[andystow]

I plan to retire in the middle of next year, and my wife and I will probably kick around the UK and Europe for at least a few months, possibly close to a year. Looking for ride and/or event suggestions for me. She would not be participating unless there’s also a very short (~30 miles max) option. 1-3 day events ideal, but I’m open to a week… we’re not glued together. Preferably the start and end of the event could be easily accessed without hiring a car, but that’s not a “must.” I’ll probably be on my Brompton, but am willing to get a more suitable bike if the event calls for it.

If the event is also beer-related, that’s a plus for me.

I’ve done LEJoG. I see there’s no Ride London for next year. LEL isn’t until 2029. So far I’m interested in…

London to Brighton (June)
The New Forest rides in April and September https://www.ukcyclingevents.co.uk/events
Tour de France Grand Départ in July (probably Edinburgh but could be convinced to do one of the other two days)
A Critical Mass in London
Brother in the Wild (May?)

What are your bucket list rides that could become my bucket list rides too?

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[Bezzard74]

Brother in the Wild is great fun, but not sure what the plans are for 2027- i heard rumblings that 2026 was the last year in the Purbecks.
Critical Mass is definitely worth it!
And the New Forest is stunning, definitely visit The Woods Cyclery!
edit to add – Woods do shop rideouts, usually a Sunday i believe, but have in depth knowledge of the area for route suggestions.

[OnYerBike]

I did the gravel version of the Frontier 300 a few years ago, and tempted to do it again next year – of all the cycling events I’ve done to do, it’s the one I remember most fondly. There is a road option (which might be doable on a Brompton), and one- or two-day options. The end (Druridge Bay) is a few miles from a train station, and the organisers arrange a coach from there to the start, so no car needed.

Chase The Sun events are quite popular – they have a North and South option within UK, as well as some abroad. Not sure about logistics.

Ride To The Sun is an overnight ride which is popular with the local scene up here in Edinburgh. Start (Carlisle) and end (Edinburgh) both accessible by train. If you wanted to hang around Edinburgh for a bit, it’s shortly before le Grand Depart.

There are countless sportives – popular relatively local ones are Tour of the Borders, Etape Caledonia, and Etape Loch Ness. Plenty of audaxes too, although I guess they are less likely to be “bucket list” events (other than famous ones like LEL).

There are various gravel events, but probably not suited to a Brompton. Dirty Reiver is probably the most famous but already sold out. If that sort of thing interests you, google “gravel events UK 2027” and have a browse.

Off the top of my head, I can’t think of any events that are explicitly beer-related, (although a quick google proves me ignorant e.g. https://www.letsgovelo.co.uk/sportives have a Brewery Cycle Series), but I’m fairly confident beer is available at the finish of any of the above events, and in many cases nothing to stop you calling into a pub en route if you want!

[Rendel Harris]

You look much too young to retire! Good luck to you sir. Don’t forget we’re also hosting the Tour de France Femmes Grand Depart, Leeds-Manchester July 30th, Manchester-Sheffield July 31st and a team TT London August 1st. If Critical Mass stick to their usual last Friday of every month pattern there should be a ride on Friday July 31st so the London stage might be a good opportunity to combine the two?

[Author]

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