With the Olympics coming up are you feeling the need to get a bit more sporty? Will Wimbledon give you the usual British tennis effect, where everyone dashes to the courts to knock some balls around? Summer is coming, word is, there’s going to be a heatwave at the end of May. So why not get outdoors, get on your bike and enjoy it!
No backpedalling – it’s Sky Ride time
British Cycling and Sky came together four years ago to inspire the nation to become fans of cycling and to try to get the general public, on their bikes. Together, they created Sky Ride to help people, to get on their bikes, get outside and have some fun. The Sky Ride is a free bike ride event across the country that can vary from mass-participation events to weekly local rides.
Sky Ride City Events
Once again Sky are working with British Cycling and partner councils to open streets and parks for days of completely traffic-free bike riding across the UK. It doesn’t matter whether it’s your first time cycling in public or you’re a keen enthusiast: Sky Rides have something for everybody.
Last year, over 200,000 people took part in Sky Rides across 17 UK cities. This year, there’ll be 18 Sky Ride City events nationwide, including towns and cities like Plymouth, Ipswich and Birmingham.
There’ll also be plenty of Sky Ride Locals: quieter rides off the beaten track taking in parkland and countryside. They’re led by trained British Cycling Ride Leaders so they’re perfect for cycling newbies, and are a great way to explore the serene scenery near where you live. This year, there’ll be 40 locations across the country, so you’ve no excuse for not taking part!
You might have seen the yellow high vis vests on mass moving through a city near you, now you know what it’s all about. Forget your cycling shorts of the 1980′s, here’s our pick of what to wear on a Sky Ride near you.
For Men
- adidas Team GB Lion Head Mens T-Shirt at JJB Sports
- Esprit Chino Shorts at ASOS
- Converse Slim Low at Next
For Women
- River Island Stripe & Safari Print Vest Top at ASOS
- Nike Pro Sports Bra at JJB Sports
- Women’s Run Three-quarter tights by Stella McCartney for adidas
Sky Ride City – Kent Sunday 27th May
There are two local events in Kent on Sunday 27th May – Ride the Darent Valley, a leisurely 6 miles, fun for all the family and The Camer Classic, a brisk, 13.1 miles that might be for the more dedicated cyclist. Check out all the events across the UK online and register there, so you don’t miss out on your place in the event
It’s a safe, family friendly way to get some Vitamin D, exercise, fresh air and an alternative view of the countryside and towns near you. Register for a Sky Ride now to be a part of it. There are loads of fantastic prizes to be won simply for registering. For instance, you could have an amazing cycling experience with Sir Chris Hoy at the National Cycling Centre in Manchester or you could win a brand new bike or get a fantastic Sky+HD package.
