a chat, and of course there’s always a café stop!"
Mark Tanner (Treasurer)
Grew up in: 60s/70s
Member since: August 2020
Dream riding location: Anywhere in Wales
"I’ve cycled off and on for most of my life, either mountain or road but since early retirement road cycling has become my regular exercise. LCC is the first cycle club that I have joined and it has been brilliant, from the rides, café stops, chats and friendships.
It is the all the wonderful members that make this club so special."
Steve Jones (Social Secretary)
Grew up in: 60s/70s/80s
Member since: 2018
Dream riding location: Mount Ventoux (see T-shirt!)
"I regained the cycling bug about 12 yrs ago; my first Sportive was the Exmoor Beast on my old 1986 steel bike. I was a member of a couple of other local clubs, but nothing compares to the enthusiasm and friendship that i've encountered with LCC. I love the trips away and the great social events. My other passion is wine, not at the same time though. Cheers."
Cath von Tyszka (Ride Coordinator)
Grew up in: 80s gal
Member since: July 2020
Dream riding location: Anywhere flat!
"I bought my first road bike at 40, met my other half and we both now ride with LCC.
I don’t know one end of my bike from the other; I bought it because it was purple - LOL!
I just love being out in the glorious countryside, deer spotting and exploring. I enjoy plotting the routes and planning the café stops for the Steady Crew, I love cake and can steer us to the best
ones around."
Scott Stickland (Comms. Officer)
Grew up in: 70s/80s
Member since: Feb. 2023
Dream riding location: West coast of Scotland
"I've been cycling for as long as I can remember but mostly on my own, or with a couple of mates. I still enjoy the odd solo ride - I find it wonderfully meditative - but joining LCC has opened up a whole new chapter in my cycling story.
Since joining, I've ridden so many new routes, discovered lots of great cafés I didn't even know existed, and enjoyed new cycling experiences (like track cycling at a velodrome!)
Most importantly, I've met some truly lovely people who all share the same joy of cycling. I only wish I joined years ago!"
Wes Degeling (Ride Coordinator)
Grew up in: The Netherlands 80s/90s
Member since: 2020
Dream riding location: French Pyrenees
"Being of Dutch descent, riding a bike is in my blood. I have been riding a bike from a very early age. My first bike was a BMX, and then I became the proud owner of a camouflage chopper. Then I decided to sell my chopper for a mountain bike. This was pretty pointless to be honest as there are no hills in the Netherlands. I swiftly moved on to buy my first road bike, and I just fell in love with cycling. What a great way to see the world. I moved to England in 2005 and stopped cycling for some years. When COVID-19 hit us, I thought it was time to dust off my bike, and hit the roads again. Then I found this fantastic cycling club. I feel privileged to be a part of this club. I have seen the club grow over the Years, what a great way to make more friends and spend time with likeminded people."
Elly Howes (Welfare and Club Nurse)
Grew up in: 70s/80s
Member since: October 2022
Dream riding location: Majorca and France
"Wow what an experience cycling in Majorca was, the amazing roads and the climbs!! Hence the Sa Calobra t-shirt. I rode from London to Paris in 2022 for a charity and it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life, and I’ve made some friends for life from doing it.
However, riding anywhere with the LCC boys and girls is a wonderful adventure. They truly are the nicest bunch of like minded and friendliest people who like me enjoy the cycling, the chat, café and pub stops. There is all abilities and everyone is always welcome with open arms."
Nicky Homer (Ride Coordinator)
Grew up in: 80s
Member since: February 2022
Dream riding location: My homeland; the Isle of Man
"Cycling has always been a passion of mine. I was a competitive BMX Team racer in the mid 80s.
I’ve recently rediscovered cycling in my 50s. Joining the Breeze UK women’s group to gain my confidence, skills and stamina.
I'm now a proud member of the LCC Steady Group, having enjoyed cycling in Sportives and Velodrome cycling with the club!"
Julie Cowie
Grew up in: 70s/80s in London
Member since: September 2023
Dream riding location: Lake Garda, Italy
"Since learning to ride a bike, I’ve always cycled. When I was young, I didn’t know any females my age that were keen road cyclists, it was mostly boys on BMX’s where I lived. I remember saving up for ages for my first proper road bike when I was 15.
I enjoy the odd quick blast but prefer longer rides when the weather is good. My favourite long routes are to West Bay or Burnham-on-Sea. I have terrible navigational skills, it’s not unusual for me to take a wrong turn when I’m solo riding, even with a route on my Garmin!
I would ride a lot more but I also enjoy running, so need to balance things out.
I’ve never been on a proper cycle trip abroad, so hope to look forward to some new adventures soon.
My husband also rides with the club. We both think the club is absolutely brilliant!!"
Debs van Meeuwen-Jones
Grew up in: 60s
Member since: 2020
Dream riding location: Brecon Beacons & South Somerset
"I relocated to Fivehead in 2021 after leaving behind both my running club and cycling buddies in Bristol.
