Setting yourself a big challenge is a great way to motivate yourself to increased fitness, becoming a better cyclist and a huge sense of euphoria and pride.

But this year I'm focusing on something more subtle. And it needs a little imagination and sparkle.

This is a turbulent time for cycling, for retail, for politics. Actually, for our world as a whole.

These are our year end thoughts - things are not nearly as downbeat as you might think!

"Well I went for my walk with little success. I only managed 0.9 miles before I had to give up go home and build a jigsaw instead. Sorry it's not going to be a light and fluffy read today."

Read more about how Elaine rebuilt through the support that only cycling can offer.

Maria David is in love with Milan and Lake Como - both the chic urban living and, of course, the cycling. Let her show you around some of her favourite places and routes... 

They're our most popular product bar none. They're made in Latvia. People keep coming back to buy more. And they attract rave reviews. So just why do us female cyclists love them so much?

When it comes to presents, sometimes a cleverly considered combo can add so much more to the occasion - especially if you get to save as a result.

Presents for cyclists aren't easy at the best of times. Whether you're the giver or the lucky recipient there's just so much choice! Here are Juliet Elliott's top festive picks.

Some firms spend millions on expensive ad agencies for their Christmas campaign. We spend £2 on mince pies and head out into the rain to see what happens...

It's been all change for former World Road Race Champion, and Yorkshire's finest, Lizzie Deignan. She recently became a mum to little Orla, is back on the bike already - and has even found time to designing cycling kit...

They're the most antipated cycling leggings of the year. You can be the first to find out about them - or even WIN a pair.

When most people try GORE's clothing, they're won over immediately. But sometimes technically awesome gear needs some explaining. Let us guide you around...

Let’s be honest, bums and bits weren’t made for saddles. If you're suffering, you're not alone. After 10 years of looking for solutions, here are Juliet's Top 10 Tips...

None of us have ever experienced saddle soreness... have we now?! What better people to tell you about how to improve an often unmentionable problem than GB Cycling's experts...

The Gabba's lightweight and wind/rain resistant design is second to none and it's fully breathable too! So why should you own one? Watch the video review to find out...

When it comes to the most insane adventures on a bike, cycling to the South Pole would have to be right up there. Especially to be the first human being to do it. Maria Leijerstam was that person. Let her tell you more...

How do you get a riveted packed house on the edge of their seats at the Cycle Show? Why, you put a microphone in the hands of two extraordinary ultracyclists, Naomi Freireich and Philippa Battye, and ask them to tell some tales...

There are few women who have dominated their sport like Shanaze Reade has with BMX. Anna Glowinski chats to her about how she learnt her trade on tracks lit by car headlights and by the age of 11 was travelling to the World Championships in the US on her own...

We all know that exercise benefits our physical health but what about our mental health? Recent research has shown that two-thirds of people spend less than an hour per day outside during autumn and winter. There's never been a better time to get out on your bike!

Last year when on a cycling trip to Paris I stumbled across a triathlon in the elegant town of Chantilly. It looked a pretty big event, with the town, which is normally famous for horse-racing, filled with triathletes. It was a glorious day, and in fact I enjoyed the vibe so much that I got waylaid over there and arrived in Paris quite late that evening.

I decided at that moment that I would take part in that triathlon. 

Managing work, family, chores and time on the bike is a fine juggling act.

When life gets busy, stress levels ramp up or time is short it can be easy for exercise and recreation to slip down our list of priorities. Juliet Elliott should know...

How my ride went with Dame Kelly Holmes; clue: I wasn’t first up the climb, and I didn’t win the sprint to the café!

I had the privilege of going on a women's bike ride with Kelly Holmes last month. Yes, Kelly Holmes, the double gold medallist from track and field. Recently she's got into cycling...

Juliet offer you ten inspiring, fun-filled cycling activities and goals that will make these summer months the best you’ve ever experienced.

It may seem counterintuitive adding another layer into your summer kit mix, but, believe it or not, it can actually help keep you cooler. Find out how...

Get them right, and padded cycling shorts are the gateway to a smooth, comfortable ride. Find out how to wear and care for yours correctly to enjoy miles upon miles of pain-free, efficient cycling.

Let's face it, the UK's not famous for blazing heat. When the mercury passes 20c we're prone to flapping about as though we're living in the Dubai desert. Fans and paddling pools sell out, and public fountains are gridlocked. But it can, and most years it does at some point...

