BikeSomerset / Non-Competitive Cycling

Non-Competitive Cycling

Somerset is a hive of activity for cycling, especially if you are interested in doing it non-competitively. With many miles of lanes intersecting the countryside there are opportunities for all types of riding, whether it be hilly rides in the Quantock Hills or flat routes across the levels. You can always follow set routes provided by Sustrans or Somerset County Council. Alternatively, if you are looking to meet up and ride with a group, many of the cycling clubs in Somerset offer organised rides at the weekends.

One of the fastest growing participation events in the UK is the phenomena known as sportives, which are classed as mass participation events; not races. As such participants are required to follow the Highway Code. Most of these cater for serious amateurs only, as they often cover routes over 100 miles/160 km. However the Tour of Wessex, caters for all abilities - novice to advanced - with routes from 25 miles/40 km to their 300 miles/480 km three-day gruelling endurance ride.

In Somerset we are also lucky to have a site for closed road training sessions at Merryfield Airfield, Ilton. These road race sessions are held weekly throughout the spring and summer months. They are run by a group of Somerset cycling clubs (Taunton Vale Cycle Racing Association), which you would need to be a member of to be allowed to have a go.