Latest News: Recreation and Leisure Cycling
Latest news for recreational and leisure cyclists - including news on routes, events, products and more.
Woodland work camp works wonders
Posted: 10th Sept 2009
Volunteers from across Northern England have been gathering in a local beauty spot near Sheffield to enhance its user-friendliness.
Beeley Woods, which lies between Hillsborough and Oughtibridge, is a delightful but boggy woodland on the Northern bank of the River Don.
Sustrans has been working with Sheffield City Council to develop a new bridleway through the woods suitable for walkers, cyclists, wheelchair users and horse riders. It will form part of National Cycle Network Route 6, which connects the centre of Sheffield to the Peak District National Park.
The first phase of the work is being carried out by Sustrans' volunteers who have travelled from as far afield as Manchester, York, Leicester and Lincoln.
Volunteer co-ordinator Simon Geller said: "When it became clear that this task was too big for our local group alone I asked for help from our neighbouring Sustrans groups. The response has been overwhelming, and their enthusiasm and commitment to our project is inspiring. We simply couldn't have done it without them, so we're incredibly grateful."
Les Sims, a volunteer Sustrans ranger from Derby, said: "Beeley Woods is a really fascinating place to work. It's full of archaeology, wildlife, ecology and heritage. I'm delighted to have been able to help - even if it's only in a small way - in enabling more people to access the woodland and to enjoy it. I'm already looking forward to coming back next year when the path is finished. It's been an absolute pleasure."
The work camp began on Monday and is scheduled to take place all week.
Dave Stevens, Sustrans Co-ordinator, said: "Beeley Woods is a beautiful place to walk - the sunlight dapples through the trees, glints off the river, and highlights a historic mill race. But until now people have to spend more time looking down at their feet trying to traverse the boggy terrain.
"The new path will provide a much better experience, usable in all conditions. And such is the volunteers' dedication that they are already well ahead of schedule."
For more information about volunteering, visit www.sustrans.org.uk or email volunteers-north@sustrans.org.uk or Simon Geller at simonmichaelgeller@googlemail.com
Women Only Biking Holidays in Mid Wales
Posted: 26th August 2009
Outdoorgirlz is a brand new biking holiday service in Mid Wales, uniquely catering for women . The Outdoorgirlz - Great Outdoors Event on Sun 20th September 2009 in conjunction with the Llandinam Hill Ride will be launching this new and innovative service along with it's partner site the Outdoorgirlz Network for Mid Wales.
Everyone is welcome to come along to enjoy the great outdoors through walking & biking. People can get involved with their bike and take advantage of the FREE bike skills sessions with a qualified instructor to master those off road skills followed by a complimentary lunch and then the opportunity to head off on the Llandinam Hill Ride to put those new skills into practice! OR join the Outdoorgirlz Network group walk across the Llandinam Hills and appreciate the stunning views.
Sarah Chapman a local cyclist based in Llandinam has created this new and exciting biking holiday service just for women. The service is personally designed to make organising a mountain bike holiday in Mid Wales easy with the emphasis on using natural trails packed full of local interest points and some of the best wildlife sites the area has to offer. Created by women for women the service provides those little touches to make a biking break in Mid Wales extra special.
Sarah Chapman says ‘Outdoorgirlz is all about un-pressured biking in beautiful scenery with challenge and adventure, riding trails that are environmentally rich with wildlife and historic landmarks. We are all about offering a great service but most of all it's about that exhilarating feeling you get at the end of a great ride in great company!'
Calling all women with Muddy Shoes!
Outdoorgirlz partner site the Outdoorgirlz Network is a new local group for Powys to encourage more women to get out there and enjoy the fantastic countryside in the area and to help combat the effects of rural isolation. The network acts as an information hub for women in Mid Wales whatever age or fitness to find out what walks & biking are available in Powys, meet up with other women for walking & biking, make new friends, share experiences but most of all have a great time! Registration is completely free and then members can find out about other members in their area, post news & gossip on the forum plus let others know about their favourite routes and invite members to join a walk or ride. Outdoorgirlz will be holding free walking & biking events throughout the year.