Like the sport itself, cyclists are a hugely diverse bunch. Much as those in the anti-bike brigade like to think it, we’re actually not all the same. We are everyone. Inciting wars between road users and slagging off everyone who likes riding a bike shouldn’t be the last acceptable form of bigotry.

Have faith in your padded cycling shorts and find out how ditching your knickers can lead to a comfier ride.

The 2018 OVO Women's Tour is on! June 13-17th sees the world's finest female road racers battle it out across the UK. Here's Maria David's exclusive insider's guide to the stages... with some surprising insights.

Triathlon athlete and World Champ Simone Mitchell reveals six of her key training exercises to improve strength, both on and off the bike.

Sunday June 3rd marks the very first official United Nations World Bicycle Day. This is a big day in the history of the bicycle. For the UN to bestow an 'International Day' tag on anything is quite a moment. In this case it's especially significant.

Do you Strava? The fact that we use 'Strava' as a verb proves - if proof were needed - that the most popular cycling app of all time has come of age.

We're really excited to invite you to our VeloVixen Strava Club - a great way to bring together our amazing community of female cyclists. So why should you join us?

So, you’ve taken the plunge and finally signed up to a cycling event. Kirsty shares her top tips on what to wear during your first organised ride.

On the first weekend of May, the top names in cycling - men's and women's - battled it out across Yorkshire in front of 2 million spectators. Maria David went to try some of what they did for herself...

At VeloVixen, we like to keep a careful ear out for the latest in cycling kit technology. And sometimes the news is just too exciting to keep to ourselves.

We can't reveal the brand in question, but we can exclusively reveal that secret testing is currently taking place in the central mountains of Colombia on a hot new range of cycling kit.

And when we say it's for a hot new range, we really mean it.

There's no denying that road racing is really hard.

If you want to do yourself justice you're going to have to deal with nerves, physical pain, perhaps some fear and potentially some risk. These are all things I choose to accept.

That doesn't make me a badass, it just makes me a bike racer. I'd like to tell you about my first race.

Use our guide to create a versatile ensemble that will keep you cycling in comfort as we emerge from the depths of winter into the unpredictable Great British springtime.

Just why were we so blown away by Castelli's new chammy pad? Watch and find out - whilst witnessing Fran and Liz 'shimmy in their chammy'...

As partners with Women V Cancer Ride the Night, the UK's biggest women-only charity night cycle ride, we share our 8 top tips to keep you cycling safely after dark.

Read our guide on how to stay safe while cycling past the hours of daylight - we think you may be surprised by some of what's included!

Q. What do a 19th century Italian tailor, a designer for the Milan Ballet and the first ever lycra cycling shorts have in common?

A. They are all part of a rich 140 year history that's led to today's most recognised brand in cycling: Castelli.

Throw in a heart attack on a famous Italian climb, family feuds, Olympic gold medals and controversy in the pro peloton and it begins to sound more like a Sicilian soap opera than the backdrop to a cycling brand. But then again Castelli is no ordinary brand.

It's been the harshest of late winters, but we've taken the opportunity to welcome new faces into the warm heart of the VeloVixen den! Well, maybe not so new...

Endura - you see a lot of it around, don't you? Were you guilty of assuming it's a bit... generic? It's time to think again.

Turns out nothing could be further from the truth, especially with a depth of female design talent in their ranks and a massive new name on their books for 2018!

For many years, ASSOS of Switzerland was one of the most respected names in cycling. The only catch, from a female cycling perspective, was their notoriously... how would you say?... 'traditional' approach to marketing their women's kit.

Then in 2016, everything changed.

If you’re looking to upgrade your old bike or make the very most out of a new investment these are the best value bike upgrades that make give the biggest increase in cycling performance

I've been organising Spring cycling holidays in southern Spain, and speaking to a lot of potential participants. It's been really revealing. Why are so many worried about letting others down, when they're perfectly capable?

I want to see women taking ownership of their enjoyed sport, I want to see them unapologetic for wanting to be somewhere and looking for reassurance from nobody but themselves.

Simone Mitchell became 2017 AG World Champion in 70.3 Ironman. She's a triathlon superstar, but equally great at getting the best out of 'normal' people.

In this 2nd video, Simone shares another brilliant 6-part training circuit suitable for beginners right up to the elite. You don't even need equipment!

In a world in which we're bombarded by ways to compare ourselves to others, it can all feel a bit overwhelming. It's easy not to appreciate your own achievements.

All the more reason, Juliet argues, to take stock of where you are and where you’ve come from, comparing yourself against no one else but… yourself!

