Ten cycle tour events not to miss

Skyride

Part of central London is closed off as 65,000 cyclists decent on the capital. The effect is like an endless sea of cyclists wearing fluorescent jackets. The event is very well publicised and incredibly popular. It is free to attend.  The event is held around September time.

Rollapaluza
Two fixed gears bikes are placed on rollers and you race each other to 500 metres. After an adrenaline pumped 20-30 seconds you may emerge victorious. Even if you don’t you’ll be instantly addicted. I’ve previously written about my Rollapaluza experience.

Critical Mass
Critical Mass meets every last Friday of the month beneath Waterloo Bridge. After listening to some music, chatting and having a few beers the group sets off around London. The event is open for anyone to attend and doesn’t tend to be organised by any particular group or person. There is a website with some background info.

Dunwich Dynamo
This is a challenging ride through the night from Hackney to Dunwich covering a distance of around 120 miles. It is completely free to attend and you just show up on the day. The cycling event provides a good chance to meet fellow like-minded individuals. It tends to be held in July.
Tweed Run
This event sells out extremely quickly so you need to get in there early. Dressing up in the finest Tweed you join 400 fellow cyclists and set off around the streets of London on a short cycle. See the official Tweed website for full details.

London Naked Bike Ride
This London cycling event involves plenty of nakedness and body paints. It is usually held in June. The congregation sets off on a short bike tour around 6 miles long around central London.
London to Paris
One of London’s biggest charity cycling events. It covers 325 miles and is organised by a number of charities. You can usually choose to complete it in either 3 or 4 days. There is also a 24 hour challenge for the more hardcore cyclists. Of course London to Paris isn’t the only option. There are also other bicycle tour such as the London to Brighton which is extremely popular.

Bike Polo
You can either spectate or if you are good enough take part in Bike Polo events. You can find out details on the bike polo page.

Bicycle Film Festival
The London Bicycle Film festival is held in October. It is a celebration of cycling featuring events and short cycling films. The events are open to anyone and tickets usually go on a sale a few weeks before.

Nightrider
300 cyclists tour around London in this unique cycling event. It starts off at Crystal Palace and covers 100km around London. After visiting famous London sights the ride ends with a well deserved breakfast. The money raised from the event goes to charity. You tend to have to register early as it sells out.