There is never a shortage of sportives, rides, and events to do, but where to start? And what if you want to try something different?
Within a stone's throw of the capital, there are plenty of unique events taking place that are a perfect way to expand your riding knowledge.
Dunwich Dynamo - July
Best for community spirit
Free
Where: Hackney to Dunwich Beach, Suffolk
This 120-mile overnight ride from London's Hackney Fields to Dunwich beach in Suffolk captures the spirit of cycling and community. It is free to take part; you just need to turn up before 8pm on the date of the ride, which takes place on the weekend of the fullest moon at the beginning of July. For 2019, that's 13th July and for 2020 that will be 25th July.
The semi-organised ride (not race) has been running since 1993. There are no way-marks or official stops. But what the Dynamo lacks in official organisation it makes up for in atmosphere and fun.
The event Facebook group is a space for people to ask questions, air grievances, and post victory photos of this very unique ride.
North London Dirt
Best for gravel riding
£22.00
When: Sunday, 8th September 2019
Where: Spitalfield's Market
Founded by The Ride Journal, North London Dirt is a 70-mile, off-road jaunt, taking in as many back roads, dirt tracks, and gravel paths as can be found. All proceeds of the ride are donated to St Mary's Centre in Stoke Newington.
The ride begins with free coffees at Rapha's Spitalfields store and finishes at a local brewery.
Condor Summer Festival
Best for fun, food and atmosphere
£50.00
When: Sunday, 25th August 2019
Where: Vanstone Park, Hitchin, Hertfordshire
The summer festival is a celebration of all things cycling. Ride it as fast or as slow as you want, but make sure you're back for the tasty lunch, local craft beer, pies, and ice cream included in all rider tickets, as well as a limited edition cap.
The festival is back by popular demand, first run to celebrate Condor's 70th birthday in 2018. This year's ride features 75 or 40 mile routes that will see riders pedal through some of the quietest lanes in Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and the Chilterns.
Kent Velo Sportive
Best for cake
£30
When: Sunday, 6 October 2019
Where: Hilden Park Golf Centre, Tonbridge, Kent
Rider goody bags, raffle, routes for everyone, and more home baking than a Women's Institute AGM. The Kent Velo Girls cycling club know how to run a traditional sportive, so much so that their event was ranked by Red Bull as one of the top in the country. The ride offers several routes that tackle the climbs around Ashdown Forest, with all profits donated to Mind and Wheels for Wellbeing.
Rapha London to Manchester
Most challenging
Entry £150, plus raise £750 for charity
When: Saturday, 31st August 2019
Where: London's Allianz Arena to Adlington Hall, Manchester
The M2L has built a formidable name since it was first run six years ago. This year, the organisers are reversing the route, and riders will set off at midnight in London and ride the epic 220-mile route to Manchester in aid of Ambitious about Autism. Enter as an individuals or team of five.