In the UK, we love to go away for the summer. And naturally for cyclists, our favourite travel companions are on two wheels. One of the main perks of cycle touring is that it’s cheaper than your standard getaway. It’s also a great way to meet new ...
Break out of London
A London cyclist goes to India, Nepal and Bali
I reluctantly left my bike with a friend to look after at the start of the year. My landlord had decided to sell the flat I was living in and, rather than start the dreaded search for a new London property, it seemed like an ideal opportunity to ...
Travel the world by bike: 7 of the best books for international cycle trips
Travelling by bike is arguably one of the best ways to see the world. You’re much more connected with your senses: smelling the bakery as you pass, feeling the breeze on your face and watching the waddle of some adorable dogs. It’s all the ...
From Portreath to Devoran – Coast to Coast Cycle
At just 11 miles long, the Sustrans Mineral Tramways Coast to Coast is one of the shortest coast to coast rides you can do in the UK. Almost the entire route is traffic free. Over the summer holidays, while I was in Cornwall, I took the ...
Getting social and sustainable with Brake the Cycle
Brake the Cycle is a cycle touring company with a difference. Organised as a social enterprise, the goal is to explore sustainable living through cycling, adventure and community. London Cyclist interviewed Joe Red, the founder of the organisation, ...
7 Summer Holiday Books for Cyclists
In the London Cyclist Friday newsletter we've recently been mentioning some of our favourite reads, including Bike Boom: The Unexpected Resurgence of Cycling by Carlton Reid and Bike Nation: How Cycling Can Save the World. I thought we should ...
Cycling around the Isle of Wight
Guest blog by Robbie from Isle of Wight Guru The Isle of Wight's Victorian seaside resorts and stretches of fossil-filled coastline feel a long way from London, but it's only about 90 minutes by train to the ferry so it's achievable for a ...
Best cycling routes and climbs in Portugal
I've asked Jeff Jones, founder of Flyingeese to share his favourite cycling routes and climbs in Portugal. Cycling was a lifeline for me when I worked in the City. It was as much mental as physical – getting in the saddle was such a necessary ...
London weekend getaway: From Maidenhead to Windsor
The area surrounding Maidenhead ticked a lot of boxes when I was recently looking for a weekend away from London. Great gastropubs, cafes, lots of cycle routes along the river, old manor houses and there were even opportunities to sail, kayak and ...
A French cycling tour inspired by Peter Mayle’s novels
With over 6 million worldwide sales, Peter Mayle’s “A Year in Provence” still captures the imaginations of people across the globe. Provence’s charming cobbled streets, fragrant lavender fields, rolling hills, and sleepy villages also offer much for ...
Go West! My first cycle tour – part 1 – the route and scenic highlights
So, I finally went on a cycle tour - it only took me a year to get it figured out! I have to say it was well worth the wait, especially as I didn't have to do it on my own, my new-to-cycling husband brought a touring bike and came with me. I am also ...
10 of the most cycling friendly cities around the world
How do you determine a cycle friendly city? The scientific way is the Copenhagenize Index. It looks at a number of variables including commitment to infrastructure, modal share and gender split. Another is to go from personal experience. We've ...
Cycling the Italian Lake District
What’s so special about this part of Italy? We take a look at the top 5 places to cycle with the help of cycling holiday specialist, The Mid Life Cyclist who run regular tours in the area for groups, self guided and bespoke holidays. Madonna del ...
Preparing for your first French cycle tour
There is a certain romance to the idea of a unplanned, no route, ‘devil may care’ cycling tour through France. Simply stuff a tent into your pannier, a packet of jelly babies and a phrasebook in your pocket, jump on a ferry and head in the general ...
Here’s what all cycling tourism websites should look like
I don't know if you know this about me, but I like cycling. Whilst 99% of the time I'm cycling from A to B on the streets of London, on a rare opportunity, I'll go on a cycling trip. Recently, I've cycled in Germany, Bolivia and Devon. Next up, ...
Mitie London Revolution 2015 – Extra camping spots released!
Way back in 2012 I rode the Mitie London Revolution. To date, it's been one of the most fun and challenging rides I've ever been on. Since the rides conception just a few short years ago, it's become one of the most popular routes amongst London ...
Top 10 European Cycling Destinations
On a rainy bike ride home, it’s hard for the mind not to wonder towards dreamier climates. My mind always wonders back to my cycling holiday along the Rhine in Germany and inevitably to the many pints consumed along the way. Cycling Holidays are ...
UK to get its first festival dedicated to Cycle Touring
Guest post by Tom Allen. Alongside cycling in general, bicycle travel is undergoing a real growth spurt. More and more people are discovering the joys of using their bikes to see the world beyond their local rides. This is gratifying, because I ...
Mitie London Revolution places are now open
Registration for a place in the 2015 London Revolution has just opened. If you've been following London Cyclist for a while, you'll know this is one of our favourite rides. I rode it in 2012, Sam, one of our contributors, rode it in 2013 and I'm ...
Mountain biking in Devon’s Haldon Forest
"Let's do a weekend away!" your friend enthusiastically suggests. Five minutes later you are throwing out ideas: Let's go coasteering! Let's go mountain biking! Let's go kayaking! Let's go rock climbing! Two weeks go by with no planning, and ...