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THE RECREATION GROUND

05 JULY 2026

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Launched in 2012, Bike Bath is one of the most popular cycling events in the South West of England. Taking place at the Recreation Ground, home of the illustrious Bath Rugby Club with the tower of Bath Abbey in the background, it is a historic venue from which to cycle into the glorious Mendips Hills National Landscape and the longer routes will include an ascent of the iconic Cheddar Gorge.

This year we have four routes to chose from, approximately 23, 46, 57 & 73 miles.

Join the camaraderie of riding alongside hundreds of like-minded individuals. Whether you're participating as part of a team or going solo, riding for a charity close to your heart or simply to push your own limits, you'll feel a true sense of accomplishment as you cross the finish line.

Two women smiling, one wearing a red cycling jacket and helmet, the other wearing a blue jacket with a medal around her neck, both on bikes outdoors.

As an entrant to Bike Bath, you will benefit from:

  • A choice of four fully marked routes

  • Route map and GPS files

  • Feed stations on the long and medium routes

  • On-course first aid and mechanical support

  • A medal and food at the end of your ride

2026 routes

These routes are provisional and subject to change.

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Multiple photos from a community bike event. Top left shows a man riding a bike past a gate. Top middle has three people standing on a grassy field wearing medals. Top right features a group of cyclists riding on a path with helmets and cycling gear. Bottom left depicts a group of five cyclists with bikes standing on the grass in front of a green fence. Bottom middle shows a group holding a banner that reads 'Bike Bath' at a cycling event. Bottom right has five people dressed in cycling attire, posing for a picture.

View the 2025 gallery

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What our riders say

  • "The courses for 2023 were fabulous, I live in Bath and had the opportunity to ride all three as training. well thought out, interesting routes and each one challenging in its own right. the event day was well organised and the routes marked well. "

    2023 Long Route

  • "This was an excellent event from start to finish, although I only did the short course. Signage was excellent throughout the route. You couldn't go wrong. I will definitely enter this event next year. Thanks to all the people involved in the organisation."

    2024 Short Route

  • “Very friendly people, superb food selection lovely route please don’t change it, I enjoyed so much I will step up to long next year"

    2024 Medium Route

  • "Another excellent event with accurate routing, perfect signage and friendly staff."

    2025 Medium Route

  • "Friendly and professional event. Fantastic route and great day out"

    2025 Long Route

Find us @ The Recreation Ground

 

The Recreation Ground, Pulteney Mews, Bathwick, Bath BA2 4DS - View on Google Maps

The Recreation Ground is set on the banks of The River Avon, which runs through the heart of the city. It's an easy ride from numerous city car parks, Park & Ride drop-off points, the train station and the town centre.

By Car:  Bath offers Park & Ride services to the North, West and South of the city. Buses run at least every 15 minutes, 7 days a week. Visit Travel West for details. Alternatively there are numerous car parks in Bath city centre - view them here

By public transport: The Bath Spa railway station is just a few minutes cycle away. There are regular direct services from London Paddington (around 90 mins), London Waterloo (around 90 mins) and Bristol Temple Meads  (15 mins).

faqs

At the start, riders set off in pods of about 20 after a briefing. There will be a female only pod for each of the ride distances for anyone who would prefer this.

What facilities are available?

There are toilet facilities at the start/finish and at the feed stations. Period products will be available in all female toilets and from female members of Iconic Cycling Events staff/volunteers.

There are changing facilities at the start and finish and a bag drop at the start.

Please get in touch if there are any other facilities or assistance that you would find useful and would aid your participation and enjoyment of Bike Bath

What kit do I need?

  • A roadworthy bike

  • A helmet

There is mechanical support on the rides, but we recommend that everyone is self- sufficient and carries:

  • Tyre levers

  • Mini-pump

  • Spare inner tubes

  • Multi-tool

  • Puncture repair kit

The feed stop will be stocked with a range of sweet and savoury, high energy food products, as well as water, but we also recommend carrying:

  • Full water bottle(s)

  • Snacks

What clothing do I need?

You can cycle in anything you feel comfortable in, but we recommend:

  • A waterproof jacket

  • A pair of padded cycling shorts. This will make the riding much more comfortable. You can wear baggy shorts, leggings or trousers over the top if you don’t want to just wear lycra.

Pregnancy Deferral Policy

If you become pregnant after entering Bike Bath and no longer wish to participate in this year’s event, please get in touch. We can either defer your place or offer you a refund.

How fast do I have to ride?

For rider safety we do have a cut-off time of 4pm, but this provides ample time and should allow many types of rider to enjoy Bike Bath. The below table shows the approximate speeds needed to complete the different routes within the time allowed. 

Table comparing routes with columns for route type, length, recommended start slot, available time, minimum average speed required, and minimum average speed required including a 60-minute break. Routes are labeled as Long, Medium, and Short with respective details.
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Two male cyclists riding on a street in a residential neighborhood with stone and brick houses, greenery, and flowering plants.
Three cyclists riding up a street in a residential neighborhood, wearing helmets and athletic clothing.
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A group of six cyclists riding on a street in a residential area, wearing helmets and sports clothing.
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Two male cyclists wearing helmets and cycling gear, one holding a banana and the other waving, standing near a tent with a sign that reads "Dorothy House Hospice".
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Two male cyclists wearing medals around their necks and holding drinks and snacks, standing on a grassy field with other people in the background.
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A group of three people, one adult man and two boys, wearing helmets and outdoor clothing, standing with bikes on a grassy field with a sports stadium and green trees in the background.
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Two women smiling, one wearing a bike helmet and glasses, the other wearing sunglasses and a medal around her neck, outdoors on a grassy field.
Three male cyclists riding on a paved path with green grass and bushes on the side.
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A band of three musicians performing outdoors under a tent labeled 'Iconic Cycling Events' at a community event. One plays the saxophone, another on the keyboard with an electric guitar, and the third on drums. Several bicycles and people in the back
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A smiling woman in cycling gear, wearing a white helmet and dark sunglasses, stands outdoors with a medal around her neck. A man in cycling gear, also with a medal, is partially visible on her side.
Two cyclists in yellow shirts, wearing helmets and sunglasses, sitting outdoors on white plastic chairs, smiling and giving thumbs-up.
Two cyclists wearing helmets smiling for a photo, with a person on the left partially visible holding a phone.
Three people in cycling gear and helmets inspecting a red mountain bike mounted on a repair stand at an outdoor sports field. A white van with open doors and a sign for Slime Cycles is in the background, along with a grassy track, a stadium seating a
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Cyclists gathered at a starting point for a cycling event, with a man holding a sign that reads "Medium Route". The area is outdoors with green grass, trees, tents, flags, and historic buildings in the background.
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Our partners

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Bath Clinic logo with text 'Part of Circle Health Group' on a white background.
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Bath Rugby logo with a shield, a rugby ball, water waves, and the year 1865
Black badge with white text reading "Italy Bike Hotels" and a small Italian flag at the bottom, with the words "Riding Together Since 2000" underneath.