This weekend there are loads of cycling-based events and activities surrounding the annual Prudential Ride London. A festival of sorts there is plenty on offer for all the family, whether keen cyclists or not.
For casual cycling enthusiasts Saturday’s Freecycle is a great opportunity to enjoy the best sights of London and a host of special events from the comfort of the saddle. Hop on and off the 10 mile traffic free route at your will and at your own speed. It will take you past the wonders of Buckingham Palace, The Houses of Parliament, St Pauls Cathedral and the The Tower of London (where you can admire the ceramic poppy installation in commemoration of WWI). Various venues along the route have a host of pop up events to entertain throughout the day. Why not rent a bike off us and cross over Southwark or Blackfriars Bridge to join the route and take your pick of the festivities. Saturday 9 August, along the Thames
St Pauls courtyard will be entertaining with spectacles from bike polo and BMX trick shows to street velodrome and pedal-powered juice bar and DJ booths.
Guildhall Yard hosts the official start of the Freecycle, kicked off at 9am by a world record attempt for the world’s biggest bike bell ensemble. Prudential RideLondon Bike Bell Orchestra and 600 riders will attempt the record and you can join in too! On offer for the rest of the day are unicycle trick shows, bike drummers and live music.
Leadenhall Market will have a stage in place offering theatrical performances and music, as well as bike building and saddle making shows.
Tower Hill is playing host to a Sustrans event which includes badge-making, pedal powered cinema, bike art, bling your bike, a pedal powered disco shed, virtual velodrome and more!
Feel the festival vibe in Green Park with various bike events for all ages, healthy food stalls, a big screen and stage showing music and entertainment. For the kids there’s superhero costume making, graffiti wall, face painting. And for the practical-minded, bike security marking and cycle safety talks.
If you’re more into spectator sports there’s plenty to keep you entertained.
The adrenaline filled Grand Prix offers the chance to watch the top professional men and women cyclists battle it out. Our very own Laura Trott will be there attempting to hold her title. The next generation of cycling will also be showing off their talent afterwards in the youth races. Saturday 9 August, St James Park
On Sunday 150 of the world’s top cyclists will be competing in the Surry-London Classic – 200km of pure splendour through the streets of London and across the hills of Surrey. The route is a variation on the London 2012 Olympic Road Cycling Race route. Sunday 10 August
Over 80,000 hardy amateur cyclists will be taking on a similar route in the London-Surry 100 Sportive: tackling 100 miles of traffic-free roads through London and onwards into the stunning countryside of Surrey. Get involved and cheer them on along the route. Sunday 10 August
Handcycle Classic – the top handcyclists (yes, cycling with arms instead of legs!) will be taking to the streets of Kingston in a 15 mile race finishing spectacularly on the sweeping avenue of the Mall. Sunday 10 August, starts in Kingston
For bike rentals this weekend get in touch!
Some views of London to look forward to:
