Ride for Eric began in September 2014. Intended to be a simple ride by family and colleagues to mark the life of an amazing man, and to highlight road safety awareness in Sheffield and beyond.  Sadly Eric was killed by a drunk and reckless driver whilst out on his Sunday ride in early November 2013.

Since the inaugural ride in 2014, over 1500 participants have taken part in RideforEric events, whether that be The Ride for Eric series that we run annually or one of the LeJog or C2C events or the Hills2Boro events that was created specifically to enable young and inexperienced riders to organise and participate in their own cycling adventure. Along the way Ride for Eric has also maintained a Bereavement Counselling service for the benefit of others that have had a traumatic life-changing event shape their life. 

This year we are changing venue to a much bigger facility that has cycling and youth development at the heart of its existence, Forge Valley Community School from where all rides will depart and return. The courses that we have put together aim to attract all people who enjoy cycling or who simply want to be part of a great event. 

The Ride for Eric family 5km

Will operate throughout the day offering families the opportunity to ride on the closed circuit route within Forge Valley. Giving families an opportunity to ride together and promenade through the venue.

The Ride for Eric 25km

For those of you who perhaps haven't been out on your bike in a while, or are just getting in to cycling and want to challenge yourselves! The 25k takes in some lovely areas of Sheffield and is sufficiently challenging for even regular riders.

The Ride for Eric 50km

If you cycle regularly, perhaps as part of a club or you just want to challenge yourself,  then this route through Sheffield and Derbyshire is for you.

The Ride for Eric 100km

The 100K is a real challenge for any regular rider, taking a stunning route through Derbyshire and some epic climbs on the way. Not for the inexperienced, but definately a challenge to put on your list of epic day rides.

To give the event a purpose beyond celebrating Erics Amazing life, we will be using entrance fees and any monies raised through sponsorship to support the activites of The Ride for Eric Trust. 

Sponsorship and Branding opportunities are available on the event merchandise and clothing.

If you’re a cyclist and you want to help us raise awareness of road safety, celebrate Erics life, and raise some funds for cycling development and the care of people in crisis, then one of the routes is right for you, your family and your friends. 

If you don’t want to join the cycle ride, but think you could help by manning feed stations or marshalling on the day, then please also get in touch.

Info for Riders

Family Fun Ride – There will be lots of activities for young children and families to be involved in on the day, plus for the first time we will be able to operate our family friendly fun ride on the close cycling circuit of Forge Valley. This purely for fun ride passes right around the main activities area so there will be lots of opportunities to cheer and support the novice rides as they pass by. Each rider can set their own challenge to complete as many laps as they wish.

25K – Our brand new routes are as always, planned to accommodate all riders, and our 25K is just the ticket for anyone with a bit of cycling experience under their belt who just wants to challenge themselves and say that they have completer the Ride for Eric 25K. Starting at Forge Valley, the ride commences with a quick lap of the arena, before departing onto Loxley Road and taking in the impressive views across the valley. A lovely spin around Damflask reservoir, and then returns back to Forge Valley for a heroes welcome lap of the arena..

50K – Now we are getting serious, the Ride for Eric 50K is a real challenge for that rider who cycles often but is unsure of their ability. The route is absolutely stunning, taking in Damflask, Low Bradfield, Dale Dike and Strines before descending into Ladybower and Hope Valley. This route really is a lovely way to test your ability and see what 50K of the Peak District looks and feels like. Perfect for the rider who is developing and is ready for this stunning challenge.

100 km – A serious ride, for serious riders. Just take a look at the profile of this ride and then decide if you’re up for the challenge of our best ever 100 km route. This ride has been created to challenge even the most hardy 100 km Sunday rider and takes in some of the most stunning scenery that the Peak District has to offer. Heading out on the same roads as the 50 km route via the picturesque Loxley Valley you will take in the climbs of the ‘Surprise’ and Abney before descending into the historic village of Eyam. A brief respite is offered with some gentle rolling roads and descending before the climbing kicks in again with the ascent up to, and over the Strines. The final sting in the tail is the climb into Dungworth, followed by the run into Stannington and the finish at The Forge Valley School Circuit.

PLEASE NOTE: RIDERS WHO REFUSE TO WEAR A HELMET WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO PARTICIPATE.