If you're dreaming of an adventure by bike, check out the Cycle Touring Festival, taking place from 3-5 May in Coniston. Whether you're planning a single night away, or want to head off for several months (or years), you'll find a warm welcome.
The event aims to inspire and educate people to undertake journeys by bike, with talks, workshops, films and practical advice to equip you to get on the road. It doesn't matter if you've never changed a tyre before, or if you're a professional frame builder – you'll find a home in the CTF tribe.
Started in 2015 by round-the-world cyclist Laura Moss, the festival brings together cyclists of all types, from experienced veterans to those who have never put up a tent before. It is a not-for-profit event, run by volunteers, and the focus is on building the cycle touring and bikepacking community. You won't find rows of stalls trying to sell you stuff you don't need: instead, the focus is on stories from the road and practical advice to inspire and equip you to do your own bike trip.
"When I was planning my own big cycling trip, I got help and advice from all sorts of different people on Twitter, Facebook and blogs", says Laura. "It got me thinking: wouldn't it be great to get all of those people in one place?"
Five months after returning home from a 16 month adventure, that is exactly what she did. Now in its tenth year, the festival moved online during the Covid years but is now back in-person. The weekend revolves around talks, workshops and films – there are no rides formally organised but people are always welcome to head out on their bikes if that's what they prefer.
"At first I was inspired by the heroic tales of people who had cycled down the west coast of Africa or across Siberia in winter. But now I get my inspiration from all of the people who just like to go out camping with their bikes on a weekend or head over to France on their summer holidays. After all, this is what the vast majority of us do: very few people are able to abandon all their commitments to undertake a world tour".
A particular focus for this year will be family cycling, aimed at equipping parents to get out on cycling holidays with their children. Sunday afternoon will include a dedicated family cycling session, with talks and the chance to try out family cycling equipment. For families who can't make the whole weekend, a special ticket is available giving entry to just this part of the wider festival.
Regular tickets include two nights camping, all talks and dinner on Saturday evening. Day tickets are also available. The festival is run as a not-for-profit event, to keep prices as low as possible.
For further details and to book tickets, please visit www.cycletouringfestival.co.uk
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