The Haydon Hundred, Northumberland (MIXED)
June 6th
The chance to cycle through the picturesque (and hilly) Hadrian’s Wall Country and the North Pennines, The Haydon Hundred offers participants the choice of a 60km and a 100km route past Hadrian’s Wall and along Black Hill (the third highest road in England). Registration costs £20 for either of the routes and all cyclists get a voucher towards a recovery lunch at any of the eateries in the picturesque little village of Haydon Bridge to use after the ride.
Macmillan Cycletta | Wiggle Dragon Ride, South Wales (WOMEN ONLY)
June 7th
Part of the UK’s leading women’s only series backed by Victoria Pendleton, the Wiggle Dragon Ride is one of the toughest Macmillan Cycletta rides but is still fully accessible to all ages and abilities. Forty two kilometres in length, the route runs through some reasonably hilly terrain in the pretty countryside of South Wales. Setting off from Margam Country Park in Port Talbot, participants can ride side by side with their friends and complete the route at their own pace. Free massages are available at the end of the event and all cyclists are invited to a pasta party. Fundraising is not obligatory but is, of course, much appreciated.
Three Peaks Classic, Yorkshire (MIXED)
June 14th
Follow in the footsteps of the 2014 Tour de France competitors on either of the 65 or 82 mile routes of the Three Peaks Classic that pass through the Yorkshire Dales taking in the area’s three most famous peaks – Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. Entrance costs £28 and a proportion of that will be donated to Henshaws Society for Blind People.
Cycle Together Sandringham, Norfolk (MIXED)
June 14th
A sportive suitable for absolutely everybody, the Cycle Together Sandringham has 10, 20, 50 and 100 mile route options ensuring that cyclists of all ages and abilities can participate from children to the most experienced of riders. Registration fees vary between £10-£25 depending on the length of route and participants are also welcome to sign up on the day at the Park House Hotel in Sandringham.
FriendsLife Women’s Tour, Weybridge (WOMEN ONLY)
June 17th-21st
For a chance to witness the most celebrated female cyclists in the world race down British roads, head to the FriendsLife Women’s Tour. Now in its second year, this is fast becoming one of the most prestigious women’s cycling events in the UK and although you may not quite be at a high enough level to participate in it, the atmosphere surrounding the event will make it a great one to spectate at too.
Edinburgh Night Ride, Scotland (MIXED)
June 20th-21st
Join hundreds of other fundraising cyclists pedalling their way through the streets of Edinburgh in the dead of night for their respective favourite charities. This 50 mile route passes by many iconic Edinburgh attractions including Arthur’s Seat, the Scottish Parliament, Holyrood Palace and Edinburgh Castle. A lot of fun and all for a great cause, sign up now before places run out.
The Flying Scotsman Sportive, Ayrshire (MIXED)
June 21st
Named after cycling legend Graeme Obree’s autobiography, The Flying Scotsman, this sportive features two challenging routes decided by the man himself. Obree spent the early days of his career training on these routes and promises they will provide riders with plenty of short-sharp climbs to keep them on their toes as well as reward them with some beautiful sights. Participants can choose between a medium-level 78 mile route or a pretty tough 44 mile route – registration fees for both cost £35.
Newmarket Hilly Sportive, Suffolk (MIXED)
June 21st
The Newmarket Hilly Sportive is a charity ride with all proceeds going to local Newmarket charities. Participants can choose between the 25 mile fun ride, the standard 50 mile route or the epic 100 mile challenge. Setting off from the Rowley Mile Racecourse, cyclists will tackle some challenging and hilly terrain as well as pedalling down plenty of quiet, peaceful country lanes. Registration costs between £15-£20 per cyclist.
British Cycling National Road Race and Time Trial Championships | Women’s Race (WOMEN ONLY)
June 25th-28th
This prestigious event will take place just the week before the Tour de France starts ensuring that the cycling buzz is in full swing. The time trial championships will occur on June 25th before the road races begin on the 28th. The women’s road race will span 68 miles followed by four laps of the Grand Prix circuit and will finish in Lincoln’s Castle Square.
Race the Sun, Brecon Beacons (MIXED)
June 27th
Not just a cycling challenge, participants of Race the Sun will need to cycle 45 miles, climb Pen y Fan (2907ft) and canoe three kilometres down the Pontsticill Reservoir between sunrise and sunset to complete the feat. The event is open to teams of four and all participants are expected to raise money to help Action Medical Research continue their great work.
Valleys of Copeland Sportive, Cumbria (MIXED)
June 28th
www.westcoastchallenge.weebly.com
Starting in Whitehaven, participants in the Valleys of Copeland Sportive can choose to tackle one, two or four valleys in the Western Lake District. Varying between 30 and 73 miles in length, the one valley route costs £10 to enter and the two and four valley routes cost £15. This is a not for profit event and any leftover money after the start-up costs are paid for will be donated to local charities.
Women’s National Championships, Ireland (WOMEN ONLY)
June (Exact date TBC)
One for the most competitive of female cyclists, anyone from absolute beginners to the highly experienced rider can compete with each other during the Women’s National Championships in Ireland. Set to take place two weeks before the Tour de France starts, this event is sure to get everyone in the spirit for the biggest event in the cycling calendar.
