London’s best cycling events

Whether you’re a recreational cyclist or a hard-core Fred, you probably like to attend events with fellow cyclists. I’m not just talking about going to the pub with your mates; I’m talking actual events for cyclists.

Why would you want to? There’s about a million reasons. From acting on the opportunity to cycle naked to past Big Ben to meeting fellow cyclists. Take a look and pick a London cycling event that appeals!

See also: 7 Sportives you should try in 2013

RideLondon-Surrey 100

This 100-mile route is great for recreational riders looking to do a good bit for charity and for hardcore riders looking to challenge themselves against other competitive cyclists. It doesn’t matter if you’re racing or are just intent to finish, make sure your gear is ride-ready on 4 August 2013 and rise to the challenge.

While the events are now mostly sold out, you can still get places through organisations such as Water Aid, Cancer Research UK and Action for Hearing Loss.

The Tweed Run

Photo via I Bike London

If you’re looking for a good old fashioned bicycle ride, don your favourite old school cycling attire—tweed, of course—and bring your vintage cycle and get ready to roll. The Tweed Run isn’t for everyone. Quite literally actually, as the number of participants is limited so if you fancy getting into traditional English bicycling spirit for a ride through London, better sign up soon!

London Naked Bike Ride

You may think your biggest concern will be not sliding off your seat a few miles into the ride, but first-timers (as I was not so long ago) will find the act of simply dressing down to be a huge amount of fun.

A naked ride through London in June with at least 1,000 other enthusiastic cyclists may not seem like the best idea you’ve ever had, but it’s for a good cause. Ride to increase tolerance of cyclists, burn off calories or simply to show the world there are other ways to work up a sweat naked.

Ride naked or partially clothed, the choice is yours as long as you ride for increased cyclist awareness.

London Bicycle Film Festival

Whether you’re keen to catch up on popular bicycle culture or are eager to catch up with the latest cycle-related films and documentaries, the London Bicycle Film Festival is back for a tenth go of it.

Taking place at the Barbican Centre in early October, this celebration of urban cycling is sure to please…if you secure your tickets before they sell out.

Critical Mass

Arguably the most laid-back cycling event in London, Critical Mass is just a bunch of cyclists having a good time and cycling around the city. Although there are no organizers, no set routes and no clear-cut purpose, one thing is clear: if you meet up on the last Friday of the month near the Waterloo Bridge, you’re guaranteed a good time and a killer ride.

Hackney Bicycle Film Society

The Hackney Bicycle Film Society is a monthly gathering of cycling and film enthusiasts at Gray’s Inn Road. The only catch is that you must become a member to attend the events, but the good news is membership is free.

Go to the diary page to find the when and where.

Smithfield Nocturne

If it’s June and it’s night time that means it must be time to head over to Smithfield Market for round of nocturnal racing. Races begin at 16:30, but if you’re not up for the wind whipping through your hair in the dark you can take part in the drinks and snack stalls throughout the market.

It’s free and its fun and you’ll get to mix with tens of thousands of London’s most enthusiastic cyclists!

Open Garden Weekend Bike Rides

If you’re one of the more tame cyclists in London then the Open Garden Weekend rides is probably more your speed. Grab your bicycle and tour some of the most fantastic gardens, squares and courtyards London has to offer. The most appealing aspect of these open garden rides is that you get access to many lush private gardens and squares.

Get your tickets for a full weekend of cycling and garden viewing.

Bike Week

Bike Week is one of the biggest cycling events around, taking full advantage of beautiful June weather for a full week. With a variety of events and competitions including training skills, timed trials, school-based rides and fundraising rides, the entire family can enjoy an entire week of cycle-related fun.

Street Talks

If you’re a conscientious cyclist looking to get together with like-minded individuals then Street Talks is probably the perfect event for you. Attend to hear speakers and have friendly debates about liveability over a pint (or two), or simply learn more about making London more liveable.

Update! Extra addition from London Cyclist reader

This is the third year for the London Ditchling Devil, a 125mile/200km Audax which runs from Wimbledon Common down towards the coast taking in Ditchling Beacon and the Devils Dyke, routing back to London for a finish in Richmond Patk.

We’ve got a great rolling route, landmark climbs and regular controls offering real food, all supported by local cyclists. It’s an Audax not a sportive, so the focus is on enjoying the day rather than haring round chasing a time, though if riders want to get a move on, then that’s fine too. Most riders will take about 10-12 hours to complete the event, similar to the Dunwich Dynamo.

Audax events have a great friendly ‘club atmosphere as they are organised by local enthusiasts. There are events running most weekends throughout the country, mostly starting from local village halls. Few start in London though, so this is a rare opportunity for London cyclists to ride up to the start from home.

One thing’s for sure, it’s always a bit special when you can ride up to an event from home, and a ride down to the coast and back is always a blast!

This year’s event is on Sunday, 9th June 2013. Full details at ditchlingdevil.paudax.com.