The third edition of the series kicks off on Sunday 31 March with Cycling UK Stevenage Cycling's Start of Summertime event, which traditionally welcomes the longer daylight hours of British Summertime and heralds the start of the Challenge Rides. The series ends six fun-filled months later with the group's Emitremmus ride in October, when we officially wave goodbye to summer again.
In between those dates, there will be another mouth-watering selection of challenging rides of varying distances up and down the UK for riders of all abilities. Run by our wonderful Member Group volunteers, they provided the opportunity to explore stunning scenery in like-minded company for a very reasonable price, with plenty of chances for tea and cake thrown in of course!
Find out how 2018's events went in Another Great Year of Rides Comes to a Close.
|
Start of Summertime Specials, Stevenage, Hertfordshire |
Sunday 31 March |
| Devon Dirt Off-Road, Ashburton, Devon | Sunday 14 April |
| Early Season Challenge Ride, Farndon near Chester | Sunday 14 April |
| Ayrshire Wee Yin | Sunday 9 June |
| Ayrshire Big Yin | Sunday 9 June |
| Bob Clift Memorial Cheshire Cycleway Rides 2019 | Sunday 16 June |
|
Windmill Rides, Chelmsford, Essex |
Sunday 23 June |
| Diss Cyclathon, Norfolk | Sunday 23 June |
| 26th Devon Delight, Newtonabbot, Devon | Sunday 21 July |
| Wild Wales Challenge, North Wales | Sunday 25 August |
| Gridiron 100km, Lymington, Hampshire | Sunday 13 October |
|
Emitremmus, Stevenage, Hertfordshire |
Sunday 27 October |
Participants who successfully complete a Challenge Ride event will receive a branded medal plus other merchandise, subject to availability.
Keep an eye on this page, the UK Cycling Events Guide and our social media for full details of all the events and how to enter them.
These rides are not races but rather challenge rides in which you are only competing against the clock to see if you can finish by a certain time. With distances ranging from as little as 50km (just over 30 miles) to around 100km.
Many events may have more than one ride option available but only the distances over 50km will count for the Challenge Ride medals and certificates.
Last year, we introduced an off-road option, the Devon Dirt, to the series for the first time. Find out what riding in a Challenge Ride Series event is really like.
There may be check points or controls you have to visit en route to get a 'brevet' card or similar stamped, whereas other events may comprise just a route sheet with instructions that you follow on your own or they could be a led ride - so check with the organisers to see exactly how the event will be run and what is included. Most will have refreshment stops and tea, coffee and cake or biscuits available either free or for a small extra charge.
All events are very affordable to enter, with most around just £6 to £8, up to a maximum of around £21 (tbc) for the flagship Wild Wales Challenge as this ride includes full route directions, electronic timing, showers and so on. Some are even free!
Please register to take part in each event directly with the organisers, who will each have their own entry processes. Note that many events sell out very quickly whilst others you can enter on the day.
All enquiries regarding specific events should be directed to the organisers. For general enquiries regarding Cycling UK events and groups or the Challenge Ride Series, contact us via email groups@cyclinguk.org
