Nestling between the Cotswolds and the Berkshire Downs, Faringdon (Oxfordshire) provides the perfect setting for the Le Tour de Farcycles (TdF).

This year, the TdF 2021 takes place on Saturday 17th July, coinciding with FollyFest 2021, Faringdon's annual music and community arts festival. After you've finished your ride and enjoyed lunch with us, why not stay around to soak up the atmosphere?

With flat bits between some impressive hills, our environment creates opportunities for all levels of cyclists to enjoy and, if desired, extend themselves. We also provide hospitality that has been acclaimed by many of our previous participants. Depending upon which ride you choose, there are several food stops manned by friendly locals and serving delicious homemade fare. 

This year's event features all new routes, with a musical theme that those of you who can remember the joys of vinyl might spot! 

There are three British Cycling graded rides to choose from, with distances accurately measured by a human. The RPM (rough pigeon miles) distances shown are also very useful - if you're a pigeon. (Why pigeons? It's our cycling group's motif - see letour.farcycl.es for more info.)

There are three rides to choose from:

• The long player (33⅓ RPM) – 30 miles of rolling Cotswold countryside that is just enough to stretch someone looking for a first event. It is also the choice for regular cyclists to have a social meander through some of the region’s prettiest villages. The route is also perfect for families who would like to enjoy a day cycling together.
• The hit single (45 RPM) – 50 miles taking in some of our favourite country lanes. This is the perfect ride for cyclists who want to try a longer distance for the first time or who want a longer ride while still having enough energy for lunch afterwards.
• The vinyl countdown (78 RPM) – 80 miles taking in some hillier terrain that will stretch regular cyclists with a big hill or two, while still enjoying the archetypal Cotswold scenery. Back in time for lunch to relive your epic ride with your cycling buddies.

Everyone gets lunch at the end in a private courtyard so that they can share experiences. Staggered start times are designed to get the leaders of all rides to the finish time at roughly the same time, which means some of that sharing can take place during the finishing stages of the ride.

The event has become popular among cyclists of all abilities and is particularly enjoyed by families and younger cyclists, who are especially encouraged to take part.

The routes are signposted with our unique pink TdF signs. GPS files are provided to all entrants with their welcome packs, a few days before the event.

Farcycles is a cycling group with a difference. All event proceeds go to building sustainable, healthy and inclusive transport facilities in our region. By entering our sportive you'll be helping to support our projects, which last year included:

• Building a cycle training park (see cyclepark.farcycles.org.uk)
• Training more than 200 children, young people and adults to ride
• Commissioning infrastructure projects such as cycle repair stations
• Developing safer cycle routes (with town & district councils) in and around Faringdon

Feedback

Here's some of the feedback we've had from previous years.

“I have done a lot of sportives over many years and this was the best”

“Thank you very much for a fantastically well organised event.  Everything about it was brilliant! … Here’s to next year!”

Hilary, an out-of-town contestant, wrote: “I just wanted to say thank you.  It is the first time that I have done a cycle ride, and I really enjoyed it.  Beautiful countryside, despite the weather!  The work that goes into organising anything like this is huge and I can't tell you how much I appreciated the delicious cakes at the stop and the pasta at the end.  I look forward to next year.”

The popularity of the TdF’s routes stems from the fact that they are chosen from our back-yard favourites that we, the Farcycles (pronounced Farcicals), cycle frequently. Of course, we are most fortunate that our back yard takes in the incomparable Cotswold scenery, not to mention the hills (for those that want them).

Ride The vinyl countdown (78 RPM) - ages 18 and above

Ride The hit single (45 RPM) - ages 16 and above

Ride The long player (33⅓ RPM) - ages 16 and above

Info for Riders

Uniquely sited on the edge of both the Cotswolds and the Berkshire Downs, the historic Oxfordshire market town of Faringdon is perfectly placed to host the varied challenges and stunning scenery of the Le Tour de Farcycles (TdF), to be held this year on Saturday July 17th. This popular event has sold out in previous years, and has a reputation for its hospitality and food. This year the routes have been completely revamped and are all new. Choose between 80, 50 and 30 mile options.

We would encourage you to enter online in advance, as this helps us with the numbers for catering, you will receive the pre-ride information by email and it's cheaper for you. However, you can enter on the day, paying either by cash or card.

Please note that we do not accept payment by cheque on the day.

If you would like to enter in advance but cannot use the online form, please contact us by telephone or email to arrange to post us a cheque.

The start is close to several of Faringdon's central car parks (although we encourage riding to the start where possible or car-sharing) and there are other facilities around the town. More details of these will be supplied in the joining pack sent to all participants 

Mechanical assistance will be on-hand for those that need it, although we do expect riders to be able to fix punctures and other minor problems. If you are not confident in doing this, why not buddy up with a more experienced friend and enjoy the day together?

Please note that the following age limits apply to each of our three routes:

The vinyl countdown (78 RPM): riders must be aged 18 or over.

The hit single (45 RPM): riders must be aged 16 or over.

The long player (33⅓ RPM): riders must be aged 12 or over. 

To encourage young riders, we have concessions for all under-16 riders and free entry for smaller people on trailer bikes (please contact us directly to arrange this).

All riders under 18 need to arrange for a parent or guardian to complete a consent form, which can be brought with you on the day or emailed to us in advance.

All riders under 16 will need a completed consent form and to be riding with an adult en-route.

You can download a consent form at: TDFconsentform.farcycles.org.uk

Our refund policy

If you (the rider) withdraws:

• Before 1^st July, full refund (less £1 British Cycling administration fee) or free entry to next year's event.
• From 1^st July, no refund, but free entry to next year as long as you notify us 24 hrs before the event start

If we have to cancel the event for any reason:

• Full refund (including any British Cycling administration fees).

Closing date for online entries

You can enter online up to 11 pm on Wednesday 14th July. After that you can still enter on the day.

Any questions?

If you have any questions, please contact us at tdf@farcycles.org.uk or on the phone number shown for our event organiser.