Since joining the VeloVixen range in 2014, the Urbanist padded cycling knickers have become our best selling range of all time, making their way into our top-5 favourite lists time and time again.

Learn more about the background to Urbanist in their original Kickstarter Project video...

If you've ever wondered what single stylish top can cover most conditions - or act as an invaluable layer on colder rides - then Rivelo's Pateley may be your answer. Fran can tell you more...

If you've ever wondered what single stylish top can cover most conditions - or act as an invaluable layer on colder rides - then Rivelo's Pateley may be your answer. Fran can tell you more...

The VeloPac RidePac is one of those really simple ideas that can genuinely make a difference to you. It's the one piece of kit you need to keep your valuables safe and dry on a ride - and they look great too.

Cycling role model Anna Glowinski takes no prisoners when it comes to women's cycling. This is an important 15 minutes from someone who can talk the talk - but really walk the walk too.

Whether we brush off the gloomy predictions of our weatherwomen and men or not, we can’t get around the fact that for the next few months we’ll need to wrap up warm if we want to continue cycling (and enjoying it) throughout December and into the new year.

When news emerged earlier this week about the launch of Pinarello's new e-bike, the Nytro, at first it seemed like a solid, positive step from a major bike manufacturer to catch the growing wave of e-bike sales.

But then the Pinarello marketing department got hold of it. And that's where the trouble began.

We're all guilty of ignoring our stretching, even Anna G herself. Not one to let the grass grow under her feet, here Anna shows us a great sequence of cycling-specific stretches from her home beach in Spain. Where grass doesn't grow.

Like all MASSIVE global retailers, we've got our own blockbuster ad - here are Liz and Fran to talk you through some of the VeloVixen highlights this festive season... Hold onto your hats, folks!

Long cycle rides, as with any endurance sport, can wreak havoc on our digestive system if we don’t treat it right. Your body is working overtime to keep your muscles moving, blood pumping & lungs breathing and you don’t want to create more stress by giving it more work to do to digest your food. So how can you keep your tummy happy whilst on the bike?

Improve your cycling with these simple yoga exercises designed to boost power, help prevent injury and improve bone density.

There’s something magical about the century, the achievement of ticking over from tens of miles to the elusive three figures. Spending a day on the bike – spending enough time to warrant multiple coffee stops. This was Catherine's first.

Juliet's just finished her first season. "Racing bikes is nothing short of a high so with the season all wrapped up and no more fixed crits until next April I'm feeling something akin to withdrawal."

We LOVE this! Our great friend, and long time VeloVixen team member, Rose 'Ozzie' Osborne recently retired from the pro peloton after several years of stalwart service with teams WMT and Drops Cycling. Here are her reflections on women's cycling and the sacrifices in pro sport.

The shadow of sexism still hangs over cycling with some well publicised cases in recent months. However there is no doubt things are improving. VeloVision caught up with our founder, Phil, and operations manager, Fran to chat about the opportunities and challenges facing women in cycling today.

One of our favourite people, Anna Glowinski, was a last minute call up to join Annie Emmerson on our 2017 VeloVixen Women's Cycling Hub to discuss TV presenting, designing epic leggings, and all kinds of cycling.

Ever wondered how to become a World Champion? In this video, filmed at our Women's Cycling Hub at the 2017 Cycle Show, Simone Dailey gives you some vital secrets and demonstrates how to 'build a base, build a champion'...

Nowadays it feels like we're spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a jacket to get us through the winter cycling season. Is that a blessing or a curse? We think the former. With so many styles and performance features now available specifically for women, it gives you the chance to really pinpoint THE perfect jacket for your cycling needs.

Did you know Paralympic medals for blind athletes rattle? Nor did we. Until the extraordinary Corrine Hall enlightened us about that and so much more in her brilliant session at our 2017 VeloVixen Women's Cycling Hub.

Three of our favourite brands came together at our 2017 VeloVixen Women's Cycling Hub to for a fascinating discussion about ways they go beyond simply retailing nice kit.

VeloVixen's own Fran Whyte, a seasoned cyclocross fanatic, reveals how cyclocross could be your answer to year round cycling - and why it's just plain fun!

What course has scared her most - and what's her favourite cheese?! Diane Jeggo fields questions aplenty with mountain biking World Champion and all round cycling legend Tracy Moseley!

Diane Jeggo joins presenter and journalists Rebecca Charlton and Laura Winter to talk #TokenAttractiveFemale and to discuss where women are in the media's coverage of cycling. Prepare for sparks to fly!

