Bellringing . Cycling . Sunshine . Company . Beer . Fun
YBRCT is a moderately paced cycling/ringing tour for ringers of all ages and abilities. The ringing normally consists of 5 or 6 towers each day spaced out over a route of about 35 miles.
The location of the 2025 tour is still being planned. The dates are likley (but not certain) to be from 27th July 2024 to 2nd August 2024, more details here when available
Our ringing includes everything from rounds and call-changes to eight-spliced and as long as you can ring a bell safely and strike it in rounds you will get on alright. Our party normally numbers around 30 - 35 and includes people in the early stages of their ringing career. I believe we are a sociable crowd and enjoy the social side of the event as well as the ringing and cycling. We have been delighted to witness an increase in young families in recent years but on the other hand, quite a few young people turn up on their own and quickly fit in to the company. We have quite a few older people too!
I arrange everything for you, from supper on the Sunday night to breakfast on the Saturday morning, including booking towers and insurance. Bed, breakfast & evening meal are included in my charge to you. You just pay me your money and turn up - as simple as that.
Tom Pelham (Present Tour Organiser)
The Young Bell Ringer's Cycling Tour started way back in 1974 when I, then curate at Shipton Moyne, decided to give my young bell ringers a reward by taking them on a tour of the towers of the Forest of Dean on their bikes and staying in Youth Hostels. Over the years, as its fame has spread and my years have increased, it has evolved. It now caters for ringers of any age, who feel they can keep up, and is open to anyone. Youth Hostels have been eschewed for more comfortable accommodation.