Cycling has caught the 'wild’ side of the nation heading into the summer of 2013 as the National Trust announced that the sport has been selected in the top five of its '50 things to do before you are 11 3/4'.
British Cycling are currently working in partnership with the National Trust to improve cycling access and provision around the country and this initiative has been set-up by the Trust in order to get more families experiencing the great outdoors and the benefits it has to offer, and 'going on a long bike ride’ with parents was voted as one of the most popular activities on the list.
During the six weeks of summer between Monday 22 July to Sunday 1 September you can take part in the 50 things to do before you’re 11 3/4 Wild-time challenge. Sign up for free and complete at least 25 adventures from the list of ’50 things’ (including going on a bike ride) for the chance to star in and direct your very own nature film.
The National Trust said: “We all need wild time – fresh air, exercise and memories that will last a life time. Going on a really long bike ride is a great way to experience the outdoors, getting closer to nature and the special places around us.”
Cycling has proved to be a great opportunity for families to explore the 618,000 acres owned by the Trust and a thoroughly enjoyable experience to all age groups with Sport England helping to fund Sports development work at Trust properties.
With a great network of off road routes at its properties, with more being planned, there is no excuse not to jump on a bike and take advantage of the glorious weather on cycle paths such as Clumber Park, Leigh Woods and Nostell Priory.
As well as the traffic free trails, there are also some great bridleways giving access through woods, heaths, farms and hills.
For teenagers and those who want more challenging routes there is Carding Mill Valley in Shropshire, The Lake District, Peaks, Yorkshire Dales, Purbeck, Pembrokeshire and Snowdonia, which all provide wonderful mountain biking challenges.
Not forgetting, the Sustrans National Cycle Network for links from towns to Trust locations. There are over 320 National Trust properties within one mile of the Network which have quiet lanes linking groups of properties.
With panoramic views, the National Trust provides routes that will blow away the cobwebs for British Cycling fanatics and ensure for a successful cycling summer for all.
For more information about how to get into cycling visit www.britishcycling.org.uk/getinvolved
Sign up for free at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/50things to see the full list of 50 things to do before you’re 11 3/4 and enter the Wild-time challenge.
