[title]
Ever wanted to join a bike gang? Now is your chance. The world’s largest festival of cycling returns to the capital this weekend. More than 100,000 people are expected to take on eight miles of empty London streets for this weekend feast of cycling aimed at riders of any age and ability. Keeping track of everything happening over the weekend can be a challenge – it has more events than Lee Valley has cycling routes. But here are the big hitters to keep in mind: first there’s Prudential RideLondon Classique, a 5.4km pro-female cycling race for the high rollers through central London, this Saturday.
Registration for that one has long closed, but you can still go along as a spectator to give your hands and vocal chords a workout by cheering them on. Then there’s the Brompton World Championship, a Le Mans-style dash through St James’s Park where competitors have to rush to unfold their Bromptons before whizzing around the 16km circuit – no Lycra is allowed, so everyone looks like they’re dressed for Ascot.
And most importantly, the RideLondon FreeCycle (Saturday), an all-ages cycling session, with plenty of closed roads. The route passes Chancery Lane, Victoria Embankment on the Strand – so you can ride by St Paul’s Cathedral and Buckingham Palace pretending to be a tourist. It’s a gift for the disorganised Londoner – you can sign up to take part until 2pm on the day. When in doubt, pedal it out