Cycle events and rides
Our local cycling groups organise many rides. You can also find rides through British Cycling.
Big Bike Challenge 2018 (In association with Salisbury Road & Mountain Cycling Club)
This 200 mile cycle challenge takes place on 16th June and starts and finishes in Salisbury. Sponsorship money raised from the event will be donated to the Southern Spinal Injuries Trust (SSIT). SSIT aim to provide equipment for beneficiaries with spinal injuries and this includes hand cycles, which can provide freedom and independence. The Big Bike Challenge aims to raise sufficient funds to purchase at least two hand cycles. For further details see Big Bike Challenge 2018.
Ride the Trafalgar Way
Ride the Trafalgar Way is divided into four series; Circular Series, 100 Series, 200 Series and our 300 Series, taking place on 14th and 15th July. The 100, 200 and 300 Series are A-B routes, whilst the Circular routes are 50, 75 and 100 mile rides starting and finishing in Salisbury. For those riding the whole Trafalgar Way route, there’s a 24 hour challenge. Start locations are Falmouth, Exeter and Salisbury. Some rides include Night Riding. For further details see Ride the Trafalgar Way.
Annual Events
The Wiltshire Wildcat is held in March at Salisbury Race Course. The event includes 100 miles, 62 miles and 34 miles that cris-crosses the ancient drove trails and Saxon villages of Wiltshire and North Dorset.
Sams Ride is a non-competitive charity Cycle Sportive around quiet roads in the Hampshire and Wiltshire countryside. The event takes place in May in aid of the Salisbury and District Samaritans. There will be three choices of route – the SERIOUS 100 mile ride, the SPORTY 50 mile ride or the SENSIBLE 25 mile ride – providing something for everyone. The start is near Shipton Bellinger, south of Tidworth.
The Great Western Sportive takes place in May, with a fantastic 100 mile route and a huge 1,000 rider capacity. Rolling across the ancient Ridgeway and winding through the beautiful Marlborough Downs, the route is a real treat, with broad, open roads echoing the sweep of the scenery. The folds of the Downs provide the gradients to put you to the test, but this is a ride to reward you for every challenge, not beat you relentlessly into submission.
The Warminster Wobble takes place in June. It is held annually in Warminster Town Park over the course of a summer weekend in conjunction with National Bike Week. The first day usually involves displays, competitions, skills workshops and maintenance advice. The second day has a range of rides at different levels.
The Wiltshire Savernake Sizzler Cycling Challenge takes place in July. This is a fun road cycling event with 3 distances to choose from 32, 56 and 93 miles.
The Bradford on Avon cycling festival is in July. The weekend promises to be fun for everyone – from a Hill climb to a Cyclocross race and family rides. And a wonderful bicycle trail all around the town.
Local Let’s Ride cycle rides
If you are new to cycling then joining a Let’s Ride Local ride is a great way to start.