Cambridge Bike Shop - Cycle Events

Cycle Events

What are cycling events?

Powerbar and High-5 Energy bars and drinks

Many cycling events are organised by charities as a means for raising money to support great causes. You pay a small fee to take part in the event, which covers the administration and organisation. You are then able to, if you wish, to raise sponsorship money to give to the charity.

Over the years these events have proven to be very popular, with interest increasing year on year. As a result there are more and more events popping up, close to Cambridge there is the new for 2011 Cambs to Coast ride, which you can see below. As well as many others throughout the UK (and even the world!)

What events are around Cambridge?

There are many cycling events throughout the year, you can see a majority of the events on the Bike Events website, another popular site is the British Heart Foundation

The ones to make note of, which involve Cambridge are:

Cambs to Coast March – (Cambridge to Southend 74 miles) More Info
London to Cambridge July – (58 miles aprox.) More Info
Oxford to Cambridge July – (88 miles aprox.) More Info

The Cambridge Cycling Club also arrange weekly club runs. Three Club runs are organized: the Touring Clubrun, Intermediate Clubrun; and Sporting Clubrun are aimed at different abilities. All Clubrun groups meet at the bus shelter at the front entrance roundabout to the New Addenbrooke’s hospital site. They depart at 09:00h. Please visit their website for more information Click Here

What do I need?

A mechanically sound bicycle, legs prepared to last the distance and enough water to hydrate your body as you cycle. Remember, feeling thirsty is your body’s method of telling you that you are starting to become dehydrated, it is best to keep water levels topped up before you get to this point by carrying water bottles or wearing a CamelBak®.

However it is worth giving yourself a helping hand, for example if you are participating in an all-road event make sure you have appropriate, well inflated tyres; A suitable bicycle, e.g. hybrid or road (you can use a mountain bicycle, but suspension can be detrimental due to its weight and absorbtion of energy).

We would recommend that you also consider purchasing the following:

Helmet - to keep you safe
Water Bottles / Cages - to keep you hydrated
Cycling mits - to give your hands support and reduce the chance of pintching a nerve
Padded Cycling Shorts - keep your bum comfortable
Cycle Shoes and Peddals - make the most of your energy – be efficent!
Cycle Tops - the right tops, allowing you to wear 2 or 3 layers max gives you good flexibilty and efficentcy.
Cycle Computer - track your speed, time and distance to pace yourself
Energy / Supliment Drinks - either boost your energy during a ride or replenish the lost minerals and water after the ride.

We have a large selection of all the Cycle Clothing and Accessories mentioned above so please feel free to drop by for some friendly advice.

What is a mechanically sound bicycle?

If you have never had your bicycle serviced, or have not had it looked over for a while then it might be worth doing so prior to the ride. This way you can be sure that your gears and brakes will function properly for the full duration. Check ups can be as little as £15 so it is deffinitley worthwhile.

Before you ride

It is worth putting in some practice miles first, to make sure that your legs can last the distance. Start with small rides and work your way up to distances close to, if not more, than the amount you will be completing during the event. It is also worth making sure you include some hills (difficult around Cambridge) as you will more than likley encounter these on rides outside of our county. It is also very important that if you have any concers regarding your fitness, or if you have had problems in the past, that you consult your GP prior to any training or event.

Please note that Howes Cycles take no responsability or libility for accidents, injurys or death as a result of this advice.