The Events We Want to Ride This Year
There is never a shortage of sportives, rides, and events to do, but where to start? And what if you want to try something different?
With that in mind, we've sorted through endless event calendars to bring you our favourite must-do rides of the summer.
North Coast 500
Best for multi-day riding
From £15.00
Where: Inverness, Scotland
The ultimate road trip around the North of Scotland, dubbed Scotland's Route 66. Wide meandering country lanes and beautiful bends through some of Scotland's finest coastal scenery are just a few things you can expect along the North Coast 500. There is no actual 'event' taking place, but Scotland's tourist board has a dedicated website with accommodation guides, itineraries, and a list of cycle shops.
Pannier.cc Camps - Desert of Wales
Best for gravel riding and camping out
£345.00
When: 3 day trips throughout August 2018
Where: Rhayader, Wales
The crew at Pannier.cc like to travel at a stately pace to explore more of the outdoors. Their three-night guided bikepacking escape will take you into the heart of Wales on single-track roads and gravel, and through forest and moorland wildness. Each night they'll set up a basecamp in boutique tents, and get riders involved in making rustic pizza. You can even hire bikes and equipment.
Condor 70th Anniversary Ride
Best for fun and atmosphere
£50.00
When: Sunday 8th July 2018
Where: Chillington Hall, Staffordshire, England
Explore the hidden lanes of Shropshire and Staffordshire. Ride through iconic Ironbridge gorge and over the Wrekin. Recuperate in the stunning grounds of Chillington Hall with a celebration lunch and beer, and watch the Tour de France on a big screen. Birthday celebrations will be in full swing throughout the day. There are two rides to choose from, suitable for all riding abilities.
L'Eroica
Best for vintage and dressing up
from £50.00 plus flights
When: Sunday, 7 October 2018
Where: Gaiole, Chianti, Italy
Run on gravel roads with pre-1987 bikes in woollen jerseys, fuelled by rich Italian food and wine. The gloroius L'Eroica ride captures the golden era of cycling. The beautiful white gravel roads of Tuscany have played host to the annual ride since 1997, and has has become so popular that 7,000 riders participate. Expect plenty of Chianti wine at each food stop, classic steel bikes, and handlebar moustaches.
Pedal Ed Silk Road Mountain Race
Best for endurance fans
£250-£300 plus flights
Where: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Ever fancied riding through the mountains where Genhis Khan once moved his vast armies? The Silk Road Mountain Race is an unsupported ride across the spectacular and desolate landscape of central Asia. There are three manned checkpoints along the 17,000km route and at the finish near the capital Bishkek they'll be an after party for riders.
Kent Velo Sportive
Best for cake
£35
When: Sunday, 7 October 2018
Where: Tonbridge, Kent, England
The Kent Velo Girls cycling club was ranked by Red Bull as one of the top cycling clubs in the country. The club offers up to fifteen social rides per week and, at the end of the season, members come together to run a sportive with more delicious baked goods than Mary Berry would know what to do with. The incredibly well-run ride offers several routes that tackle the climbs around Ashdown Forest with all profits donated to Papyrus, a teenage suicide-prevention charity.
Il Lombardia Granfondo
Best for end of season sun
from £50
When: 13th October, 2018
Where: Como, Italy
A weekend in the Italian Lakes could be the best way to round out your season.
Il Lombardia on the Saturday is, for many riders in the pro peloton, the final race of their season. Featuring the iconic Ghisallo climb and infamous Muro di Sormano & Civiglio climbs together with possibly the most beautiful backdrop of all the Monuments it will inspire you to tackle the Gran Fondo the next day.
http://gfilombardia.it/en/
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