Top 3 Must-Ride Cycling Events for Bike Lovers!

Cycling events have gotten complicated with all the options flying around these days. As someone who’s been riding for over a decade and chasing races across multiple states, I learned everything there is to know about the big-ticket cycling events worth your time. Today, I will share it all with you.

Look, if you own a bike and you’ve ever thought about doing something bigger than your Sunday morning loop around the neighborhood, events are where it’s at. I still remember my first organized ride — legs shaking at the start line, energy gels stuffed in every pocket, and absolutely no idea what I was doing. Wouldn’t trade that feeling for anything.

Let me walk you through the ones that genuinely matter.

Tour de France

This is the one everyone knows, and for good reason. Every July, riders push themselves through some of the most punishing terrain France (and sometimes neighboring countries) can throw at them. I watched a stage in person a few years back and the speed these guys carry on mountain descents is honestly terrifying.

You don’t have to be a pro to soak it in, though. Spectating from the roadside is free, the atmosphere is wild, and the French countryside makes for a pretty solid backdrop. If you’re a serious competitor, well, you probably already know all about it. For the rest of us, it’s a bucket-list experience just to be near the race.

RideLondon

This one hits different because it’s not just about racing — it’s about riding for something bigger than yourself. Takes place in London during the summer, and the routes pass right by landmarks like Buckingham Palace on closed roads. I rode a charity event like this a few years back and honestly, pedaling through a city without worrying about traffic felt almost illegal.

They’ve got routes for every fitness level, so don’t let the “London” name intimidate you. Whether you’re cranking out serious miles or just cruising, you’ll be in good company with thousands of other riders. And the money goes to charity, which makes the sore legs the next day feel a little more justified.

Probably should have led with this section, honestly. Charity rides have a special energy that pure competition just doesn’t match.

Sea Otter Classic

Monterey, California. Every spring. If you haven’t been, put it on your list right now.

This one’s part race, part festival, part excuse to spend money on bike gear you don’t need (guilty). They run events for mountain biking, road cycling, and even e-bikes, so whatever your thing is, they’ve got you covered. The expo floor alone is worth the trip — I walked out with a new saddle bag and two jerseys I definitely didn’t budget for.

That’s what makes the Sea Otter Classic endearing to us cycling nerds. It’s not just about who crosses the line first. It’s about the whole culture around the sport, the food, the people, and the California coast in the background.

A Few Things Before You Go

Wear your helmet. Seriously, I’ve seen what happens when someone doesn’t, and it’s not something I want to describe here. Get your bike checked before any event — a loose headset at mile 40 is nobody’s idea of a good time. And bring more water than you think you’ll need. I’ve bonked hard enough times to know that dehydration sneaks up on you faster than you’d expect.

Now get out there and sign up for something. Your legs will thank you eventually. Maybe not the next morning, but eventually.