{"id":392581,"date":"2026-01-27T05:54:22","date_gmt":"2026-01-27T05:54:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/392581\/"},"modified":"2026-01-27T05:54:22","modified_gmt":"2026-01-27T05:54:22","slug":"how-to-spice-up-your-riding-in-2026-from-a-to-z","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/392581\/","title":{"rendered":"How to spice up your riding in 2026, from A to Z"},"content":{"rendered":"

It’s easy to slip into routines, but the start of a new year is the perfect time to rediscover the sheer joy, potential and dazzling variety of cycling.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Your regular training rides will boost your form and fitness, but you also need plenty of fun ideas, epic adventures, surprising new destinations and unusual challenges to keep you feeling motivated all year long.\u00a0<\/p>\n

With our A-Z of fresh ride ideas, you can escape your familiar routine and enjoy a kaleidoscope of exciting new adventures. <\/p>\n

Why not try to chalk off all 26 rides by 31 December?<\/p>\n

Adventure ride
\n\"BikeGet out and explore. Robyn Furtado \/ Our Media<\/p>\n

Whether you have always dreamed of bikepacking the rugged North Coast 500 \u2013 Scotland\u2019s answer to Route 66, cruising the historic Way of the Roses coast-to-coast route or gliding down the glorious West Country Way, make sure you celebrate 2026 with an adventure to remember.<\/p>\n

Having a big adventure ride on the horizon will ensure you keep training during the cold months ahead, while the epic ride will create cycling memories that\u2019ll last a lifetime.<\/p>\n

Beach day
\n\"TwoYou can always carry your swimwear should you fancy a dip. Joseph Branston \/ Our Media<\/p>\n

If you think a beautiful beach ride past sparkling sand and frothing waves is a distant dream, think again.\u00a0<\/p>\n

There isn\u2019t a single location in the UK that isn\u2019t within cycling distance of the sea.<\/p>\n

According to the boffins at Ordnance Survey, Coton in the Elms, a village in Derbyshire, is the furthest place in the UK from coastal waters, and even that is only 113km from the sea.\u00a0<\/p>\n

So whether you complete an exciting out-and-back ride to the beach or book a hotel and extend your stay, start plotting your refreshing beach spin now. You\u2019ll thoroughly deserve that bag of fish \u2018n\u2019 chips when you arrive.<\/p>\n

Cultural escape<\/p>\n

There are thousands of beautiful country houses in the UK, and 4,000 atmospheric old castles in England alone, many of which are set in stunning landscapes and boast cyclist-friendly cafes serving piping hot chocolate and fat, buttery scones.\u00a0<\/p>\n

English Heritage looks after 400 destinations, while Historic Houses supports more than 1,000 cultural treasures. Both of their websites offer a handy postcode search tool so you can discover a beautiful slice of cultural history on your next group ride.<\/p>\n

Dawn delight<\/p>\n

There is something magical about waking up before dawn, attaching lights to your bike and riding to a scenic local spot to catch the first golden rays of sunrise.\u00a0<\/p>\n

A dawn ride offers a mesmerising start to the day and an exhilarating reminder of what you can achieve by attacking the day, while most other riders are still tucked up in bed.<\/p>\n

Everest challenge
\n\"cannondaleEveresting is one of the toughest challenges a cyclist can take on. Andy Lloyd \/ Our Media<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll never forget the unique thrill and deep satisfaction of knowing you\u2019ve climbed to the summit height of Mount Everest, even if it was on a bike, on a local hill, barely a few kilometres from your home.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Everesting is a gritty bike challenge that involves clocking up 8,848m of vertical gain \u2013 the height of Mount Everest \u2013 through repetitions of a single climb, in a single ride.\u00a0<\/p>\n

There\u2019s no time limit. You can have as many rest breaks as you like. And you can choose whatever climb you like.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Just make sure you hit 8,848m. It sounds simple, but it\u2019s brutal.<\/p>\n

Ferry trip
\n\"FerryFerries are an exciting way to start a new adventure. Oscar Huckle \/ Our Media <\/p>\n

Bikes and boats make a surprisingly fun combination. There are more than 6,000 islands scattered around the UK, with many of the biggest ones offering spectacularly rugged and scenic cycling routes.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Whether you want to explore the Orkney Islands, the Shetland Islands or the Isle of Man \u2013 home of Mark Cavendish \u2013 most UK ferry operators carry bikes free of charge, so it\u2019s easy to plot your own island adventure.<\/p>\n

Gourmet tour<\/p>\n

Cafe stops are an integral component of any bike ride, so make sure you let the glorious grub of Britain take centre stage on at least one dedicated foodie ride this year.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Tuck into a jammy tart on a spin to Bakewell in the Peak District, sample fresh seafood in Padstow, enjoy a tipple on Somerset\u2019s Cider Trail, or sign up for Wheely Wonderful Cycling\u2019s six-day Slow Food Cycle Tour in the Shropshire Hills.<\/p>\n

