The 10 Best cycling events
From the Dragon Ride in Wales to the Tour of County Tyrone, explore stunning scenery and get fit at the same time
1. Norwich 100 – 27 May
£19.50, ind.pn/norwich100
You can choose between a 100-mile, 50-mile or 25-mile ride on this route, which skirts the Broads and winds its way through olde-worlde Norwich.
2. Macmillan London to Paris – 4 July
£150, ind.pn/maclondonparis
Ending up in front of the Eiffel Tower, this capital ride covers 300 miles. Macmillan requires you to raise £1,500 to cover costs.
3. Dragon Ride Wales – 10 June
£29.50, wiggledragonride.com
The larger routes on this ride, which begins in Port Talbot, have sold out. But you can still join the 37km ride (phew!).
4. South Downs Epic – 24 June
From £24, wiggle.co.uk
ind.pn/southdownsepic There are two rides, the epic (44 miles) and standard (23 miles). Both provide lovely views of the south coast and some challenging climbs.
5. Manchester to Liverpool – 3 June
From £16, ind.pn/manctoliver
This NSPCC ride starts at Salford Quays and moves off along the ship canal to Liverpool, even nipping down a certain Penny Lane.
6. Bournemouth Sportive – 27 May
£24, ind.pn/bournemouthsportive
This 70-mile route traverses Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire, mostly on quiet country roads.
7. Mega Meon Sportive – 1 July
From £16, ind.pn/megameon
The 55-mile fun ride is the main attraction here: it's easy to medium and mostly on the road, taking in the South Downs and pretty views across the Solent.
8. The Great British Bike Ride Land's End – 28 August
£250, greatbritishbikeride.com
Finishing at Twickenham Stadium, this covers 400 miles. The Rainbow Trust asks riders to pay £250 and guarantee £1,250 of sponsorship.
9. Glasgow 100 – 12 August
From £28, action.org.uk
ind.pn/glasgow100
Glasgow's 100-mile ride for Action Medical Research is rated 4.5/5 for difficulty. The route takes in a few 10 per cent gradients.
10. Tour of County Tyrone – 5 June
From £15, ind.pn/touroftyrone
Choose between two routes here, a 98- and 64-miler. Whichever you plump for, you're sure to see Tyrone's most lovely scenery.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments