They say: "Saddle Skedaddle has been organising great road tours for many years and this forthcoming 2009 season is no exception. They cater for all levels of road biker, whether you’ve never had a go before, to those with a thirst to follow in the footsteps of Tour de France riders up and down those leg-aching cols."

We say: "We like the way Skedaddle caters for all levels of road cyclist and think their Introduction to Road Cycling UK weekends are a great way to get into or rekindle your taste for road biking. Once in the saddle, there’s no stopping you with classic tours in France and Italy to ones further afield in Brazil and Japan."

• Hire a road bike through the company courtesy of a partnership with Giant bikes, or bring your own
  
• Choose from fully guided, supported or self-guided tours
  
• On group tours snacks and drink stops en route are provided, as well as buffet lunches with local produce