Heroic hill climb
\n\"CheddarThe UK has plenty of iconic hills. Oscar Huckle \/ Our Media <\/p>\n

Hardknott Pass. Cheddar Gorge. Fleet Moss. Bealach-na-B\u00e0. Britain has dozens of iconic road climbs<\/a> and it\u2019s about time you ticked them off.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Select one of the grittiest climbs in the country and turn it from a distant dream into a riding reality this year.<\/p>\n

Imperial century<\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve never completed a tough but rewarding imperial century (a 100-mile ride), commit to conquering one this year.\u00a0<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re already a hardy centurion, try an upgraded challenge somewhere lumpy, such as the Lake District, for extra kudos.<\/p>\n

January challenges
\n\"CyclocrossCyclocross can add excitement to your pre-season training. Nick Clark \/ Our Media<\/p>\n

January and February can be bleak months for cyclists, with dreary weather, limited daylight and all those extra pounds piled on over Christmas.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Fight back with a mood-boosting New Year challenge. It could involve doing a core workout<\/a> every morning, signing up for your maiden cyclocross event<\/a>, or aiming to ride 1,000km by March.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Strava<\/a> also has a host of January Challenges \u2013 2026\u2019s include pedalling 400km or 1,250km throughout the month \u2013 so you can bag extra motivation and camaraderie as you go.<\/p>\n

Killer ride
\n\"RoadKiller rides make you stronger. Henry Iddon \/ Our Media<\/p>\n

Beautiful beach rides and sunrise spins will inject some much-needed freshness into your riding routine, but every cyclist craves the pain and pleasure of a killer ride at least once a year.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Try the leg-flaming 304km Dragon Ride in Wales, the brutally hilly 182km Fred Whitton Challenge<\/a> in the Lake District or the aptly-titled Struggle Moors<\/a> in Yorkshire, with its 3,000m of climbing across 180km.<\/p>\n

Lake loop
\n\"TwelveThe UK is home to a variety of lakes and lochs. Henry Iddon \/ Our Media<\/p>\n

Lake rides offer relaxing waterside views, eye-catching wildlife, and the satisfying pleasure that comes from circumnavigating one of the 40,000 lakes and reservoirs in the UK.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The atmospheric 80-mile Loch Ness 360\u00b0 Trail is perfect for gravel bikes, while the picturesque Rutland Water reservoir can be circled on the surrounding roads or dedicated trails, both of which hug close to the water\u2019s edge.<\/p>\n

Metropolitan adventure<\/p>\n

Britain\u2019s urban centres are rich in architectural wonders, historic monuments, independent bike shops and trendy cycling cafes, so plot a ride to an interesting city you haven\u2019t yet explored.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Whether you opt for Oxford\u2019s dreaming spires and college quads, or York\u2019s charming medieval streets and cosy tearooms, choose a city with a small, walkable centre and plenty of outdoor cafes so you can stroll, ride, sip, munch, stare, gawp and explore without having to leave your bike locked up for hours.<\/p>\n

Night ride
\n\"CateyeNight riding can be an exciting way to make more time for riding. Jack Luke \/ Our Media<\/p>\n

Night rides feel deliciously spooky and thrillingly illicit. All you need is a high-powered set of lights<\/a>, a sensible route on quiet roads and a good ride partner.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Dashing along roads illuminated only by the narrow beam of your lights will electrify your senses and give you a wonderful sense of calmness and isolation.\u00a0<\/p>\n

On a clear night, you\u2019ll see a blanket of stars above you.\u00a0<\/p>\n

If you really enjoy it, you can sign up for the Dunwich Dynamo \u2013 a 180km night ride from London\u2019s Hackney to Dunwich on the Suffolk Coast, which takes place every July on the Saturday closest to the full moon.<\/p>\n

Off-road scene
\n\"GiantHeading off-road can open up new adventures. Scott Windsor \/ Our Media<\/p>\n

Gravel, cyclocross and mountain bikes provide a fun way to mix up your rides, freeing you to venture off-road and unlock fresh new terrain.\u00a0<\/p>\n

From the leaf-strewn trails of Northumberland\u2019s Kielder Forest to the chalky South Downs Way in East Sussex, via a huge variety of remote routes in the Scottish Highlands and Wales, the UK is criss-crossed with glorious off-road trails to explore.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Enjoy those memorably muddy adventures while sharpening up your bike-handling skills and broadening your horizons.<\/p>\n

Pro race<\/p>\n

Attending a live professional race provides a great excuse to do some riding in a new part of the country while glimpsing the pros in action.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Whether you choose the Women\u2019s Tour or the Rutland-Melton CiCLE Classic, it will be a day to remember.\u00a0<\/p>\n

