The Tyne 6 Bridges Leisure rides are aimed at those who wish to have a leisurely ride along the banks of the Tyne using the Sustrans routes which are completely traffic free and therefore safe for all ages and abilities. The route is suitable for all types of bike.

Starting at the Cycle Hub, Ouseburn participants will ride out west along Sustrans Route 72 passing under the Tyne Bridge, Swing Bridge, High Level Bridge, Redheugh Bridge and on towards Scotswood Bridge following the banks of the Tyne. Along the way riders will be able to see some of the Tyne's industrial heritage and some famous landmarks such as Dunston Staiths and Vickers Armsrong Armaments Factory which was originally built by Lord Armstrong and at one time had a workforce of 30,000.

Upon reaching Scotswood Bridge riders have the option of crossing over to the south side of the Tyne and pick up Sustrans Route14 heading back east towards Newcastle. On the way riders will pass the famous Gateshead Metro Centre and carry on towards the Sage Music Centre and the Baltic Arts Centre. Riders will then ride over the Gateshead Millenium Bridge, turning East on the north bank of the Tyne to finish at The Cycle Hub. This ride is 10.5mls.

Those wishing to go a little further than Scotswood Bridge will stay on the north side of the Tyne and keep heading west around the back of Newburn Business Park and on towards Newburn. At this point the route becomes almost rural and there is a complete change of scenery. Once reaching Newburn Bridge riders will cross over the south side and pick up Sustans Route 14 heading east. This will take them back towards Scotswood Bridge where they will join up with the riders completing the shorter route. This ride is 15.5mls.

Both routes will have additional signs as well as marshals to direct riders at critical points.

The registration for the Tyne 6 Bridges rides will be open from 4pm and until 7.30pm. All riders must complete their chosen ride by 9pm.

Riders can choose which ride they will complete on the day and will start in groups from 6.15pm. All riders can decide when they wish to start after 6.15pm and will not be allocated a specific start time. Riders will be set off in groups of 20 wherever possible.

All those who wish to take part in this ride must pre-register on the event website using the online entry facility. Entry fee is £8 for all ages. On the day of the event all riders must sign on individually. This is a requirement for insurance purposes. However parents of children under 14 will be allowed to sign on their behalf and must accompany them on the ride.

Both routes will be adequately sign posted and marshaled by Sustrans staff and volunteers. St John Ambulance medical staff will also patrol the routes on bikes.

All riders under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Any adult may accompany more than one child.

Upon finishing all riders will receive a T-shirt and Goody Bag. There will also be official photographers around the routes to take pictures of riders.

Registration for the Saturday Challenge Rides will also take place at the Cycle Hub, Ouseburn .

Info for Riders

Two rides of 9.5m & 14.5m along the banks of the Tyne using Sustrans Routes.