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Sky Ride Local

All about Sky Ride Local

Sky Ride Local rides are fun, friendly and free community bike rides that help you get out and explore your local area. They’re led by a British Cycling trained ride leader who can provide support and give you a few tips, whatever your age or ability.

Rides vary in levels, from beginners to more experienced cyclists, so you can pick a level to suit your skills and enjoyment. Whatever level you choose, you'll be riding on safe routes, with your ride leaders. And if you haven't dusted off your bike for a while, they'll happily check it over for you. Click the 'ride levels' tab above to read more about our ride levels.

You can also now pick up prizes for introducing new friends to Sky Ride Local. Just click the Ride for Rewards tab above to find out more.

 

Irrespective of your level of fitness and experience we have a ride designed to provide maximum enjoyment for you, your family and your friends.

It's all about having fun on a bike!

Every ride will be led by a British Cycling qualified Ride Leader. These people are passionate about cycling and giving you the best Sky Ride experience possible. They know all the routes and they are there to help you with whatever you need.

 

Ride-Easy (any age)Ride Easy logo
The easiest rides, slow paced and traffic free
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You've probably not ridden a bike for a while and you're looking for the easiest way to get back in the saddle. Or you're looking for a way to get your friends or kids riding. Ride Easy is all about building confidence for all abilities and ages in a relaxed, traffic free, slow paced environment with rides lasting no more than one hour. If you, or someone you know, are looking to dust their bike off or just get going then Ride Easy is the one to choose. We welcome all ages, but adults wishing to bring children along under 5 may do so providing they are secured in a BS standard child seat or trailer.

 

Ride-Steady (any age)Ride Steady logo
Leisurely rides to relax and let yourself go
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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.

 

Ride Well (16+ or 13-15 accompanied with an adult)Ride Well logo
Great rides with some roads and some hills
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For when you're ready to broaden your cycling horizons and take on a bit more of a challenge. You're happy to push yourself a little bit, maybe even taking on a couple of modest hills, but at a pace you'll be comfortable with. Maybe you regularly commute alone and would like some company or you're seeking a different type of challenge from your usual rides. In any event these rides of up to two hours are designed to give you a rich cycling experience with viewpoints and places of interest along the way. You'll have around two hours, along mainly quiet roads, to enjoy the experience of sharing the ride with a group of people also out to enjoy themselves on their bikes.

 

Ride Strong (16+ or 13-15 accompanied with an adult)Ride Strong logo
Challenging rides on the road
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Although you probably wouldn't describe yourself as the next Bradley Wiggins you know your way around a bike and consider yourself to be fairly fit. You've also enjoyed the experience of riding with other people and now fancy a fresh challenge that includes teaming up with a group of people who feel the same way as you. You'll get a fresh perspective on your local area on rides lasting from one and a half to two and a half hours spending most of your time on quiet roads.. If you fancy the prospect of a brisk to speedy pace over twenty to thirty miles, with a strong likelihood of some hills thrown in along the way, then Ride Strong is for you.

What could be better than taking part in a Sky Ride Local and getting out and about in your local area on your bike? Getting rewarded for doing it!

Sky Ride Local water bottleTeam Sky jerseySky Ride Local cooler bag

The Ride for Rewards programme is open to everyone taking part in Sky Ride Local rides. There are two ways you can pick up a reward:


1. Register a friend 
We want to spread the word about Sky Ride Local! So if you register a friend on a Sky Ride Local ride from 1st September 2011 you'll now receive a coffee voucher. We’ll even give you one for your friend too, just for trying out one of our fantastic rides – that way you can catch up over coffee about when to next get back on your bikes!

Once you've registered three friends through your account who each then take part in a Sky Ride Local Ride, you'll receive either a water bottle or a ‘where will your bike take you’ polo shirt – the choice is yours.

If you manage to register five friends who then take part in a Local Ride each, you'll receive a reward of your choice – a Team Sky cycle jersey, a games pack, a cooler bag, or a picnic blanket.

Don't forget your friends don't all have to take part in the same ride, and they don't have to ride with you. For instance you could invite two friends on one ride, and then one on a further ride. We're sorry, but children aged under sixteen aren't eligible.

