National Trust's first cycling festival, 16-24 July, nationwide
This week should have an event for everyone from families to serious cyclists wanting to tackle a sportive (long distance race). There are family taster days, plus bike workshops and even a cycle circus (Killerton, Devon).
• nationaltrust.org.uk
Brompton World Championship, Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire,
21 August
The famous British fold-up is about to run its sixth championship, which attracts 750 riders from around the world to Blenheim Palace, near Woodstock. There will be two laps of the 6.5km course, and sports attire is not permitted (except helmets) – you must wear a blazer or suit jacket, shirt and tie. Prizes for the best dressed.
• brompton.co.uk, £28pp entry fee
World Championship Tandem Race, Chippenham, Wiltshire,
4 September
When Britain's tandem fanatics realised the world didn't have a World Championship Tandem Race they set one up. There will be four heats of 12 miles, with the fastest 40 from all the heats competing in the final. Totally Tandems (totally-tandems.co.uk) rents bikes out from £22 a day.
• blackratcycle.co.uk, £30pp entry fee
Manchester to Blackpool Night Ride,
17-18 September
This 60-mile bike ride under the stars to raise money for the British Heart Foundation starts at the Trafford Centre and ends at star-spangled Blackpool, where the illuminations will stay lit up to guide riders in.
• bhf.org.uk, £30pp entry fee
Ibbo's cake quest, Walton-on-the-Hill, Tadworth, Surrey,
25 September
Stuff your face while burning calories on one of four cake-themed rides, with stops at cafes and farm shops. Rides range from the 20km fairy cake ride to the 150km fruit cake ride. There is a big cake station at the end.
• ibbocakequest.com, £10-£18.25pp, entry fee
Red Bull Hill Chasers, Bristol, 29 January 2012
What sort of bike can get up a hill fastest? This event aims to settle the dispute, with BMX, mountain bike, road cycling and fixed gear bikes facing off on a steep hill – Bristol's Park St. It's not a mass participation event – 16 top British athletes compete against 16 local heroes from Bristol – but it's a fun spectator occasion.
• redbull.co.uk
For more serious sportives see cyclingweekly.co.uk