I joined LCC during the COVID rule of 6, then eventually met all the other lovely group members.
My fitness is up and down so along with that comes the anxieties of riding with a group. However, never fear, LCC are one of the most friendly and supportive groups I have the pleasure of being a part of. No one is left behind.
Riding with LCC and the routes they provide has given me so much knowledge of the area I now live in, along with great pit stops for coffee and cake. Many of which I visit with family and friends.
'Ride as much or as little, as long or as short as you feel. But ride.'"
Ed Lazenby
Grew up in: 70s/80s in Pitney, Somerset
Member since: October 2022
Dream riding location: Hills, bring those hills on…!
"I cycled lots when I was young, but came back to it about 8 years ago, and it was a really big part of helping me shed 3.5 stone.
I had cycled on my own a lot but joining LCC has been brilliant - like minded people to help support you, enjoy the cycling and all the coffee stops.
The other club members also challenge you to get better but with no pressure. Even if it’s 205 miles in a day! (Chase the Sun 2024)
My photo is me leaving Prague after just 3 hours of sleep! I love cycling.
I can't recommend it enough."
Theresa England (Membership Secretary)
Grew up in: 70s/80s
Member since: January 2024
Dream riding location: The Pyrenees
"I don’t remember a time when cycling wasn’t part of my life. I grew up using my bike as transport and fun with the rest of the kids in the village. Lots of scrapes , laughter , and getting home before the street lights came on (just). I share a love of all things cycling with my brother.
I’m always happy being out on my bike in the fresh air & in great company with the banter and friendships made at the coffee stop. I also value the bonds formed over the challenge of a tough ride and the help I’ve received and hopefully given over the years in group cycling . My particular favourites are sunny days with a long steady climb or an undulating straight road with a tail wind. Happy days !
I believe we all cycle for different reasons and I’ve found the members at Langport Cycling Club to be so incredibly welcoming. It’s a really inclusive , fun club , with a wide range of ages, abilities, characters and a focus on getting more people out smiling on their bikes."
Rob Elliott (Events Coordinator)
Grew up in: 90s/00s
Member since: 2021 I think!?
Dream riding location: Everywhere, I want to cycle around the world.
"Since I learnt to ride as a kid I’ve never really been off a bike, be that bmx, mtb or road. The world just seems a whole lot better on a bike. I love riding in new places and finding new trails and tracks. Riding with mates is even better for the shared experience and a post ride beer. LCC has been a great way to meet other riders in the area and share our love for the sport."
Julian Cosser
Grew up in: 70s/80s/90s/maybe I’ll grow up sometime
Member since: March 2022
Dream riding location: Anywhere it is sunny and warm with great views (I'm looking forward to our club trip to Majorca)
"I started cycling when I was just about to turn 40 as I had entered the Langport triathlon. Got the kit from TriUK and thought the clip in pedals were quite scary. Very soon I was a MAMIL and there has been no turning back. Cycling is a great way to keep fit, clear the head and now it is fantastic to be part of the growing Langport cycle club."
Anthony Forster
Grew up in: When I get a round tuit
Member since: 2021
Dream riding location: To the coast, any coast
"I joined Bognor Regis cycle club at 13 years old. After a couple of seasons doing club 10’s and a handful of road races, I graduated to Lambretta scooters, then cars and so on, so I left cycling behind. Years later, while working in the Netherlands in the early 90s, I bought a secondhand road bike and used it for a couple of years. They have cycling sorted.
In 1993 I moved to Langport, and again no time for cycling. In the early 2000’s I joined the Langport Runners for a few seasons, competing in 5K and 10k races. Then a change of career - I started a bike shop, Parrett Trail Bikes. Time for cycling? Ha!
I had a new hip in 2020 which was the rebirth - I joined Langport cycling club in 2021, and hey presto. What a cycling family to have around you. The friendliest club, so welcoming (and great to enjoy a beer with on a Thursday Wobble ride!). The routmeisters put up some great routes, and though I don’t get to do many Saturday café rides, I do get to see the steady group and the speedy group leaving The Bridge Café on Saturday’s at 8:30am - 9am."
Mark Gibbins
Grew up in: 80s
Member since: 2022
Dream riding location: French Alps
"I cycled a lot in my teens on a Viscount road bike but somehow that gave way to other distractions… I returned to cycling at the same time as I quit smoking (40 a day and 40 years old-seemed a good idea!) I have never looked back and cycling has been in my life ever since. I’ve cycled on my own, with friends and with a fairly serious club in Taunton but LCC has been a breath of fresh air, and my love of cycling has been enhanced immensely as a result of joining this amazing club. Quite simply the club is made up of a great bunch of all sorts of people, all of which are welcoming, unintimidating, inclusive, kind and more often than not, hilarious!"