For more details contact Sarah Chapman email: sarah@outdoorgirlz.co.uk - Tel: 01686 412042 Mobile: 07791517873. www.outdoorgirlz.co.uk or www.outdoorgirlznetwork.com
New York Leisure Cycling Maps Released
Posted: 26 August
Cycling City York is launching the first four in a series of new off-road leisure ride maps that are ideal for anyone keen to get out and enjoy the sunshine.
The beautifully illustrated maps feature handwritten notes about facilities and places of interest along the way, and have been devised, designed and tested out by a team of local volunteers.
Olwyn Fonseca, a volunteer ranger for green transport charity Sustrans, first came up with the idea and drew the maps herself, as well as writing the accompanying notes. Olwyn and her fellow Sustrans ranger Lynne Clark then tested out all the routes with members of the First Friday Cycling Group, which meets for a bike ride on the first Friday of every month. Monica Nelson, who is a member of the First Friday Cycling Group, produced attractive watercolour paintings to illustrate the front of each map.
Above: Lynne and Olwyn with the new maps. We assume the publicly available versions will be a tad smaller!
Olwyn explained: "I've always like drawing maps and as we were riding around, we were devising safe routes that would be suitable for families."
Lynne added: "Once we'd come up with the idea of producing the maps we approached Cycling City York to see if there was any interest in printing them as a series of leisure rides for families. It's great to see them in print."
Ride A, the first of the four maps, takes cyclists south from Millennium Bridge, past the ‘sun and planets' models, to the old swing bridge at Naburn, and back. It takes around 40 minutes each way.
Ride B is a riverside ride that starts at Clifton Bridge and runs through Clifton Ings and Rawcliffe Meadows. It gives cyclists the chance to take a pit stop at Skelton Nursery Gardens before heading back the same way. This ride also takes around 40 minutes each way.
Ride C is ideal for those who want to take along a picnic and sets off from Millennium Bridge. It takes cyclists across the Knavesmire to Askham Bog Nature Reserve and back. This ride takes no more than 30 minutes each way and cyclists are advised to take a bike lock so that they can explore the nature reserve and enjoy a picnic.
Ride D also sets off from Millennium Bridge and takes cyclists to Heslington Common via the University of York campus. There is the option of stopping off for a coffee and the ride map recommends a particular café that will take cyclists approximately one hour to reach. From there, it's just a 15-minute ride back to Millennium Bridge.
Linda Capel, marketing group manager for Cycling City York, said: "The maps themselves are just beautiful; Olwyn, Lynne and Monica have clearly put a great deal of thought into them. As well as providing practical information, they also highlight places of historical importance and of interest to nature lovers.
"Because they follow off-road routes, all four rides are ideal for families looking for fun things to do during the summer holidays. Even the youngest cyclists will be able to manage the rides, especially if there is the chance of stopping off for a picnic mid-way through!
"We're very grateful to Olwyn, Lynne and Monica, and, of course, to the First Friday group for testing each of the ride maps out for us. This is a really fantastic example of the various partner organisations that make up Cycling City York working together to produce a valuable resource for local cyclists and visitors to the city to enjoy."
Cycling City York also runs a series of led cycle rides, which are suitable for those who haven't been cycling for some time but want to get back in the saddle or anyone who wants to get out and meet other cyclists. The dates for the September rides will be available from the Cycling City York website - www.york.gov.uk/cycling - in the near future. Alternatively, you can call Paul Ramskill on 01904 553372 for more information.
The new leisure ride maps are now widely available at venues across the city and were also distributed at last weekend's hugely successful Festival of Cycling.
New Red Trail at Nevis Range
Posted: 25th August 2009
Launched today, the new 'Nevis Red' trail uses the gondola for uplift, alongside the World Cup downhill course. Although it is graded 'difficult' and is aimed at proficient mountain bikers, it will be achievable by many more mountain bikers than the exiting downhill track and trailbuilders are confident that it will positively contribute to the local economy. The new trail was funded by SportsScotland, the Outdoor Capital of the UK, Highlands & Islands Enterprise, the West Highland Wheelers and Nevis Range. More info: www.nevisrange.co.uk
'Bike Around Brands' a Big Success
Posted: 24th August 2009
On Friday 14th August, Swanley & North Downs Lions Club held their fourth annual charity cycle ride at Brands Hatch. The weather was kind and the support given by local cyclists tremendous, with 270 turning out.
