Cyclists in Leeds will be able to take part in a series of new free guided rides in and around the city.
Guided rides on two new routes are being introduced as an extension to the successful Sky Ride Local programme delivered by British Cycling in partnership with Leeds City Council.
The new ‘Ride Further’ riders are aimed at cyclists who wish to challenge themselves on the roads or those who have been inspired to take up cycling by watching the Tour de France Grand Départ in Leeds in July and are now getting more confident to take on longer distances on the roads.
The rides in Leeds began on Sunday 28 September, commencing with cyclists meeting at Golden Acre Park off Arthington Road. The free rides are all led by British Cycling-trained Ride Leaders, with the first guiding riders on a 40-mile loop through Wharfedale and North Yorkshire taking in Harewood, Wetherby, Sicklinghall and Weeton. Among the spectacular views on show will be the Arthington Viaduct, Armscliffe Cragg and Chevin Country Park.
The route will repeated on Sunday 12 October and Sunday 26 October, again starting at Golden Acre Park at 9am.
The second route focuses on exploring north of Leeds, with rides taking place on Sunday 19 October and Sunday 2 November, meeting at 9am at the Lakeside Café in Roundhay Park.
The 45-mile loop heads from Roundhay Park to Wetherby and then to Spofforth, Harrogate, Norwood and Otley. Among the highlights will be the views across the reservoirs at Lindley Woods and Eccup.
The sessions are free to take part with anyone wishing to do so able to register at goskyride.com/Leeds. All participants must use road bikes, bring a basic repair kit and be competent and confident over the distance.
Leeds City Council executive member for digital and creative technologies, culture and skills Councillor Lucinda Yeadon said:
“It is great that these new rides will be taking place in and around Leeds, and they will be ideal for any cyclists keen to push themselves on, meet new people and enjoy seeing some fantastic scenery at the same time.
“This continues our fantastic relationship with British Cycling which helped us deliver another brilliant Sky Ride event this year plus the Sky Ride Local events and also the amazing Tour de France Grand Départ. We are sure these new rides will prove very popular with experienced cyclists and relative newcomers alike.”
British Cycling’s Director of Recreation and Partnerships Stewart Kellett said:
“The beauty of these rides is that they allow a bit more of a test to those people who are seeking to take their cycling further, while still providing a supported environment, led by our excellent Ride Leaders.
“We have seen such a huge growth in regular cycling in Britain over the last few years, and we realise that a key to this is being able to provide appropriate opportunities to everyone, whether that is an easy-going and gentle introduction or something more challenging over a longer distance.”
The ‘Ride Further’ series includes other rides in Manchester, Birmingham, London, Southampton and Bournemouth, and British Cycling’s Operational Support Manager Craig Myers said:
“‘We are really excited to introduce the Ride Further series to help us add an extra level of challenge, both for those who already cycle with us and those who maybe want to join a ride and find out more places to ride.”
The upcoming rides in Leeds:
Wharfedale & North Yorkshire Loop – Sun 12 October at 9am, starting from Golden Acre Park, off Arthington Road, Leeds.
Explore the Wonders of North Leeds – Sun 19 October at 9am, starting from Lakeside Café, Roundhay Park, Leeds.
Wharfedale & North Yorkshire Loop – Sun 26 October at 9am, starting from Golden Acre Park, off Arthington Road, Leeds.
Explore the Wonders of North Leeds – Sun 2 November at 9am, starting from Lakeside Café, Roundhay Park, Leeds.
To find out more about the Ride Further series and sign up for a place visit: goskyride.com/Leeds
