If you've ever thought about getting into road cycling, BikeRadar can only say one thing: do it!
We've put together a video guide to tell you all about cycling for fitness, fun, competition or commuting – in short, everything you need to know to get started on two wheels.
- Related: 30 reasons to take up cycling
- Related: Best road bikes under £1,000
Get into road cycling
Video: how to get into road cycling
Put it into practice with Prudential RideLondon
If you're taking your first steps into road cycling and want to build confidence, the Prudential RideLondon festival of cycling could be the perfect event to help kindle your newfound passion.
The event features a wealth of cycling activities including the family-friendly, closed-roads Freecycle, which allows riders to get out onto the streets of London without the worry of traffic and is expected to court over 70,000 cyclists on Saturday 1 August.
From Buckingham Palace in the west to the Tower of London in the east via the Houses of Parliament and St Paul’s, the route will feature many of the capital’s world-famous landmarks – giving those new to road cycling an inspiring backdrop for a memorable day of riding.
The festival also includes the spectacle of Grand Prix criterium races, which incorporate women’s pro racing and the 10th Brompton World Championship.
On Sunday 2 August, the third RideLondon-Surrey 100 sportive will take place. Also held on closed roads, 20,709 riders took part in 2014 – raising more than £10 million for charity, breaking the UK fundraising record for a one-day cycling event that was set in the inaugural year. In 2015, over 25,000 amateurs will test themselves against the challenging route, places for which are decided by lottery.
Following the amateurs, top professionals such as Mark Cavendish will be competing in the RideLondon-Surrey Classic – offering inspiration to riders of all abilities.
Find out more about Prudential RideLondon here.
