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Countdown to Sky Ride Manchester
Posted: 28th July 2010
Sunday 1st August, Castlefield, Manchester. Get involved for FREE!
UPDATED: Check out the event timetable for entertainment at Castlefield
With the behemoth that is Sky Ride Manchester fast approaching, we thought we'd give you a sneak preview of what to expect when Sky Ride hits the North West mega city on Sunday 1st August.
The Route
The route is closed to motorised traffic from 10 ‘til 4 and starts at Castlefield Arena, nestled amid the canals, railway bridges and swanky restaurants and bars of this rejuvenated area. From Castlefield the route heads out onto Liverpool Road, passing the Museum of Science and Industry before hanging a left onto Deansgate, which will surely be a sight to behold, without the usual clamour of cars, buses and taxis. You'll be able to cycle the full length of Deansgate, from the stunning 554ft Beetham Tower all the way to Exchange Square, home of the Manchester Wheel and the ultra-modern Urbis building.
You'll then continue through Manchester's busiest shopping district, passing the Arndale Centre before turning left on Princess Street, the route taking you past the Town Hall and Chinatown. From here you'll head out of the city to the east, on your way to yet another iconic Mancunian location - Sport City and the home of Manchester City FC.
The Entertainment
Above: Castlefield basin on a quiet day. Come the Sky Ride it'll be rammed with cyclists and fun stuff!
The major focus for off-bike entertainment is at the Castlefield Entertainment Zone, where there'll be so much to do that you might struggle to get any more cycling in! The itinerary for the day majors on fun and eclectic. Throughout the day there'll be live bands, celebrity appearances and interviews with Olympians Victoria Pendleton and Geraint Thomas, Sky Ride Ambassador and Hollyoaks' star Gemma Atkinson , bike themed bingo, quizzes, celebrity Wattbike challenges, Wacky Riders competitions and even an appearance by Ben 10's Humungousaur. Plus Evans Cycles will be there to check over your bikes, while you visit the Rainforest Dome and find out more about Sky's charity partner.
Here's the timetable for the Castlefield stage so you don't miss a thing!
10:00 - Welcome to Skyride
10:05 - On stage warm-up session led by fitness expert
10:15 - Live Band - The Baghdaddies
10:55 - Meet the Humungousaur from Ben 10!
11:05 - Bike Bingo
11:15 - Sky Channel Quiz, Round 1
11:25 - Live Band - Physical Jerks
12:05 - On the sofa with Geraint Thomas
12:15 - Celebrity Wattbike Challenge with Geraint Thomas
12:25 - Sky Channel Quiz, Round 2
12:35 - On the sofa with Victoria Pendleton
12:45 - Live Band - Eytan and his Orchestra
13:25 - Bike Bingo Round 2
13:35 - On the sofa with Gemma Atkinson
13:45 - Sky Channel Quiz Round 3
13:55 - Meet the Humungousaur
14:05 - Live Band - The Heartbreaks
14:45 - Bike Bingo Round 3
14:55 - Celebrity Wattbike Challenge - Becki James and Dave Daniell
15:05 - On the sofa with Tashan GTD
15:10 - Got to Dance
15:30 - Wacky Riders Judging
At Castlefield you'll be able to ride up, park your steed at the dedicated bike parking and take in the spectacle, stock up on food and drink (with drinks provided courtesy of Gatorade and Drench). There's even a canal-side beach, where you'll find British Cycling's Love Cycling area, where you can get your bib signed by the celebs, take part in the Wattbike challenge and take advantage of our fantastic half price Ride Membership offer. British Cycling's Go-Ride will also be there, where young people can hone their skills with the help of British Cycling qualified coaches.
Above: The stunning City of Manchester stadium will be the backdrop for the Sport City Entertainment Zone.
It's all action too at the Sport City Entertainment Zone - where you can park up your bike, grab a Gatorade and join in the fun. The Zone is focussed on the Athletics centre and will include BMX displays, Cycling Projects accessible cycles demos, Go-Ride activities and information and displays from Sustrans, Love your Bike and Greater Manchester Cycle Campaign. Being Sport City, there will also be a chance to have a go at a range of other sports, including squash, netball, rugby, football, cricket, climbing and athletics. Or you can just soak up the sun (fingers crossed) in the picnic area and watch the entertainment.
All in all Sky Ride Manchester is shaping up to be a mega event. All we need is for you to get the bike out of the shed, pump up the tyres and get involved. See you there!
For more information on Sky Ride go to www.goskyride.com
