What's on this weekend: It's not all Tour de France....

This weekend, of course, sees the start of the Tour de France, but while most of us will certainly be watching it at some stage, it’s a fair bet that we’d rather be out cycling than sitting on the sofa.

One of the highlights of this weekend, for anyone taking part , is Saturday’s La Marmotte, the legendary French cyclosportive which takes place in the Alps and completes a gruelling circuit, climbing mountain passes including the Col du Glandon (1,924 m or 6,200 ft.), the Col du Galibier (2,642 m or 7.925 ft.), and Alpe d'Huez (1,880 m or 5,640 ft.).

In existence since 1982, La Marmotte is a hugely challenging ride and each year thousands of riders combine an exceptional ride with the vicarious thrill of being in France at the start of Le Tour. Along with many other Brits road.cc contributor John McFaul will be taking part and we'll let you know how he gets on, why not check out his blog too www.mcfaulonbikes.com.

A tough challenge closer to home is Round 1 of the Gore Bike Wear Sportive series on tomorrow in Llanwyrtydd Wells, there's a choice of either a 50 or 90 mile route both of which take in some awesome climbing through breathtaking scenery, check out our recce ride video to see what's in  store - and places are still available. Dave will be there so say hello, if you bump into him on the Devil's Staircase best save your breathe though.

Also on tomorrow is the Tour of Exmoor, again on Saturday. Entry limit for the event is 500 and riders will complete 90-mile and 75-mile routes and while it doesn’t quite compare to the French Alps, the ascent around the Porlock area is hard graft indeed. According to the start list we found there are still places left… so if you are in the area it might be worth a punt.

Saturday night sees this year's running of the legendary Dunwich Dynamo the impromptu bike ride from the Pub on the Park, Martello Street, London Fields, Hackney, London E8 to… Dunwhich, well where else did you think it'd go? Entry is free and the ride is a turn up and go affair. The weather forecast is looking good for the 17th edition so if you fancy a 120-mile night ride give it a go - it's a brilliant night out, and there's a great caff on the beach at Dunwich - oh, and say hello to our very own TR if you spot him. For more information check out these Dunwich FAQs.

The British Heart Foundation have organised a family ride through the Worcestershire Countryside on July 4. Rides are 32 miles and 48 miles long and take in Droitwich and Bromsgrove before returning to Worcester Racecourse. More details here: www.bhf.org.uk/worcester

The following day sees the Wyre Forest Stinger Sportive, which includes a family and mini-Stinger ride as well as the main event. This is the first Sportive promotion by the Wyre Forest Cycle Racing Club, based in North Worcestershire and the three rides are 28km, 113km and 169km. More here www.wyreforeststinger.co.uk/.