Assuming that all pledges are honoured, the event will make £5760 profit, with a further possible £850 coming from Gift Aid. This money will be shared between the EllenorLions Hospice and other deserving local causes.
The Lions are indebted to Jonathan Palmer and his Brands Hatch team for their support in running this event, the riders themselves and their sponsors. On behalf of Club President Shirley Watts, and the members, thank you.
New Charity Challenge Ride in Doncaster in September
Posted: 24th August 2009
Yorkshire Cancer Research is launching its first Pedal for Pounds South Yorkshire event in Doncaster at the Great Outdoors Activities Centre in Finningley, Doncaster, on Sunday 27th September. The charity is looking for cyclists of all ages to challenge themselves and take part in either a 19 mile or 48 mile route and help raise funds at the same time
Pedal for Pounds has been an annual success for the last four years in Leeds but this event marks its debut in Doncaster. The cost per entry is £18 and all participants receive a T-shirt, medal and certificate on completion.
There are limited places in the Pedal for Pounds South event, anyone wishing to take part should call the events team on 01423 877 210 or visit the website www.ycr.org.uk/pedal to register.
Emma Young, a spokesperson for Yorkshire Cancer Research, said: "This is a great opportunity to challenge yourself, have a fun day out with friends or even put a team together and help raise money for a Yorkshire charity that funds world class research into the causes and cures of cancer". She added: "This is a family event and supporters are encouraged to come along and cheer on friends or family members".
Yorkshire Cancer Research is an independent regional medical research charity, which funds internationally recognised research at Bradford, Hull, Leeds, Sheffield and York Universities as well as associated teaching hospitals, into the causes and cures of cancer.
Liverpool Loopline Ride in October
Posted: 24th October 2009
The North Liverpool Cycle Club & Liverpool PCT's Cycle for Health Project have organised a Community Cycle Event.
The date and venue for the next ride is as follows: 10.00am Friday 16th October. Meet @ The Breckfield Centre Breckfield Road North, Everton Liverpool L5 4QT. Cycle to Halewood Visitor's Centre and return - a journey of 22 miles. If you're interested then you will need to book a place. Call Frank or Bob on 0151 288 8400.
All North Liverpool Cycle Club Rides are led by Nationally Qualified CTC Cycle Instructors.
Report: Merida Marathon Selkirk
Posted: 10th August 2009
More than 900 riders lined up being told by the promising weather forecast that a sunny day would lie ahead. And for once the weather forecast did not disappoint. Following feedback from the last couple of years course designer Pete Laing changed a few of the key sections as well as adding some more fantastic singletrack to the menu. The T-shirt crew at the Rugby Club were greeted with a sheer endless line of big smiles and grins on people's faces telling us that Pete had once more done a great job. Even with the mixed weather prior to the event the course was in almost perfect condition.
The sunshine and the perfect finish line setup encouraged lots of people to stay for a while and to enjoy a cold drink while watching the riders come over the line. The first rider on the Mini Marathon made it over the line in just under 2 hours while the last rider on the 88km long full marathon took 8hours and 41min to complete the challenging course.
The final round of the Merida Bikes MTB Marathon Series 2009 will join the GORE BIKE WEAR Road Sportive once more and head to Ruthin for the 19-20th September. For further details of the last marathon of the 2009 series please head to: http://www.mtb-marathon.co.uk/events/ruthin.php
Final countdown to York's first ever Festival of Cycling
Posted: 10th August 2009
Event: 15-16th August 2009
The final countdown to York's first ever Festival of Cycling has begun, and visitors to the event are promised an action-packed weekend of attractions and activities to suit people of all ages and abilities.
Organised by Cycling City York, the event will take place in Rowntree Park on the weekend of Saturday and Sunday August 15 and 16. It will be open to visitors from 11am until 6pm on the Saturday and from 11am until 5pm on the Sunday 16. Admission is free of charge.
Displays by The Clan, a top cycle stunt team led by world-class trials cyclist Danny Macaskill, will take place throughout the weekend. The team will wow visitors to the event with impressive jumps, as well as near-impossible feats of balance and nerve on a purpose-built rig.
