Feeling inspired? It's time to get on your bike and join us this summer. Here are some of best ways to get involved ic cycling in Wales.
1. Summer is for cycling!
Go-Ride Summer of Cycling has kicked off across the nation, and is a great way to progress from watching cyclists competing on the TV to getting on your bike at a local session.
Go-Ride sessions are available at your local cycling club, or at cycling facilities across Wales with Welsh Cycling. From BMX to MTB, Track to Road, there is a session waiting for you to roll up to and ride along!
Book a Go-Ride Holiday Session
2. Wheelie good cycling clubs
Two-thirds of the Team GB cycling squad started their cycling career at a Go-Ride Cycling Club, one of the best ways young people can motivate themselves to get out on their bikes is by joining a cycling club, and with more than 160 in Wales it’s fair to say they are spoilt for choice. Not only do clubs offer young people a chance to keep fit and healthy but they also provide a great way to make new friends.
3. Cycling is a Breeze for young girls
Male bike riders outnumber females by three to one. Breeze aims to change this by encouraging young women to get riding with a range of activities nationwide, led by volunteer Breeze champions.
World champion cyclist Becky James began her journey at a school session in Abergavenny when she was 11. Elinor Barker, who has two world titles to her name at just 21, became fascinated with the sport after watching Maindy Flyers in action in Cardiff. There’s no reason why young girls shouldn’t be able to follow in the footsteps of athletes like Becky and Elinor.
4. Gearing up for the future
Volunteering is another great way to gain experience, not just in riding but in leadership and communication. Young riders can be guided and encouraged by their peers, who in turn can hone their skills on their bikes.
With more high profile cycling events coming to Wales, like the Tour of Britain and Velothon Wales here are more opportunities to volunteer and see our cycling stars up close!
Join the Welsh Cycling Volunteer Network
5. Get online, find a ride
Social media lets young people connect with each other instantaneously, sharing their hobbies, interests and plans in a matter of minutes. This is a great help when it comes to organising bike rides and races, and means people can have a constant stream of updates as they prepare for a trip.
Ride Social is a dedicated social cycling network that lets people create and join planned rides, as well as share their own favourite routes, to keep them engaged in cycling at home, as well as on the roads.
6. Embrace the challenge
Feeling confident? Challenging sportives allow riders to get involved in longer cycles, navigating across vast areas of countryside throughout Wales. There are many sportives across Wales each year – and there is still time to train and take part this year!
Join the Builth Tour Sportive, Valleys Velo, Tour de Mon or search for more sportives across the nation!
7. Giving something back
With thousands of cycle races taking place every year, officials are always in need, whether it be for local rides or international events, to make sure they go by without a hitch.
Becoming an official is a great way to meet other people with a passion for cycling, and gives people the opportunity to see their favourite stars, all the while putting something back into the sport they love.
