Whatever your cycling ability, there’s something for everyone in our list of the top UK bike-riding events. From road cycling, to mountain biking, to track racing, put yourself out there as you advance your fitness levels. Not only does outdoor exercise strengthen your body, but it relaxes your mind and frees your soul! Take a look and challenge yourself this summer.
London to Brighton: an off-road bike ride
As the largest mountain biking charity event in the whole of Europe, make a true difference as you cycle from London to Brighton, fundraising for the British Heart Foundation. Every September you can join over 2000 cyclists as you push your fitness levels to the edge. There are two routes to choose from… start in Walton-on-Thames for a huge 98 kilometre challenge, or in Cranleigh for a daring 59 kilometre stretch. Each cyclist will cross the finish line in Hove to receive huge celebrations and an astonishing sense of self-achievement. As you conquer technical trails, along with professional aid from the support crews, you won’t even need to fake a smile for the professional photographers. Combine an unreal fitness challenge with charity fundraising at this fabulous event!
Grinduro! Scotland
If you’re looking to mix racing and partying, maybe Grinduro! is the event for you. Up in the Scottish Highlands, Kingussie offers either 50km or 100km long journeys. Traverse along hidden paths, technical surfaces, and mystical roads during this gravel and mountain bike endurance test. As the ultimate off-road experience, only cyclists over the age of 15 may take part in this one. With live music, hearty food (breakfast and lunch included in your ticket!) and a festival spirit in the air, let yourself unwind surrounded by Scottish wilderness.
Poppy Ride Kent
This road cycling event is all about remembrance and camaraderie as you cycle underneath the skies that saw the Battle of Britain. As the Royal Air Force defended Great Britain from German air raids in 1940, we can reflect on their bravery and gritty determination as fuel for our own challenging journeys. Support current veterans and family members of the British Armed Forces as you fundraise for the Royal British Legion along this bike route. There are three possible routes, dependent on your cycling abilities and experience: 34km, 112km, or 143km. With timed results and both food and medical station, this professional and atmospheric event is sure to impress. There is free parking available at the starting location, or it is a 15 minute cycle from Ashford International Train Station.
Track Attaque
Form part of a relay team as you race at the Herne Hill velodrome in London. This 450 metre race track was created in 1891, and as one of the world’s oldest cycling circuits, feel the history as you race at the location of the 1948 summer Olympics! This team challenge revolves around completing as many laps as possible within a 12 hour period – 9am to 9pm. With free entry for spectators, bring your loved ones along for encouraging support and a fun family day out for all. This intense sporting event raises vital funds for Action – medical research for children and babies. Event organisers recommend that most attendees arrive via public transport as parking is limited. Your body will be pushed to the brink with this one, so be sure to have a bike that will support your best possible performance.
Liverpool Chester Liverpool
If you’re a younger or lesser experienced cyclist, this road cycling event in Liverpool may be perfect for you. A non-competitive adventure, bring along the kids for the 5 mile route as they ride through Queensway Tunnel, traffic free! Otherwise, you can pick between the 25, 50 or 100 mile tracks as you explore Liverpool and cross the famous Mersey River. This is a highly anticipated event amongst cyclists and occurs in July.
Keswick Mountain Festival
This north-east outdoor festival takes place surrounded by stunning mountains and celebrates sport and fitness. The ‘Back O’Skiddaw’ routes are 72km and 100km, and both are perfect for road cyclists looking for a challenge. If mountain biking is more your speed, push yourself with a 5 hour bike ride and a 5 hour multi-terrain run in the ‘Adventure Race’. If you’re bringing along friends and family who aren’t passionate cyclists, perhaps they would enjoy the trail runs or even the triathlon. There’s also live evening music and a DJ bar tent to enjoy throughout this weekend long celebration. As both a dog-friendly and wheel-chair accessible venue, everyone can attend and enjoy. Organise your place well before May as tickets are bound to go quick! Tickets vary in price from £12.50 to £165, dependent on the event.
The Big Welsh Bike Ride
A fundraiser for Tŷ Hafan, The Big Welsh Bike Ride is dedicated to raising money for children’s hospices. Begin your journey in Caernarfon and cross the finish line in Cardiff as you travel down the Welsh coast. Conquer 200 miles of road and travel through the Eryri National Park (Snowdonia) and past superb seaside views. You can select to do the 1 day ride or commit to the entire 3 day journey. This Welsh event is only open to 50 people so be sure to prepare early…
Whatever your age, ability or experience, visit Halfords.com for all of your cycling needs.