Other attractions include themed bike try-out areas, where visitors will be able to ride a range of bikes, including the seven-seater ‘CircleCycle' and the ‘Love Bike' (see photo opportunity details below). A series of led rides along local cycle routes will set off from the park throughout the day and bikes for all the family will be available to borrow free of charge. There will also be a chance to have a go on the four-rider, pedal-powered Scalextric racing game. Another highlight will be a BMX competition in the skate park area.
In the Information Zone, visitors will be able to access a wide range of help and advice from cycling experts, and find out more about other projects and activities organised by the Cycling City York team. Local and regional exhibitors will also be in attendance.
Graham Titchener, programme manager for Cycling City York, said: "The programme for the festival has a really fun mix of activities and attractions, with something to appeal to everyone. Although there will be plenty to keep spectators occupied, we really want to see people of all ages and abilities having a go themselves. There will be a wide range of bikes for people to try and the chance to participate in led rides along local cycle routes. It promises to be an action-packed weekend."
Cycling City York has joined up with York-based community interest company Get Cycling to stage the event. Get Cycling has staged a series of festivals, roadshows and other fun cycling events for communities across the country.
New Courses for Merida Marathon in Selkirk
Event: 2nd August 2009
Selkirk's round of the Merida Bikes MTB Marathon Series has used almost the same routes for three of the standard distance options (50, 75 and 100k) since the first event in 2004. All tough circuits aimed at lovers of endless climbs and proper technical singletrack descents. Classic routes they might be, but there is always room for improvement and regulars taking part in this year's marathon will notice some major changes.
One problem that has frustrated us and riders from year one is that bottlenecks develop on the singletracks in Yair Forest. To sort this out chief route planner Pete Laing has included two new climbs before the riders reach The Three Brethren and drop into Yair; The Duchess's Drive in Bowhill Estate and the Minch Moor drove road from Yarrowford to the summit of Brown Knowe. With 26km of trail that includes some choice singletrack in Yarrow Valley and almost 750m of climbing to be completed before the tricky descents of Yair are reached, the field should be strung out sufficiently for everyone to enjoy the tighter stuff without hold-ups.
The other bugbear and subject of much post ride moaning has been the merciless slog of a climb from Glenbenna up to the Minch Moor crossroads, tackled to date by the 50 and 100km riders. With the inclusion of the new loop in Bowhill, just after the start, this nightmare of a climb is no longer needed (Hurray!).
So what about the new descents? Well, there is a screaming fast twintrack early on, all the usual suspects in Yair, Elibank and Traquair, then for the 85km riders, a fantastic section on Enduro tracks from high on the Southern Upland Way down to Broadmeadows Farm. Worth the entry fee alone! Also new is a contour climb up towards Tibbie Tamson's grave on the south side of Foulshiels Hill, near the end of the full marathon route. This includes a steep section (60m vertical ascent) which will be a push for everyone apart from maybe Danny McCaskill. Don't say we didn't warn you! The final descent through Philiphaugh Estate to the finish is different too and if the weather holds, some of it will be on woodsy trails.
So, to summarise......here the 4 MTB courses on offer
28km: Similar to last year but slightly more climbing and more singletrack. Top quality from start to finish and just right for novices or those on the way back to fitness.
45Km: Mostly new apart from the Yair loop and a big improvement on the previous route. Easy gradients on the way up and some brilliant descending.
70Km: Same as the new 50' with the addition of a spin out to Elibank Forest and back. Maybe not the classic 70' of old but includes some great new trail early on, the best of the natural forest singletrack from last years' route and a tough finish on sheep paths and fast tracks.
85Km: This is a topper. Three new climbs, three new descents, plenty of twin-track in the first hour or so and a choice selection of the Borders' best natural and purpose-built trails.
There are still entries left for the Selkirk round. To secure your entry please go to the entry page http://www.mtb-marathon.co.uk/entry_forms/entry_forms.php
Free booklets to help people in Scotland get active
Posted: 28th July 2009
People all over Scotland can now set off on an active day of exploration from their own doorstep with a series of free booklets on the National Cycle Network.
The four booklets include suggestions for short rides and walks along the Network's traffic-free railway paths, canal towpaths, coastline and woodland, and the various sights to see along the way from castles to kingfishers.
