Still wondering what to get that special loved one with just a week to go before Christmas? Confused and confounded by the myriad of gift guides that are prevalent all over your niche interest website this year?

Here’s an idea, somewhat controversial some might say….Don’t buy any more stuff, instead give them an experience.

What is going to give that special person warm feelings inside more, will it be the latest new shiny (in-turn relegating last months new shiny) or will it be something less tangible? Say, a weekend away in Derbyshire at the Eroicca Britannia retro cycling festival?

I’ve compiled a small list of five of my favourite experiences of the last few years, each one with many happy memories (and possibly some less than happy!) and guaranteed to bring smiles for years to come….give them the gift of smiles!

1) Eroica Britannia – 3 days of cycling nostalgia, great food and #handsome times in Bakewell and the surrounding area of the Peak District.

2) Taiwan King of the Mountain Challenge – 105 km all up hill, oh it’s in Taiwan as well, so there is that!

3) Fisherman’s Friend Strongman Run – 12,000 people all doing an obstacle course, the Nurburgring, and it’s a half marathon distance as well!

4) 2017 Transcontinental race – the greatest race in the world?

5) London2Paris with Challenge Sophie – challenging but doable for everyone, fun times in France with Sophie 

Each one provides a suitable challenge, and if you are thinking about Transcontinental, well they have 18 months to train for it!

As a special bonus, how about a mid-week luxury cycling break with On The Rivet down in sunny Dorset?