Mums' Corner

Mums’ Corner: 2013 family friendly cycling events

From closed roads to racing for toddlers, there’s something for everyone in our list of the top-5 family oriented cycling events.

Get the whole family involved in these events hosted throughout the UK in 2013.

The 2012 London Olympics undoubtedly raised the profile of cycling, couple that with the exponential rise in mass participation bike rides, means there are now plenty of events to get you and your little ones out on your bikes in 2013.

What better way to see Manchester? Cycling closed roads with the family, passing the cities iconic landmarks.

Great Manchester Cycle: Sunday 30^th June

Manchester has embraced the cycling boom in 2013 and created the Great Manchester Cycle. A closed road ride around some of the most iconic spots of the city, it would make a fantastic day out for all the family.

The event is held at the end of June, giving it the best chance possible to catch some of the sunnier weather we’re sure to get. With three distances on offer: 13, 26 or 52 miles there is something for everyone, depending on your ability and ambition.

Entry is free for children aged 3 to 7-years-old, £5.00 for 8 to 15-years-old and all under 18’s must be accompanied by an adult.

For more information, visit the Great Manchester Cycle website.

Fun for any age, Cycletta have worked hard to make their events inclusive for the whole family.

Scootathlon @ Cycletta: Five events across the UK

Cycletta, the popular women’s cycling series, have opened their doors in 2013 to the whole family. A novel new fun race, based on a triathlon format has been designed for children between the ages of 4 to 8-years-old. The race sees the kids start out on a scooter, before changing to their bike, then back into transition before the final lap, running to the finish line.

A great opportunity for the Dad’s to look after the children, while you’re out doing your ride and they’ll even come back with a free Scootathlon T-shirt.

Alternatively, take the opportunity to have a mother and daughter day. The Cycletta women’s ride will be the perfect chance to bond, where you can treat yourselves to a pamper at the remedy centre after the ride.

The Scootathlons can be found at the following events:

Cycletta Cheshire, Sunday 12th May (Tatton Park)

Cycletta Bedfordshire, Sunday 30th June (Woburn Abbey)

Cycletta Surrey, Sunday 7th July (Loseley Park)

Cycletta Scotland, Sunday 15th September (Scone Palace, Perth)

Cycletta New Forest, Sunday 13th October (Beaulieu)

For more information, visit the Cycletta website.

Seize the opportunity of closed roads to safely cycle the capitals streets with FreeCycle. Image by Surrey News.

Prudential RideLondon: Saturday 3rd August and Sunday 4th August

Launched by Boris Johnson as a legacy to the London Olympics, RideLondon is a two-day cycling festival at the heart of the capital over the first weekend in August. Alongside a challenging 100-mile road ride based on the Olympic road race course and an elite road race, there will be an eight-mile route around central London closed for up to 70,000 cyclists of all ages to enjoy.

This is the perfect opportunity to experience the city and see the sights, including: Tower Bridge, The Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace with the family, on traffic free roads.

For more information please visit the Prudential RideLondon website.

Sky Breeze: Visit the Breeze website to find dates/locations

Breeze rides allow the whole family to take part, although I think the pooch may need to stay at home.

British Cycling, in partnership with Sky, offer a large number of ‘Breeze’ bike rides all over the UK for women and children. These free to enter rides aim to help you and your children feel confident and comfortable about going out on your bikes, as well as being an enjoyable day out.

Each event is led by a British Cycling trained Breeze champion, giving the ride itself authority and direction, meaning all you have to do is turn up with your bikes and enjoy yourself with your kids.

For more information, visit the Breeze website.

Evans Cycles Ride It! 16 weekend rides throughout 2013

Evans Cycles don’t just sell bikes; they also help you ride them with a series of organised rides in 2013. Shorter distance options have been included so the whole family can enjoy a day our on their bikes. These include mountain bike and road (sportive) options of 12 or 15 miles respectively. What’s more, kids ride for free.

There are 16 weekend rides to choose from, located all over the UK from Brighton to Scotland, so hopefully there’s one near you.

Check out the Evans Cycles website for details on where and when they are.

With all of these events and more available in 2013, there are no excuses to not get your family out on your bikes. Keep us posted on how you get on via Facebook and Twitter.

Headline image by Mark Stosberg via Flickr.