Travel

Cycling Festivals for the Summer of 2016

Pack the bikes, the wellies and the tent for these great events

Music festivals, food festivals and comedy festivals, ever thought about cycling festivals?

You still get the delicious festival cuisine, the outdoor camping experience and the great bustling atmosphere, but you also get to do and share your biggest passion: bikes.

Many events cater for families, all abilities and all disciplines with scheduled rides throughout the festival, seminars and workshops as well.

So if you haven’t already, why not have a look at what cycling festivals are coming up this year, and get involved. Here are some of the best…

Edinburgh Festival of Cycling

When: June 9th – 19th 2016

The Edinburgh Festival of Cycling leaves no man, woman or child behind. Over the 10 day period, they have an extensive calender of events that it’ll be impossible to not get involved.

Touring, yoga, maintenance classes and even velodrome taster sessions. There’s something for everyone, and a great way to try something new yourself.

For more information and the event’s schedule, check out the website here

Eroica Britannia

When: June 17th – June 19th

Where: Bakewell, Derbyshire

Back for its third year running, the vintage cycling festival returns. Attracting visitors from all over the globe, this festival celebrates the freedom machine that we all love: the bicycle.

With planned rides of 30, 55 and 100 miles, you’ll be dressed up in classic cycling attire and riding upon a pre-1987 bicycle.

The festival offers vintage shopping, riding, food and drinks with live entertainment over the 3 day duration. Toodle pip!

For more information, check out the website here

Staffordshire Cycling Festival

When: July 2nd – July 3rd

This two day cycling festival is great for those seeking an action packed, family friendly event.

On Sunday July 3rd, there’s a 22 mile and a 68 mile sportive to choose from. Both starting and finishing at Shugborough Hall, these routes include skill testing climbs and fun flowing descents. Both routes have feed stations and rest points along the way so you can get that essential re-fuelling in.

For more information, check out the website here

Pedal Norfolk 2016

When: April 30th – May 2nd

Set in the town of Holkham, the Norfolk Cycling Festival has lots on offer this year.

With sportives ranging from 20, 50 and 100 miles, to off-road and BMX tracks and trails. The festival caters for a variety of disciplines, including time trail.

With plenty of food and entertainment throughout the weekend, come rain or shine, you’ll have a good time

For more information, check out the website here

Aber Cycle Fest

When: May 23rd – May 29th

This week of cycling events is jam packed with action and adrenaline. Hosted in Aberystwyth, this festival has events running throughout for all disciplines of riding.

The week will offer movie showings, music and entertainment with plenty of food stalls to keep you going.

May 27th if you’ve got a competitive spirit in you, you’ll be pleased to hear there’s crit racing today with women’s specific events, and the Pearl Izumi tour, so you can watch experienced riders show you how it’s done. All that, and some fancy dress to keep it fun…

May 28th showcases the downhill event: “Conquer the Cliff”

May 29th is the concluding “Welsh Wild West” sportive event. Riders choosing from 26, 41, 70 and 114 mile routes.

For more information, check out the website here

Eastbourne Cycling Festival

When: June 4th – June 5th

Could a cycling festival get more comprehensive than this one? The Eastbourne Cycling Festival has a mammonth line up.

From road, to track, to BMX and MTB, there’s something for every keen cyclists… even a penny farthing race!

If racing isn’t your thing, there will be vintage bike displays, trade stalls and a tyre change challenge – this festival will keep you busy and entertained all weekend.

For more information, check out the website here

Chiltern Cycling Festival

When: Sunday July 17th

Where: Amersham

This cycling heavy day of celebrations will kick off with a 30, 60 and 100 mile sportives over the beautifully hilly Chilterns. With feed stations and mechanics along the route, there’ll be all the support you need for a fun and successful ride. There’ll also be MTB sportive events, and both rides feature the option to dress up, or ride vintage bicycles.

With family rides, vintage stalls, markets, and bike demos on offer, this day will appeal to the whole family for a great day out.

For more information, check out their website

Uptonogood?

When: Saturday June 18th

Where: North Wessex Downs

This mountain bike day of celebration is ideal for novices and experts alike.

A family run event, this festival has a number of rides for all ages and mountain bike ability with 5, 12, 18, 25 and 35 mile routes to choose from.

Camping is available throughout the weekend, and live music and entertainment will help soothe those tired muscles after a day of shredding the trails.

For more information, check out the website here

The love and enthusiasm for cycling and bicycles themselves has gained such a big audience that these festivals are the perfect way to have fun, ride bikes, meet others and have a nice weekend away.