2. Fortnightly prize draw
Every time you take part in a Sky Ride Local ride, you'll be entered into a prize pool to win a fortnightly prize. We'll be announcing the winners on the website.

Prizes include: a compact digital camera, £100 restaurant vouchers, a Nintendo DSi handheld games console, £100 shopping vouchers, a Sky World package free for a year, £100 Champneys Health Resort vouchers, a Tom Tom sat nav system, an iPod 8GB Nano, an Amazon Kindle, a picnic set you can attach to your bike, and a Flip Ultra III high definition 8GB camcorder.

 


How much does it cost to participate in a Sky Ride?

All Sky Ride events are absolutely free!


Is there a rider minimum age? Do I need parental/guardian consent?

The minimum age for a Ride Easy and Ride Steady is 5 years old. Children aged under 5 can join in these two levels as long as they are appropriately strapped into an approved (BS standard) child seat or trailer.

The minimum age for a Ride Well and Ride Strong is 13 years old.  If you provide a false age to make your child old enough for the ride your child will not be covered by our insurance should there be an accident.

With regards to parental/guardian consent, the policy is as follows:

  • Under 16s – classed as minors, must be registered by and accompanied by a  parent/guardian
  • Aged 18 and over – classed as adults, able to register themselves and attend on their own
  • Aged 16 and 17 – classed as adults, but only able to register them-selves only and therefore cannot register or be responsible for any minors (under 16s). Those aged 16 and 17 can attend the event on their own as they are classed as adults.
  • If a minor turns up with another adult/guardian aged 18 or over to take part in Sky Ride Local, it is assumed through acceptance of the terms and conditions the adult/guardian responsible for the minor will have the minor’s parental consent to their participation on the ride.


What types of routes can I expect?

All routes will be fun, safe and interesting with the distance, duration and terrain of the ride varying according to the four colour coded levels.

For further information on the ride levels please click here www.goskyride.com/SkyRideLocal


How do I know which level is right for me?

There’s a Sky Ride Local for everyone. The four levels are Ride Easy, Ride Steady, Ride Well and Ride Strong. To help you decide which level of ride you’d enjoy the most, take a look at the following descriptions www.goskyride.com/SkyRideLocal. If you’re still unsure, then please get in touch via the ‘Contact Us’ section on the website.


How fit do I have to be?

Sky Ride Local is for everyone, however fit you are. None of the rides are a race so even if you’re not the fittest person in the world you can still have a go. Just take it easy and select the right level and associated pace for you. If you’re still unsure pick the entry level ride which is Ride Easy and if you find it too easy choose a Ride Steady next time. You will also be able to speak to the Ride Leaders when you are on a ride they will be able to advise you of which other rides will be suitable for you.


Where exactly will the Sky Ride Local rides take place in my city or town?

All routes will be within the local authority boundary and close surrounding areas. The routes and schedules are planned so that there are a variety of ride levels every weekend and that the ride levels are evenly distributed across the city or town over the course of the summer.


How do I register for a Sky Ride Local?

Simply go to www.goskyride.com, put in your post code in the ‘Activity Finder’ section on the home page put in your post code or location and all your nearest available rides will appear. Find a ride that suits your ability, check your diary and click register! Confirmation and reminder emails will be sent to participants prior to the ride for which they have registered. If you supply your mobile number we will send you a quick text reminder a few days before the ride.


Can I sign up for more than one Sky Ride Local?

Yes, absolutely. Whether you take part in one, two or more Sky Ride Local rides depends entirely upon you! Please remember to cancel your place if you can’t make it so that some one else can have your place.


The ride I want to go on is full. What can I do?

Even if the ride you want to go on is full, why not register your interest anyway and if anybody cancels their place or new places are created we will let you know. Alternatively you could look for another ride with available places. Ride availability is shown for every ride.


How do I cancel my pre-booked place on a Sky Ride Local?

If for whatever reason you can’t make it, simply log back onto www.goskyride.com with your username and password. Go to your dashboard, find the ride in your ‘Ride Diary’ section and click cancel. You will automatically receive a cancellation email by way of confirmation. You can also cancel via SMS if you provide us with your mobile details when you register or update your personal profile.