Diane Jeggo discussed where mass participation women's cycling is today with two of the women most deeply embedded in it - Cycling UK's Julie Rand and Head of HSBC Breeze, Becki Morris.

Last week saw the much anticipated gathering and social ride for the Anna’s Legs ambassadors. Here's Joanna's write-up of what they got up to in the beautifully picturesque hills of the Peak District.

Last weekend I was lucky enough to be a guest of ŠKODA at the epic that is RideLondon - Surrey 100. From route to food, drinks, mechanical assistance and more, the folks behind the cycling extravaganza ensured that the only thing we had to do was pedal, what luxury!

This summer, we're celebrating the power of two-wheeled transportation with a brilliant round-up of awesome #CycleHappy stories and kit picks. From your sunnies right down down to your socks, here are 13 kit picks that perfectly capture that fist-pump-cycling feeling.

Sunsets, chickens, broken spokes and nosebleeds. It's one year since 15-year old Cherry's first coast to coast challenge, was a second attempt one try to many? Read her story.

As a mountain bike guide I ride with a lot of different people. In any group of riders there can be a huge range of abilities and fitness. Something that I notice is how often some riders give themselves a really hard time, especially those who feel they have less technical ability or fitness.

As we lift our jaws from the floor, we recommend you put your hot drink down as this list is in equal parts amusing, as it is appalling.

If you're one of the lucky riders to be participating in this year's Ride London, questions abound as to kit, preparation and the day itself.  Fear not dear readers, here are our top tips to making your ride a success.

When we started looking for Anna’s Legs Ambassadors we knew it was a blank canvas, I (Anna) know that I share similar values for both business and women’s cycling as VeloVixen. We decided to see what came in, make a shortlist and then discuss on merit who we felt would represent our brands, with shared values…  

Entries to this competition are now closed. Did you win?!

Wow! What a prize! How do you fancy a 5-night cycling getaway exploring the magnificent landscapes and beautifully preserved villages of southern Transylvania, all courtesy of The Slow Cyclist?

Designed in Croydon, inspired by the mountains. Designer and lifelong lover of cycling, Anna Glowinski shares why her latest collection of 3/4 length leggings are the best choice of legwear for taking on this season's cycling adventures.

Have you ever cycled into direct sunlight and felt like your eyeballs were melting in their sockets? Is your ride partner magnetically attracted to loose road chippings?

Well, let us guide you into the wonderful world of cycling eyewear, where looking spec-tacular is just as achievable as giving your eyes the protection they deserve.

I quite like to imagine Buddha riding a bike. He'd be wobbling his way down a dusty road, all barefoot pedalling, carefree and serene, radiating gleeful Zen delight.

Have you ever felt a greater sense of simplicity when you're on a bike? Could we say that cycling is a new form of practicing mindfulness?

With the UCI Road Championship taking place in Norway this year and the “hygge” concept catching like wildfire, we thought we'd take a look at yet another rather fascinating Scandinavian concept... "Sykkelglede". Have you heard of it?

A little bit of happiness. That's what I get from cycling through the woods on my mountain bike. So happy even my eyes are smiling.

Meditation is an incredibly powerful tool for processing emotions, alleviating stress and also for boosting happiness. Guest blogger, Julie Montagu shares her wisdom how meditation can be used to help your happiness grow.

I started cycling to lose weight. At the time I didn't even have a bike. Every single ride I’ve ever done since, I’ve felt like a child escaping. It gave me freedom. But then I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. I was absolutely devastated. I thought I'd never be able to get on the bike again...

The Danes are currently the world’s happiest people. Denmark has come top of The World Happiness Report for four years out of the last five. So what is the secret to the world’s happiest country? Is it hygge?

My 5 year-old daughter wants nothing more in life to ride her bike and that is because cycling makes her happy. Can the same happen for grown ups? Can cycling make us happier?

Classic styling and choice. That's what's truly great about Rivelo. Each of their four jerseys offer a different level of spec, depending on your needs and budget.

On May 21st 2017, we hosted our first VeloVixen Women's Cycling Day at our place, just outside Oxford. Would anybody come? After all, when you have a house party, you can never be sure... Find out if they did.

Anna Glowinski catches up with our second Legs ambassador, mega cycling enthusiast and Breeze Ride leader, Diane Jeggo, who recognises that her love for two wheels really has changed her life.

Bundle something for Dad in your VeloVixen basket in time for Father's Day on Sunday 18th June.