Wartime Leicester

Sunday 11th November at 10.00am This is what time the ride will set off. It’s best to get to the starting point at least 15 minutes beforehand to avoid missing the start.

Guided bike rides Organised rides supported by British Cycling Ride Leaders
This table shows information about the ride
Cycling time Ride distance Suitable for Distance from me Ride level
120 Mins 7 Miles Anyone Not all rides are suitable for everyone. This will tell you if the ride is suitable for you and/or your friends and family. ? Miles
Ride Steady Leisurely rides to relax and let yourself go You're happy enough riding a bike but probably feel a bit rusty and would like the chance to turn the pedals with friends and family in a relaxed environment giving you the chance to stop, socialise and see the sights of your local area. You'll ride in parks, on towpaths, smooth trails, minor suburban roads and maybe the occasional rolling hill. It's all designed to give you a rewarding cycling experience of around one and a half hours at a slow to leisurely pace; your pace, your patch, your way. We welcome all ages on Ride Steady however adults bringing children under 5 may do so providing they are secured in a BS standard child seat or trailer.

Leicester

Sky Ride Local
Starting Point & Postcode
The Bike Park Town Hall Square LE1 9BG
Overall Duration On a long ride, it’s sometimes good to have a little break in the middle, or maybe a catch up at the beginning or end to keep it sociable. This means that the overall ride duration may be longer than the actual cycling time.
2 hours 40 mins  (2 hours 0 mins cycling)
Bike Type You probably don’t want to drag your road bike across bumpy trails. Maybe you want to make the most of the suspension on your mountain bike. This helps you match your ride to your bike.
Any 

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.

From Leicester's new bike park this ride takes you back in time to the night of 19th November 1940 and the Leicester blitz. See what effect the bombing raid had on the shape of our city as we cycle on traffic free and suburban roads. History, stories, architecture and a great ride - this circular route of around 7.5 miles has it all. 

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.

Enlarge Map
Car Parking
Yes, at On street parking bays in the area. Halford street NCP carpark (not suitable for roof mounted bike carriers). Pay and display at certain times.
Nearest Train Station
Leicester Train Station, 0.5 miles 

Meet the Ride Leaders

  • Richard Himan 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

Rider Comments on the Route

  1. David Kirkland Friday 2nd March
    If you want to see what happened during the war in Leicester then this is an excellent ride.
  2. David Moore Monday 5th September
    Very well and safely organised through some challenging road junctions. Very interesting stops to give us an insight into the bombing in the 1940s. Thanks and looking forward to the next ride. I wish Skyride operated all through the year and not just August/September - any chance of further rides say in Spring or Autumn too?
  3. Paul Dey Monday 22nd August
  4. Ian Clare Sunday 17th July
    Not very well sign posted spent 20 mins trying to find start point, gave up at 10:15, wasted journey from Coventry. Very disappointed.

Similar events you might like

This table shows similar events you might like
Date/Time Event Name Ride Level
Sunday 26th May at 10.00am Explore Belgrave Hall Easygoing Read More
Sunday 26th May at 10.00am Eight Parks Ride Steady Read More
Sunday 2nd June at 10.00am Amigos Kings Lock Easygoing Read More