West End Tour

Sky Ride Local in Leicester

If you’re fairly confident on your bike and ready to broaden your cycling horizons, our Steady rides are ideal. At a comfortable pace, and possibly with some modest hills along the way, rides take place on mainly quiet roads with plenty of sights along the way. Rides are between 6 and 20 miles long, at a moderate pace of between 7 and 10 miles an hour.

A clever route that stays within Leicester's urban area yet manages to pack in miles of green, traffic-free riding. At just under nine miles this is a route suitable for most abilities and age groups looking to move up from the 'easy level'. There's plenty of interest along the route, including the Eco House in Western Park - a house that showcases the latest sustainable living technology, plus the wildlife and lush parkland of Braunstone Park. The route takes advantage of two of Leicester's fine traffic free paths, the urban escape routes of Forest Way and Great Central Way. There is also a stopping point at the Eco House in Western Park where you can rest and refuel, smug in the knowledge that you've got there in the geenest way possible - by bike!

Additional Information

Helmets must be worn by all under 18's regardless of ride level.
All ages are welcome but age 5 and under must be in a BSA approved child seat, trailer or tag-a-long.
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

• 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.
  
  
• Linda Goddard Hello,
  I am passionate about encouraging people to get on their bikes. I see Breeze rides and Local Skyrides as a way to do this and to provide fun at the same time. I particularly want to encourage more women to get in the saddle!
  Cycling is not only a way to get fit, but is also good for the environment. Think of the petrol saved!
  It is also a social activity, where you can make new friends and be encouraged along by other riders.
  My aim is to support both new and returning cyclists to gain the confidence to cycle more often.
  I look forward to meeting you on the rides.
  Linda
• Kevin Cooper Always difficult to describe yourself as others may see you, so I will copy what was written about me for a Leicestershire & Rutland sports volunteering award.
  ..........................................................................
  
  'When it comes to being active, Kevin Cooper is passionate about cycling, bikes and walking and is a very fun and friendly volunteer, who has encouraged many more people across the district of Harborough to lead more physically active lives and enjoy their rural surroundings.
  
  Kevin has a wealth of local knowledge about people and places of interest and is keen to share this information to enhance the enjoyment of people joining the walking and cycling groups he leads.
  
  Kevin undertook and sucessfully completed British Cyclings Ride Leadership award and has taken the initiative in assessing and planning potential cycle routes and with a colleague has established the Harborough Rural Rides Group, which is run as part of The Active Together Harbrough Activity Programme.
  
  Kevin has a can-do attitude towards encouraging more people to lead physically active lives and is a very valued member of the Active Together Volunteering Team.'..................
  
  I must confess when I read this I thought they were mixing me up with someone else as I thought I was just someone who is passionate about riding his bike and is keen to share this with others, regardless of their ability........
  
  I look forward to meeting you on one of our rides
  
  Kevin