Sky Ride: bike attack

Manchester’s Sky Ride – the city’s biggest cycling event – is back.

Last year 15,000 people joined stars from the worlds of sport and television, including Victoria Pendleton and Gethin Jones, to enjoy a family-friendly, traffic-free day out, cycling on city centre streets.

Taking in some of the city’s landmarks and sites, it’s the perfect activity for all the family to take part in together and is a great way to explore the city.

And the fun is set to begin again on Sunday 1 August when Sky Ride returns for its second outing.

Taking in some of the city’s landmarks and sites, it’s the perfect activity for all the family to take part in together and is a great way to explore the city.

Last year one enthusiast dusted off his 100-year old bicycle to take part, while children were joined by eager mums and dads for their very first spin outside the park. Groups of friends took in some leisurely exercise together, while fitness fanatics competed against one another to the finish.

Even more people are expected to join the Sky Ride this year taking in the specially designed route that will once again suit all ages and abilities.

In recent times Manchester has become synonymous with cycling thanks to the enormous success of the Great Britain Cycling Team, which trains at the Manchester Velodrome. As a result the numbers of people taking up the sport have risen dramatically in the city with more people either training seriously or enjoying the freedom of two wheels as a leisure activity.

Not only is Manchester one of ten UK cities hosting a Sky Ride event around the country, it is also hosting a number of Sky Ride local events.

Trained cycle leaders from British Cycling will guide small groups of cyclists on routes around Manchester throughout the summer.

The local rides will offer a selection of routes at different levels of difficulty ranging from Ride Easy and Ride Steady for any age or ability, to Ride Well and Ride Strong for adults and teenagers looking for a slightly harder challenge.

It gets better too. If you don’t have bike, click here and hire one. It’s best to book in advance though as there will be a lot of people wanting to pick up their two wheels on the day.

And to round it all off you can become a Wacky Rider. All you have to do to maybe win a prize, is dress up as one of your favourite Sky characters – think the Simpsons maybe or the Pineapple Dance Studios look.

Anything goes, outrageous hats, face paints, bells and tassels, matching outfits for families, decorated bikes and so on. The best dressed rider and their pedals will be asked to join in the fashion show held on the main stage, in front of a crowd of adoring fans.

You can find out more information including how to get involved by visiting www.goskyride.com. So what are you waiting for? Get on your bike and have a wheel of a time.