It’s safe to say that the past year has been full of surprises – and, pandemics aside, one of the biggest has been the inordinate amount of time I have spent on Zwift.

I unwrapped my smart turbo trainer on Christmas Day 2019 (talk about ahead of the curve) with plans to do “a bit of winter training on rainy days” and, a year later, I find myself racing my socks off every Tuesday night for DWWRT in the WTRL Zwift Racing Leagues.

Yes, it’s sweaty. Yes, it hurts. Yes, it’s a relatively intense way to spend a weekday evening.

But it’s also really fun. I promise.

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Cycling in summer is great. Wherever in the world you are, generally you don't need much kit. A pair of bib shorts, a lightweight jersey and some sun cream. You're all set. Conversely, cycling in deep winter is also fairly easy to do, kit wise. Put on all the layers you have, including that 1980s skiing balaclava of your Dad's, and off you go. You know it's going to be cold and/or wet, so you can prepare.

What to do then when it's just a bit... meh? The autumn and spring months, especially in the UK, can be hugely changeable, making kit choice a bit of a nightmare. Not only that but the weather can change in either direction during the ride.

You can be forgiven for thinking it's not worth riding in this weather, or taking all the kit you own with you (ah hello overheating, we've missed you!), however there are a staple few items that can save your autumn/spring ride. Read on below for our top tips on cool weather cycling kit:

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Every September since 2012, Rapha have been running a global ride to celebrate women's cycling - the WMNS100.

Whilst the gender gap within the cycling industry is definitely better than it was in 2012, there is still so much work to do, which is why we are supporting the WMNS100 rides again this year.

Not only that but it's the 10 year anniversary of the event, so even more reason to come out, join a group ride and support women's cycling. 

For this year we have teamed up with Islington CC and Rapha to bring you some awesome training rides in the run up to the big day, as well as a classic Essex 100km ride on the day itself - Sunday 18th Sept. 

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On Sunday afternoon, at around 13:30 CET, the Women's Tour de France, officially the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, will set off in Paris.

The best 160 or so riders in the world will line up on the Champs-Élysées for the first of 8 stages.

TV cameras and the cycling world all watching; this is a massive moment for cycling in general, but especially for the continual growth of women's cycling.

Before we go any further, however, a quick lesson in French pronunciation.

Femmes is not pronounced how it is written, and to sound like a true cycling fan, you need to get it right. Here's a handy pronunciation guide.

Please enjoy our guide to the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, and make sure you tune into the race (see below) and support women's cycling.

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It's the final week of your Ride London training, and the nerves will be starting to build.

Unless you started panicking as soon as you got your acceptance letter, in which case this is your normal state now!

But I am here to tell you not to worry. Easy to say I know, and such a throw away statement might not help you right now, but hopefully the below final tips might. 

I've completed the ride 3 times, and Dirty Wknd has helped a few hundred members to smash the ride too, so hopefully we can help you too. 

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With just a few weeks to go now until Ride London Essex 100, riders thoughts will turn to final preparations and tapering ahead of the big day.

If you’re an experienced cyclist or Ride London regular then you might be thinking about beating your 100 mile PB on the flat(er) course and wide open Essex Roads.

However if you’re a new rider or Ride London debutante then you might be filed with anxiety and worry, with around 1 million doom filled scenarios running through your head.

One of them being finishing within the time cut.

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