TV favourite Gethin Jones takes on Skyride's cycling challenge
On August 10, TV personality and Skyride ambassador Gethin Jones set off on a 1000km ride, linking four cities, to promote Sky's cycling initiatives.
Gethin will visit the four major cities hosting Skyride summer events; Manchester, Glasgow, Leicester and London. Skyride events will include mass-participation cycling events, with thousands of cyclists gaining access to traffic-free streets, and a series of local rides led by trained cycle leaders from British Cycling. The events will encourage people of all ages and abilities to get back on their bikes. To see the full routes, for further information and to register to take part, visit www.goskyride.com
Gethin's personal challenge started in the city of Manchester, home of the first event on Sunday 2 August. From there he is cycling across the Yorkshire Dales and over the Scottish Borders into Glasgow to attend the second Skyride event on Sunday 23 August.
He will then cycle through the borders, into the Lake District and through the heart of the Midlands before arriving in Leicester for the event on Sunday 30 August. His final leg from Leicester to London will see him cycle through Northamptonshire, Cambridge and into the heart of the bustling Capital to complete his journey on 16 September.
Gethin will have up to five days to complete each leg of the tour which will see him cycle between 80km and 100kms each day, stopping overnight along the route.
Gethin's sporting background and previous personal achievements will set him in good stead as prepares for the ride. Some of his past experiences have seen him flying with the Red Arrows, surviving the Bolivian jungle and fighting as a Samurai Warrior in Japan.
Gethin Jones explained his motivation, "I love the freedom of the road and the sense of adventure it gives you, which was why I was so excited when Sky approached me with this idea. My 1000km challenge is a fantastic way for me to see and experience parts of the UK in a way that very few people do. As a self-confessed fitness fanatic I love nothing more than challenging my body and cycling is one of my favourite activities. I hope people will support me along the way."
Thousands gave their support to Gethin Jones at the first Skyride city event in Manchester on 2 August and people can keep up-to-date with his progress by reading regular blog posts at www.skyride.com. The next Skyride events are taking place in Glasgow on Sunday 23 August and Leicester on Sunday 30 August before the final Mayor of London's Skyride on Sunday 20 September.
Each city is also hosting 100 Skyride Local led cycling events. Skyride Local events are free to enter and run every Sunday through to October. They will be led by fully trained cycle leaders from British Cycling and will take in everything from the countryside and local sights, to historical and art tours. Riders can pick a level to suit their age and ability and will be given a hi-visibility vest for the ride, as well as a free t-shirt to keep.
To register for any of the Skyride events or to find out further information about Gethin's progress
visit: www.goskyride.com
