12 rides of Christmas
Anyone familiar with the song The 12 Days of Christmas is probably wondering what you’d actually do with all those gifts. All those birds, dancing ladies and leaping lords are surely only going to make a lot of mess and add to the Christmas stress.
Instead we suggest dedicating each day to a cycle ride. As we know, cycling is a great way to beat the festive pressures. It’s a way to reconnect with friends and family, or to get some much-needed time alone. Here are 12 ride ideas to help get you started.
On the first day of Christmas, Cycling UK suggested to me: a Santa ride
This is a great one for Christmas Day itself. Spread a little joy, don the white beard and jolly Saint Nick outfit and head out for a ride. Cycling Santas are scientifically proven to bring a smile not just to your face but also everyone else’s face – unless their name is Ebeneezer Scrooge.
On the second day of Christmas, Cycling UK suggested to me: a Boxing Day ride with friends or family
Get friends or family together to work off yesterday’s Christmas feast with a spin around your local area. You don’t have to go far – just a short ride will improve your mood and you can warm up with mince pies and hot chocolate when you get home.
On the third day of Christmas, Cycling UK suggested to me: find a route with a Christmas theme
Is there a Holly Avenue nearby? An Ivy Road? Or even a Reindeer Way? Study Google Maps to see if you can find Christmas-themed roads and link them together into a ride. Extra points if you locate a Christmas-y named café to visit! Feel free to take photos of the festive street signs and tag us on Instagram.
On the fourth day of Christmas, Cycling UK suggested to me: do your shopping by bike
With a set of panniers or even a rucksack, it’s surprising how much you can fit on your bike if you’ve never tried it before. With a cargo bike or trailer, you’ll almost be able to as much as with a car – especially with electric assist. We’ve got plenty of advice on how to combine your favourite two-wheeled activity with the weekly shop.
On the fifth day of Christmas, Cycling UK suggested to me: find the most interesting decorations
We’ve all seen them: the displays that make you go “wow” and know that celebrating the season is a big deal in that household. But they’ll soon be taken down until next year, so head out today to get a final glimpse before they’re gone.
On the sixth day of Christmas, Cycling UK suggested to me…have a go at some Strava art
Several people use their Strava rides to map out some pretty impressive artwork, like this Santa Claus created around Birmingham a few years ago. Get creative with your mapping skills and make your own bit of Christmas-themed Strava art and then share it with us in our Cycling UK Strava club.
On the seventh day of Christmas, Cycling UK suggested to me: finish a festive riding challenge
It’s New Year’s Eve, and if at the beginning of the week you signed up for a festive challenge like the Rapha Festive 500, or Advntr.cc’s alternative off-road version and still have some clicks to go…then well, no time like the present, eh?
On the eighth day of Christmas, Cycling UK suggested to me: head out for an early morning ride
There’s something extra exhilarating about being out on your bike at dawn on a cold New Year’s Day – and dawn isn’t too early at this time of year. Make the most of the quiet, while greeting any other early risers, then head home for breakfast feeling smug that most people still haven’t got out of their beds.
On the ninth day of Christmas, Cycling UK suggested to me: a night ride
After yesterday’s early start you deserve a lie in. Even the most familiar ride will look and feel different at night, and if it’s a clear night you’ll see it all by star and moonlight. But don’t forget your lights: you’re required to have front and rear lights, as well as reflectors when riding between sunset and sunrise.
On the 10th day of Christmas, Cycling UK suggested to me: give the British Cycle Quest a go
British Cycle Quest is a cycling challenge where you cycle to checkpoints in England, Scotland and Wales, following clues, and then answer a question about it. There are hundreds of checkpoints to visit, so there’s sure to be one close by, or you can use it as a reason to go further afield.
On the 11th day of Christmas, Cycling UK suggested to me: try a different sort of riding
Maybe you’re a committed roadie who’s afraid of mud, or a downhill specialist who scoffs at those who prefer tarmac to dirt. Now’s the time to put aside your prejudices and see how the other half live – and if you’re someone who enjoys cycling in all its beauteous forms, why not try the type of riding you do the least?
If you’re looking for tips, then no matter what your passion or interest is, we’ve got you covered with our cycling advice page.
On the 12th day of Christmas, Cycling UK suggested to me: just go for a normal bike ride
The turkey – or tofu – is all gone, you’re back at work and the decs are all back in their boxes. Christmas is done for another year. So today reward yourself by heading out and enjoying a ride however you like.