What if I turn up on the day without registering?

If we’ve got space for you to join in on the day, then of course you can come along. We’ll just need you to complete your registration details with the Ride Leader on the day and accept the terms and conditions like everyone else.

If the ride is at full capacity then unfortunately you won’t be able to take part. It may seem boring of us but our health & safety people wouldn’t be too happy plus you won’t be covered by insurance if there is an accident. To avoid missing out please register in advance on www.goskyride.com.


Who leads Sky Ride Local?

Specially trained and very friendly Ride Leaders from the lovely people at British Cycling lead the way on Sky Ride Local, so you’ll always be in safe hands. Once you have chosen a ride you fancy, you have the opportunity to ‘Meet the Leaders’ via the goskyride.com website.  Find out how long you’re Leader has been involved in cycling and what expertise/interests they have. Also featured will be a recent photograph of each of your Leaders so that you can easily recognise their friendly face on the day! 


What equipment do I need as a Sky Ride participant?

Participants will be expected to have:

i) Bike

All bikes used for a Sky Ride Local need to:

  • be in good working order
  • have fully inflated tyres
  • have two brakes that work or be fitted with a front brake if a fixed wheel bike
  • be an appropriate size to allow the rider to participate safely in the session
  • be appropriate to the environment, surface conditions and activity.

NOTE: Bikes without brakes are not considered safe or appropriate.

The Ride Leaders will undertake a simple bike check at the start of the ride but are not mechanics so won’t be able to work miracles!

ii) Puncture Repair Kit and/or spare tubes

An appropriate puncture repair kit and/or spare tubes that fit the bike being used.
Please note that Ride Leaders are not required to supply you with spare tubes.

iii) Bike Pump

An appropriate bike pump (with valves if necessary) that fits the bike tyres being used.

The above will be communicated to registering participants at the point of registration and through the reminder emails.


Do I need to wear a helmet?


 
All Ride Leaders and any individual under the age of 18 (including those in child seats and trailers) participating in Sky Ride Local must wear a helmet that:

  • conforms to a recognised standard 
  • is undamaged 
  • is in good condition
  • is the correct size for the rider
  • is correctly fitted and worn by the rider.

For those aged over 18 the wearing of helmets conforming to the above standards is strongly recommended.


What clothes should I wear?

Comfortable and safe ones!

All riders must wear appropriate clothing. Clothing should meet the following criteria:

  • be appropriate for the activity, environment and weather conditions, taking into consideration any possible changes in the weather (remember we do live in the UK and therefore the weather is changeable!)
  • not be too loose or baggy  as it can get caught in the moving parts of the bike
  • trousers and tracksuit bottoms should be tucked in to your socks to prevent them becoming entangled in the chain
  • shoes/trainers must be worn, with laces tucked in.

You may want to consider wearing cycling gloves but this is not compulsory.

Riders wearing inadequate or inappropriate clothing will not be allowed to participate in the ride due to them being deemed unsafe and a risk to themselves and others.

What else should I bring?

It is recommended that participants also bring:

  • food and water/drink
  • money
  • mobile phone if you have one.


What happens if my bike breaks during the ride or I have an accident?

Please bring any incident or broken bikes to the attention of your Ride Leader who will be able to administer first aid if necessary and/or assess whether your bike can be fixed immediately. If the bike can’t be fixed or you are unable to continue the ride for whatever reason the Ride Leader will agree what course of action to take with your consent.


Am I insured whilst taking part in a Sky Ride?

Official participant registration on the ride includes insurance cover. This covers third party liability, but not personal injuries cover.  If you register on the day (due to there being an available space) you will be covered by insurance as long as you have signed the appropriate register and agreed to the terms and conditions.

 

In 2011, Sky Ride Local rides are coming to:

Aylesbury
Barking and Dagenham
Bath
Birmingham
Blackburn with Darwen
Blackpool
Bournemouth
Bradford 
Croydon
Dublin
Glasgow
Hillingdon
Hull
Ipswich
Leicester
Lewisham
London
Manchester
Middlesbrough
Milton Keynes
Newport
Peterborough
Preston
Richmond
Southampton