Having been lucky enough to secure a place in Sunday's Verenti Dragon Ride, I was particularly miffed to be laid low with a stomach bug at the weekend.

To make matters worse, I was inundated with stories of a brilliant ride and fantastic weather from the remainder of the office contingent on my return to CW Towers on Monday morning.

Oh well, missed that one, but there are still plenty of events to go. Even though we are halfway through the year there are some 110 rides to be ridden before the end of the season.

The UK sportive boom shows no signs of slowing, and there are now more events than ever. A newie but a goodie is the National Cyclo-Sportive on June 26 in Lancashire.

It's the day before the National Road Race Championships and the idea is that spectators get a chance to stretch their legs over 160 or 100 kilometres before settling back to watch Mark Cavendish, David Millar and co in action 24 hours later.

The sportive has the same start and finish as the title race, in Barley, but uses longer, scenic circuits that include ascents of the Trough of Bowland and Nick of Pendle.

It'll be a great weekend. Don't miss out.

Robert Garbutt is editor of Cycling Weekly magazine