The Cloud Trail

Sky Ride Local in Leicester

If you’re fairly confident on your bike on dirt and gravel surfaces and ready to broaden your cycling horizons, our Off-Road Steady rides are ideal. At a comfortable pace, and possibly with some modest hills along the way, there is barely a metre of tarmac in sight on these rides so come and enjoy the scrunch of gravel and the squelch of mud under your tyres with us! Rides are between 6 and 15 miles long, at a moderate pace of between 7 and 10 miles an hour.

Come join us on this great traffic free off-road route which uses the Cloud trail following the disused Derby, Melbourne and Ashby branch railway from Worthington and Cloud quarry before joining the Trent and Mersey canal to Swarkestone Stop. On this scenic route between Leicestershire and Derbyshire, watch out for the sculptures, the house that was once on Platform Two and the views from the bridge over the river. There's so much to see on this 14 mile route that you'll definitely be back for more!

Additional Information

Helmets must be worn by all under 18's regardless of ride level.
The minimum age for these rides is 11, there must be no child trailers or child seats, the child capable of riding within the demands of the off-road specification.
Please bring equipment with you to repair punctures.
Ride Leaders are there to help but are not responsible for your bike.
All rides leave at the time stated you must arrive early Ride Leaders will not wait.

Meet the Ride Leaders

• Martin Bujdoso Welcome to Sky Ride, please don't let the photo put you off I'm quite friendly really!
  I have been cycling for years and years and enjoy any cycling activity.
  I became a ride leader in 2012 at both on and off road then a route planner.
  I am also a National Standards Instructor and work as a road safety tutor delivering Bikeability to school children. I also work with local authorities delivering a wide variety of cycle training and cycle maintenance sessions including Dr Bike.
  So i hope you enjoy your Sky Ride as thats what its all about. Hope to see you soon. Martin
• Richard Himan I have owned a bike all of my life, and in my teens competed at schoolboy level. Once I became a car owner I rode only occasionally. When I reached my 40's I decided I needed to try and keep fitter, and to this end I started riding more regularly, just small distances to begin with, to get back into cycling. .
  
  I now ride whenever I can, and see my cycling not just as a way to stay fit but as a way of helping reduce my impact on the planet. As well as getting around locally, I have ridden long distance paths, including the C2C route and taken a number of biking holidays. I am also regular rider with the Leicester Critical Mass.
  
  I have been involved with the Skyride program from its conception, this being my 4th year as a leader and ride planner. I enjoy meeting riders of all abilities and ages and helping them to get the most out of their cycling. As leaders it is our aim to give you all the help and support you require when out with us, regardless of your current ability.
  
  I am also volunteer ranger with Sustrans, looking after the section of NCN6 through Loughborough. I am member of the Leicester Spokes cycling group , Leicester Forest Cycling Club as well as the National Clarion Cycling Club, the oldest cycling club in the country.
  
  I hope if your reading this you have already signed up for a local ride and look forward to meeting you.
  
  Richard
• Peter Simmonds Peter enjoys cycling many miles each year. He commutes to meetings across London on a folding bike, tours with camping gear and rides the rural lanes all over the Midlands..
  
  Skyrides aim to get more people out on their bikes. More cyclists will mean safer streets, better health and less pollution. Cycling brings some risks but these are outweighed by the benefits to people. The Sky Ride programme is designed to deal with these aspects, too. So - give it a try. If you are reading this because you have signed up for the ride - looking forward to meeting you there.