Cycling
10 tips for a Stag or Hen party on two wheels
Looking for an alternative pre-wedding party for you and your bike-minded mates?
Stag and Hen dos are meant to be fun. If you and your mates usually ride bikes, there’s no reason to spend the weekend in a pub just because someone’s getting married. In summer 2017, writer Matt Maynard went on a stag do with a difference; setting out on a three-day adventure covering 160 miles through the Scottish Highlands.
Here, he takes us on a spin through the journey, provides tips on planning your own and argues that there’s always time to experience local delicacies...
1. Share route details in advance
The UK is full of picturesque riding routes
© Matt Maynard
The best man emailed around the planned route a few months in advance. Everyone knew what we were up against. Day one would be an easy ride to shake-off any excesses from the night before. Days two and three would take us deep into the heart of the Highlands. We began after a rather blurry night, wobbling out of Glasgow towards Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park.
2. Choose big scenery and traffic-free roads
No need for a traffic-cone trophy on this stag do
© Matt Maynard
We cycled a route that was exciting and unknown. There were some big hills along the way. Camaraderie was created as we made our way through these large landscapes. Energy levels were far higher than on your typical 1am revolving dance floor. Not being constantly pestered by traffic meant we could also spread out on the road and get to know any unfamiliar faces before the wedding.
Top tip: You don’t have to travel to Scotland for open spaces. Check out this excellent guide to cycling in all of the UK’s National Parks.
3. Use a support van
Any stragglers could be swept up by the support van
© Matt Maynard
The father of the groom followed behind in the van. All of our overnight kit was kept in here so we could enjoy the ride. This was our rolling aid station and at lunchtimes we could dive in and collect a warm layer, sports drink or banana. It could also be used to swoop up any stragglers.
4. Keep hydrated
Lemon & lime or lager. How will you recover?
© Matt Maynard
Beer and biking don’t work well together. As a recovery drink however at the end of the ride, there is conclusive evidence that up to 660ml of beer (almost 1 ½ pints) has no negative effect on your hydration levels after exercising in heat.
Top tip: Plan your route to finish in a great pub beer garden. Ring ahead if cold and hungry and order hot plates of chips!
5. Tease your stag or hen…
The stag with his learner plates on
© Matt Maynard
There is plenty of scope with cycling to have a bit of fun at your stag or hen's expense – from over-tight lycra to handlebar pom-pom tassels. It’s also amazing how a bit of fresh air blows out the cobwebs on half-remembered embarrassing stories that can be used in wedding speeches! The peloton is a far more memorable place to share anecdotes than shouting across a packed nightclub.
6. But don’t cripple them with the riding
Great scenery for a catch-up with friends
© Matt Maynard
You are there to celebrate your mate, not destroy them. If they have invited you on a biking stag or hen do, it is pretty clear what they prioritise for having a good time. Save the big night out – if necessary – for the end of the ride, or organise a different gathering altogether.
7. Use bike drop-off and pick-up services
High quality hire bikes
© Matt Maynard
Not everyone invited is going to own a suitable bike or be able to transport it to the start. Some bike hire companies will drop-off at one location, and then pick-up the bikes again later at another for an extra charge. On a large bike stag or hen do, the benefit of hiring well serviced bikes means fewer chances of mechanical issues and long stoppages.
8. Get some local culture!
Serious decisions at the distillery
© Matt Maynard
Scotland is the home of whisky. At the end of day two we stopped off at the Aberfeldy Distillery for a tour of the factory and a wee dram of Single Malt. Whether it’s a brewery or vineyard, this addition to your trip will keep motivation high.
9. Choose cyclist friendly accommodation
Smelly stags need hot showers and good bike storage
© Matt Maynard
Always check out the accommodation before booking, you don't want to turn up without warning on a fleet of muddy bikes. Make your inquiries in advance. Is there outside bike storage? Is there a curfew for being back in the accommodation? Can you fill up water bottles in the morning? This is all pretty important, so you might want to look out for these types of places to stay.
10. Keep it fun
Drop a gear and take it easy
© Matt Maynard
There is a time and place to pin it. A stag or hen do on bikes, however, needs to be more inclusive. Your mate that's getting married is going to want their closest family and friends to celebrate with them – regardless of whether they’re head-to-toe in top kit or ride like a professional. Enter into it with team spirit. Accept that you may have to wait at times. Use any left-over energy to carry the whisky from the distillery back to your overnight accommodation.