The booklets have been published by sustainable transport charity Sustrans, which co-ordinates the Network. They cover Edinburgh, Fife, Central and Borders; Glasgow and Ayrshire; the Central Highlands, Argyll and The Trossachs; and the Tay Estuary to Moray.
Katharine Taylor, Sustrans' National Cycle Network Development Manager in Scotland, said: "Most people live within a mile of the National Cycle Network and these maps show how easy it is for us all to get out and enjoy our local surroundings. There are plenty of traffic-free routes throughout Scotland which are great for a walk or for cyclists of all abilities.
"An entire day of free activities can be planned with these maps, so it can also be a great way of keeping children entertained during the long summer holidays."
For copies of the free maps, call Sustrans in Scotland on 0131 5398122 or the Sustrans Information line on 0845 1130 065. They are also available from tourist information centres, cycle shops, leisure centres and hotel receptions.
Further information: www.sustrans.org.uk
Summer Cycling in Warwickshire
28th July 2009
This summer a number of exciting cycling events are taking place for all the family in Warwickshire.
In August, the council is holding healthy family cycle training designed for families who want to start cycling together more often and keep fit.
The session starts off road, followed by basic on road training and a bike ride. The training is due to take place between 2pm and 4pm, meeting outside the boat house in St Nicholas Park, Warwick on Tuesday 4th August and outside Pingles Leisure Centre in Nuneaton on Tuesday 11th August.
All you need is a bike and be able to ride it to a basic level.
Adult cyclists are also bing offered an opportunity to build cycle confidence with basic on road training followed by a bike ride. The adult sessions will take place at the same locations and on the same days as the family training but from 6pm until 8pm.
These sessions are free, but booking is essential. To book a place on either of these cycling courses please call
01926 412776.
Sunday 6th September sees Warwick town centre once again transformed into a closed circuit cycle race, the penultimate in the Elite Cycle series. This year, Warwick Cycle Races will host its first disability race and there'
ll be additional family activities around Warwick town centre including face painting, unicycling and performances from a steel band. For more information, please see www.warwickshire.gov.uk/cycleraces
Useful information for people starting cycling can be found at www.warwickshire.gov.uk/startoutcycling
New lease of life for Shropshire's Eastridge Trails
Posted: 27th July 2009
New era for mountain-biking in Shropshire
Mountain bike enthusiasts in Shropshire can look forward to revamped facilities on the Forestry Commission estate at Eastridge Woods, near Shrewsbury, thanks to the newly formed Eastridge Trail Partnership (ETP).
Working in conjunction with the Forestry Commission, this independent, voluntary group of enthusiasts aims to re-invigorate Eastridge and help it to become the county's premier woodland mountain bike venue once again.
Eastridge Woods is one of the best known and best loved mountain biking areas in the country and one of the first woodlands to host a national mountain bike event. The woods have also had some of the country's finest riders grace the trails, including Jason McRoy and Steve Peat.
However, as mountain biking has grown and developed, the gentle elevation of Eastridge has been eclipsed by larger hills in Wales and Scotland and has become almost outdated by today's growing demand for super long and technical tracks.
In recent years, the Forestry Commission and the Blue Remembered Hills Project has been working hard to bring Eastridge's cycling facilities up to date, cater for a wider audience and finance a way-marked trail system around the woods.
Thanks to recent efforts, cyclists already have a choice of routes. Now, ETP hopes to take mountain biking in Shropshire to the next level.
Dennis Moir, from the Forestry Commission in the Marches Area, said:
"We're pleased to be supporting the Eastridge Trail Partnership and look forward to seeing the Woods cater for the demands of today's mountain biking enthusiasts.
"Eastridge Wood is within the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the hill top location provides glimpses of breathtaking views over the surrounding countryside."
ETP Project Coordinator, Alex Langley, explains:
"Eastridge has been the focus of most local mountain bikers for the past two decades and was once seen as favourite race venue. As years have gone by the face of mountain biking has changed in the UK and now Eastridge finds itself in a position to re-establish itself as a mecca for modern mountain biking. Everything about Eastridge is perfect; the lay of the land, the variety of terrain and the underlying geology make it a perfect venue."
