The 10 Best cycling events

1. Norwich 100 – 27 May

?19.50, ind.pn/norwich100

You can choose between a 100-mile, 50-mile or 25-mile ride on this route, which skirts the Broads and winds its way through olde-worlde Norwich.

2. Macmillan London to Paris – 4 July

?150, ind.pn/maclondonparis

Ending up in front of the Eiffel Tower, this capital ride covers 300 miles. Macmillan requires you to raise ?1,500 to cover costs.

3. Dragon Ride Wales – 10 June

?29.50, wiggledragonride.com

The larger routes on this ride, which begins in Port Talbot, have sold out. But you can still join the 37km ride (phew!).

4. South Downs Epic – 24 June

From ?24, wiggle.co.uk

ind.pn/southdownsepic There are two rides, the epic (44 miles) and standard (23 miles). Both provide lovely views of the south coast and some challenging climbs.

5. Manchester to Liverpool – 3 June

From ?16, ind.pn/manctoliver

This NSPCC ride starts at Salford Quays and moves off along the ship canal to Liverpool, even nipping down a certain Penny Lane.

6. Bournemouth Sportive – 27 May

?24, ind.pn/bournemouthsportive

This 70-mile route traverses Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire, mostly on quiet country roads.

7. Mega Meon Sportive – 1 July

From ?16, ind.pn/megameon

The 55-mile fun ride is the main attraction here: it's easy to medium and mostly on the road, taking in the South Downs and pretty views across the Solent.

8. The Great British Bike Ride Land's End – 28 August

?250, greatbritishbikeride.com

Finishing at Twickenham Stadium, this covers 400 miles. The Rainbow Trust asks riders to pay ?250 and guarantee ?1,250 of sponsorship.

9. Glasgow 100 – 12 August

From ?28, action.org.uk

ind.pn/glasgow100

Glasgow's 100-mile ride for Action Medical Research is rated 4.5/5 for difficulty. The route takes in a few 10 per cent gradients.

10. Tour of County Tyrone – 5 June

From ?15, ind.pn/touroftyrone

Choose between two routes here, a 98- and 64-miler. Whichever you plump for, you're sure to see Tyrone's most lovely scenery.