The Best Cycling Routes For A Middle Aged Man In Lycra

A MAMIL, for the uninitiated, is a Middle Aged Man in Lycra. It is also the subject of a brilliant new documentary that hones in on the achievements, insights and feelings of amateur cyclists who have fallen in love with the sport.

In honour of the film, we spoke to some of its subjects to pick out the routes that they adore. While any cycling fan could pick out the most epic climbs, be it Ventoux or the Stelvio Pass, what are the favourite places to cycle for the MAMILS themselves? Rupert Englander (RE) and Richard Price (RP), MAMILs in every sense of the word, pick out the rides that they and their ilk enjoy the most.

Easy

Richmond Park: This is a brilliant place to start. Richmond Park was actually my old stomping ground when I was younger and and where I used to ride around on my Peugeot Premiere. Admittedly, there were far fewer people back then and it was a little bit more pleasant and peaceful, but that doesn’t stop the park being an excellent introduction to cycling. The different paths mean you can choose the distance and route according to whatever suits you. RE.

Alderbrook – Alfold loop: This loop is the gentle winter ride for Fiasco [the cycling club Richard is a member of]. The route stays on decent roads and includes a small climb, but this is relatively gentle, so is just enough to get the pulse rate up slightly, but nothing more than that. It also has a very decent café stop, which is, of course, a very important part of any great ride. RP.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/26487926

Intermediate

The Devil’s Punch Bowl: This is a longer leisure ride that I really enjoy doing. It’s essentially a broad loop of the northern and southern villages to the west of Farnham, not far from where I’m based in the Surrey Hills. The loop takes in villages such as Crondall, Alton, Frensham and Tilfordand, as well as being a fantastic way of taking in the sights around the Devil’s Punch Bowl. RE.

Surrey Hills Three Peaks: At Fiasco, this is one of our favourite rides because it takes in three of our favourite local climbs: Barhatch Lane, Leith Hill and White Down. There are some steep ones here but none of them go on for too long. The only caveat is that there are some potholes along the route, but if you can put up with them then it’s a beautiful ride to do. RP.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/12963985

Difficult

Farnham to the Witterings: Of all the rides I do for pleasure – as opposed to a race or event – this is the one I enjoy the most, but I can only do it if I have the best part of a day free. Starting in Farnham, you can ride all the way to the south coast, ending up at Itchenor or the Witterings. There are a number of different routes that you can take, but they all involve tackling the South Downs and getting up and over them, before descending down to the coast. RE.

Tourmalet: Tourmalet is an iconic mountain in cycling, and was actually my first mountain, hence it will always be my favourite. Since that first time I’ve been back several times and will be there again in September to do this route. It takes you up and over the most beautiful, legendary peak in the Pyrenees. When you ride it you know you’re following in the footsteps of Tour de France giants, it’s just you’re doing it far, far slower! RP.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/27057270

MAMIL hits UK cinemas on April 9th – book tickets here.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.