ETP has already agreed and planned a new red route for expert cyclists around the woods, incorporating all the best existing bits of trail and linking them together more coherently. The group has put in over 500 hours of work from their core management team of 8 members and with their own insurance now in place they are set to embark on a volunteer based mission to modernise the already extensive trail network.
Alex continues:
"Eastridge already has some great trails, so what we are seeking to do is maintain and develop the existing routes and improve the flow between them. We have plans for a couple of new tracks in the future but the immediate aim is to make what we already have better. I want to make it clear that when we talk about modernising trails, we have no intention of surfacing anything. Eastridge has a superb underlying geology which makes it very hard wearing and with the correct love and attention there is no need to be creating motorways in the woodland."
With over 150 members already signed up, ETP has a huge willing workforce and with support from local councils ETP hopes that the next year will see a step change in the quality of riding in Eastridge.
The aim is to complete the red route by spring 2010 and have all the existing tracks fettled and sufficiently linked by the same point in time. There are also plans for a skills area to be in place by spring 2011.
The ultimate aim is to provide visitors and locals with a coherent and accurately mapped network of trails that can be linked together as each rider sees fit. There will be no need to only follow the main way-marked route as there will be plenty of exciting little runs to link all your favourite bits together. Many trails will exist outside of the main loop and each rider can pick their own best means of navigating around the woods.
The newest and now most well-known trail ‘Topography Run', has been featured in a recent mountain biking film, ‘The Tipping Point', so with this kind of interest and exposure Alex and the rest of the ETP see a bright future for Eastridge Woods.
For more information visit www.forestry.gov.uk/marches
'Trail Trips' - Free Bitesize Transpennine Trail Guides
Posted: 27th July 2009
In a brand new initiative designed to offer cyclists in particular a gentle introduction to some of the delights of The Trans Pennine Trail, a series of "Trail Trips" is now available in downloadable format from the TPT web site at www.transpenninetrail.org.uk. All the routes featured can be cycled all the way or walked of course with some of them also suitable for the equestrian enthusiast, but that's another story.
Commenting on the initiative Trail Officer Les Ford said, "Feedback received over the past months has indicated that a great many potential trail users would appreciate some in-depth information about rides that offer the chance to see and experience as many different things as possible. We have compiled the first nine of a series of guides with this very much in mind."
Continuing, Les went on to say, "Each of the guides now available covers a section of the TPT that can usually be ridden in the course of a single day by beginners although, of course, users could just do bits each day if they wished. The longest trail trip is 26 miles and the shortest at 12 miles, with plenty of choice in between. Each has been compiled by one of our volunteer Rangers, Alan Hollingworth while on sabbatical to us from his job at the RSPB for a month. Alan really knows the TPT as is evident from some of the interesting and informative details packed into each guide. He's done a splendid job and we're very grateful indeed for all his endeavours."
All the trail trips are beautifully presented and provide clear instructions on where to go and what to look out for. Incorporated into them are a series of images highlighting sites, buildings, geology, flora & fauna and items of special interest to look out for. Taking a trip out using the guides really will enable users to get the very best out of a day on the TPT and ensure that they don't miss any of the many interesting things that can be spotted both close at hand and at some distance from viewpoints. They also provide details of public transport links, parking and hostelry's along the way for those who fancy some refreshment.
This initial series of guides has been carefully thought out and offers cyclists a very wide choice of terrain and routes encompassing as much of the 250 mile west to east section of the TPT as possible. If you're looking for something nice and flat and generally on good surfaces then either the "Church Trail" centred on Selby or the "Mersey Meander" by Sale Water Park should suffice. Conversely, the Longdendale trail, although a valley route, is situated in the high pennines and provides something a bit more challenging, particularly if you're heading into wind in a region where even a mild zephyr can get whipped up into something altogether stronger due to the channelling nature of the terrain. All in all there's something for everyone, from the total enthusiast to parents out with the kids for their first big cycle adventure.
Les Ford again, "Although the guides have only been published very recently there is evidence that user numbers in the areas covered have picked up markedly, just as we hoped. Given the length of the trail overall, however, and the lengths of the sections covered in our trail trips there's still plenty of room for everyone to enjoy the finest outdoor recreational resource in the country. We encourage anyone who's even remotely tempted to have a go to get out and do it. Chances are you'll want to come back for more."
