Isn’t it fantastic to see so many more women taking up cycling? I have written and blogged about this before and during the recent warmer weather I saw so many more women out on their bikes than ever before. Recognising that women do not always want to take part in the cycling events with the guys, and sometimes simply because women like to do their own thing, a host of women-only cycling events have been popping up. Here are a few that I have spotted. If you know of others please tell me and I’ll and them in.

Glasgow Wheeler’s Women’s Road Race

Race 35 miles (56k) and see where you’re placed in this British Cycling road race starting from Garelochhead Community Centre. Old School Road, Garelochhead, G84 0AT. See Wheeler’s Women’s Road Race

 

Rapha Women’s 100

On Sunday July 7, 2013, a Rapha Women’s 100 event will see thousands of women cyclists around the world riding 100km. The aim is to create a global event, with women all riding their 100ks on the same day. In fact, July 7 is the date of the Etape du Tour, when amateur cyclists get the chance to ride a major mountain stage of the 100th edition of the Tour de France. Rapha are sending 100 women to ride this sportive – but they are also caling on women riders to host their own 100k rides in other pats of the world on the same day.

The Rapha Women’s 100 is not a competition to see who is the fastest, it is about gathering a global community of women around the world to take part in this shared adventure. You can find out more at Rapha Women’s 100

Cycletta sereis

Cycletta is a series of women-only bike rides set in family-friendly host venues, supported by Olympic Gold medallist Victoria Pendleton. There are six events around the country featuring spectacular routes between 20km, 40km and 80km. These distances offer a ride for all abilities and, even if you haven’t ridden a bike in years, they are challenging but achievable. The series includes an event in Scotland on September 15. See Cycletta

Breeze Bike Rides for Women

Breeze is a programme to get more women into riding bikes for fun. The aim is to help thousands more women feel confident and comfortable about going on a ride. The project trains up Breeze champions who organise fun, social, local bike rides for women. Rides go at a speed that suits everyone, and they often start or finish at a cafe so everyone can have a drink and a chat. See

Breeze

Dartmoor Debutante

The Dartmoor Classic has launched the Dartmoor Debutante, in conjunction with British Cycling’s Breeze programme, as a stepping stone between led Breeze rides and the full-on Dartmoor Classic experience.

Ladycat

The long running Wiggle Magnificat Sportive has its own women’s only ride, the Ladycat, which, like the Dartmoor Debutante, is supported by Breeze, and offers a 26 mile route starting and finishing in Newbury, run alongside the established 51, 81 and 127 mile routes.

Bradley Wiggins Foundation Women’s Series

Bradley Wiggins Foundation Women’s Series takes place at Saltayre closed circuit in Lancashire. There are women-only season starter events at Tameside and Middlesbrough.

Filthy Foxes Dirty Weekend

There are a growing number of women-only or female-oriented series springing up. The Filthy Foxes Dirty Weekend is billed by organisers as “a chance for women to jump on their bikes or throw on their trainers and enjoy the beautiful trails of Newnham park without testosterone fuelled shouts of ‘On your right!’ ruining the fun”.

Wiggle Mountain Mayhem,

Team events are great for any newcomers to sport, with off-road events like Wiggle Mountain Mayhem offering camaraderie, mud and fun.