If you ask nicely, you might even bag a signed bidon at the finish line.<\/p>\n

Queen stage<\/p>\n

The Tour of Britain\u2019s Queen Stage \u2013 the longest stage of the course \u2013 always attracts extra media attention, and it\u2019s fun to follow in the tyre tracks of the pros by taking on the route yourself.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Last year\u2019s 133.6km Queen Stage started in Pontypool and took in five categorised climbs, including two ascents of the first-category climb of The Tumble.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Whatever the organisers cook up for 2026, team up with some friends and slay it yourself.<\/p>\n

Randonn\u00e9e ride
\n\"PaddingtonAudaxes can be a great way to meet fellow riders. Oscar Huckle \/ Our Media<\/p>\n

Also known as an audax or a brevet, a randonn\u00e9e is a long-distance, self-supported bike ride where the journey is more important than your finishing time.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The most famous event here is the 1,500km London-Edinburgh-London challenge.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The Pendle 600 offers a gritty 612km journey across the Pennines, North York Moors and Lake District, while the Bryan Chapman Memorial 600 is a stunning 600km there-and-back route between Chepstow and Anglesey.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Audax UK (audax.uk) runs multiple annual challenges, all neatly planned around the quietest routes and best food stops.<\/p>\n

Solstice challenge<\/p>\n

The summer solstice is the longest day of the year, which makes it the perfect day for a stamina challenge.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Tuesday, 21 June, is the date of the summer solstice in 2026, so book a day\u2019s holiday and head out for your biggest ride of the year.\u00a0<\/p>\n

If you can\u2019t get time off work, you can still make the most of the extra daylight hours for an \u00fcber-long evening ride, with the sun typically not falling past the horizon until gone 9pm.<\/p>\n

Train trip
\n\"TandemThe train can be a great way to explore on your bike. Jack Luke \/ Our Media<\/p>\n

Taking your bike on a train<\/a> will unlock a whole new world of adventures.\u00a0<\/p>\n

You could simply ride to a distant town, national park or scenic location, then take the train back.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Overnight sleeper trains offer an extra dose of magic.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The Caledonian Sleeper will get you and your bike from London to Aviemore, the gateway to the stunning Cairngorms National Park, while Great Western\u2019s Night Riviera Sleeper will whisk you from London to Penzance in Cornwall.<\/p>\n

UK ride<\/p>\n

Most of us are guilty of exploring more of Europe than of the UK itself, so broaden your domestic horizons with a cross-border adventure in one of the home nations this year.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Choose the atmospheric hills of the Brecon Beacons in Wales, the relaxing charms of Lough Neagh in Northern Ireland, the Tolkien-esque scenery of Breadalbane in Scotland or the quaint coastline of Cornwall in England.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Just make sure you\u2019ve pedalled through another part of the UK before the end of the year.<\/p>\n

Velodrome spin
\n\"UCIVelodromes are exciting places to ride. Ewan Bootman \/ Getty Images<\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve never experienced the high-speed thrills of track cycling, this is the year to join in the fun.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The velodromes in London, Manchester, Derby, Newport and Glasgow all offer affordable taster sessions, usually with the hire of a fixed-gear bike included in the price.\u00a0<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll enjoy the buzz of hurtling around the steep banking at speed, and then experience an extra surge of confidence when you get back out on the roads.<\/p>\n

Weekend escape<\/p>\n

You don\u2019t need to sign up for a big sportive or an organised training camp to enjoy a weekend cycling escape.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Whether you fancy pedalling across the mesmerising Gower Peninsula or dashing along the ancient Jurassic Coast, head off for a memorable weekend adventure this year.<\/p>\n

X marks the spot<\/p>\n

The old-fashioned ways are still the best. Dig out an Ordnance Survey map of your local area, or pull up a Google map of your region on your computer screen, then close your eyes and place your finger somewhere at random.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Wherever your finger lands, work out the most scenic route to get there and enjoy the magic and mystery of exploring somewhere new.<\/p>\n

Yes route
\n\"CyclistsJoin a friend for their epic adventure. Joe Cotterill \/ Our Media<\/p>\n

Ask a cycling friend what ride they\u2019d love to do this year and agree to cycle it with them. Saying yes to somebody else\u2019s plans will take you somewhere you hadn\u2019t thought of going and provide a whole new experience. Plus, it\u2019ll make it easier to rope your friend into returning the favour when you start plotting your own dream adventure.<\/p>\n

Zen ride<\/p>\n

Enjoy the blissful tranquillity of going back to basics with a stress-busting zen ride. Leave your bike computer at home, turn your phone to silent and just enjoy the relaxing rhythm of pedalling.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Avoid busy national parks and noisy roads and head to a quiet forest trail, some country lanes or a few peaceful villages: your sole mission is to relax, unwind and rediscover the sheer zen-like pleasure of riding a bike.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"It’s easy to slip into routines, but the start of a new year is the perfect time to…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":392582,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[37],"tags":[4985,101,56,54,55],"class_list":["post-392581","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-cycling","tag-cycling","tag-sports","tag-uk","tag-united-kingdom","tag-unitedkingdom"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/392581","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=392581"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/392581\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/392582"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=392581"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=392581"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=392581"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}