5 upcoming cycling events in London

It’s getting cold, windy, rainy and dark earlier and earlier. It’s only natural to get despondent and gravitate towards the couch, Netflix and a packet of crisps. But there is a lot to get out and explore even as it gets darker and colder. If you grab a warm jacket and some gloves, there are some great bike events in and around London over the next few weeks – so take a peek at what’s going on this time of year (P.S not all events are outside, or on a bike – but they are all free!)

Croydon Bicycle Theatre (Croydon)

Not all cycle events our outside, or on a bike. Some come in the form of spoken word, poetry, fiction or true stories. That’s right – a cycle themed story night thanks to the team at There Goes the Neighbourhood – Hackney’s cosiest story night that showcases experienced and upcoming local writers every other month. This month on November it will be held at the BoxBar at BoxPark, Croydon. The theme for this month is cycles.

If you’re a budding writer yourself, or want to give it a go then feel free to put pen to paper and get your creative and cycling juices flowing. Anyone can share as the team at There Goes the Neighbourhood invites submissions from all.

Attendance is free, but you can register and get more information here.

Halloween Mini-Fright Ride (Tower Hamlets)

Halloween is just around the corner so this was too good to ignore! If you’re looking to spook up your Tuesday night by bike then this event is for you. Starting underneath the green bridge by Nando’s (round the corner from Mile End underground station), a group of cyclists will be visiting Tower Hamlet’s spookiest sites, which I’m sure much include a stop at Tower Hamlets Cemetery because that place gives me the chills every time.

Come prepared with a good light (and even some Halloween attire) as it will be dark, possibly chilly, but most of all it’ll be creepy. The ride kicks off at 6pm and is around 15km long, and it’ll finish at a local pub for a well-deserved drink.

More information can be found here.

The Cycling Jersey Book Launch & Discussion (Soho)

Another not-actually-cycling event that should inspire everyone to get on their bike – this evening focuses on the craft, legacy and art of the cycling jersey through a new book from Oliver Knight but funded through an incredibly successful Kickstarter campaign. ‘The Cycling Jersey’ is a book created for, and with the participation of, the growing network of devotees who appreciate the culture, craft and heritage of these iconic items. As part of the book launch on November 15^th, there will also be an in-store display of a selection of some of the most mythic vintage wool cycling jerseys

The evening at Rapha’s store in Soho is free to attend (RSVP is appreciated) will also include a panel discussion held with collectors and designers how these jerseys have become such iconic pieces of the cycling kit, as well as a book signing and interview with the author on the making of the book.

You can find more information and RSVP here.

Cycling and Mental Health (Old Street)

Look Mum No Hands (about a 10 minutes walk, or 2min bike!, from Old Street roundabout) is hosting an incredible evening on November 7^th that addresses mental health and cycling. LMNH has worked with Sarah Strong – a cyclist, mental health charity worker, researcher/writer and ex-archivist to curate an informal and upbeat evening that includes a panel of speakers to share their experiences and advice around mental health and cycling. These two topics are becoming more and more relevant in our world today and this would be a great opportunities to hear diverse and engaging experiences in an open and safe space.

The evening will be hosted by TV presenter, journalist and author, Rebecca Charlton and is free to attend!

To RSVP for the event and find out more information click here.

Wednesday Weekly Wander (Bromley)

Bromley Cyclists are a local group of the London Cycling Campaign and run a weekly 10 mile bike ride that finishes by stopping at a local pub. A weekly wander is a fantastic idea – you get to explore new areas and most importantly meet new people that like to bike. The weekly wander is very inclusive, the group always rides at the pace of the slowest rider, no matter how slow that is – so you don’t need to be a racer to participate! They meet at 7:30 at Bromley South Station and there are usually people riding back to Orpington, West Wickham, Beckenham and Sidcup so you are likely to have company for at least part of the way home.

If you live in South London, then I’d highly recommend participating. Braving the colder conditions is always better when you have a group and there is a pint at the end of it!

More information can be found here and if you don’t live near Bromley, checkout the London Cycling Campaign’s event calendar in your area here. Many boroughs have their own versions of this, which could be closer for you

There’s lots to choose from over the coming weeks. Lots of passion, interest, and fun – so if something looks interesting then go give it a whirl – that’s the best part about living in London!