Things To Do On A Road Bike

By Martin Sigrist

A bike is more than just a means of transport. Its a lifetime ticket to experience the world in many wonderful ways. Right now feels like a good time to celebrate those already done and perhaps add a few that you haven’t.

Here is a bucket list list of examples. They are types of things rather than specific events to make it as general as possible.

All should be doable by any reasonably trained cyclist so nothing about winning or finishing in a certain time. (Some things are distance related but without the time constraint so they pass the “doable” test.)

While there’s obviously a lot you can do on a road bike off road that’s a separate topic so there is just one catch all “Ride Off Road” for all of these.

The list also includes a few unfortunate events but not, for obvious reasons, anything serious.

The list follows in no particular order.

• Ride 100 miles
• Climb a mountain
• Descend a mountain
• Take part in a hill climb event
• Take part in a sportive/Gran Fondo
• Do a solo tour (carrying own gear)
• Do a group our with support for gear and aid
• Do a group tour unsupported
• Ride from coast to coast (or other natural/national landmarks)
• Take part in a training camp
• Use a turbo
• Ride on rollers
• Use a VR training app (e.g. Zwift)
• Ride on pave
• Ride in a velodrome
• Take part in a road race
• Complete a multi-stage race or event
• Do a criterium
• Complete a short time trial (25 miles or less)
• Complete a long time trial ( 100 miles or more)
• Be part of a team trial
• Complete a short Audax (200km or less)
• Complete a long Audax (400km or more)
• Complete an epic Audax (1000km+ or similar ultra endurance test)
• Ride an Audax permanent route
• Take part in a Zwift race
• Fix a major mechanical problem while on a ride
• Ride in snow (or other extreme weather)
• Escape a dog or other wild animal
• Ride off road
• Ride a bike with a fixed gear
• Ride a folding bike
• Ride a tandem
• Ride a trike
• Ride through the night from dusk to dawn
• Transport your bike by plane
• Transport your bike by train
• Transport your bike by boat
• Get completely lost
• Build a bike up from individual parts
• Bunny hop an obstacle
• Pull a wheelie (bonus if done uphill a la Peter Sagan)
• Ride no hands
• Carry a pillion passenger
• Cross a border
• Ford a stream/river
• Commute
• Do the shopping

There are sure to be more so please add your suggestions and/or share any especial experiences.