Brand new: Breeze Challenge Events

British Cycling’s Breeze network are delighted to announce the launch of new longer distance, challenge cycling events, increasing ride choice for the UK’s most successful and popular women’s cycling initiative.

With events taking place during October in two locations – Warwickshire and Lancashire – the new Breeze Challenge Events aim to bring all the fun, expertise and support enjoyed within the Breeze community to a new level of challenge rides.

Each event offers participants a choice between a 50km and 100km challenge ride route, allowing women a fun and affordable introduction to the fun of riding more challenging distances. The event experience will be supported with feed stations, spectator hot spots and many other surprises along the way, making this a real highlight of the amateur women’s cycling calendar.   

British Cycling’s Breeze Challenge Events are partnering with Coventry City Council, Preston City Council and Pennine Events. The Breeze Challenge Event Warwickshire is scheduled for 5 October, and Breeze Challenge Event Lancashire for 12 October. With the first event a couple of short months away and registration numbers limited, we advise securing your place early, and look forward to seeing you there.

The Breeze Challenge Event

Breeze Challenge Events hope to celebrate the fun, support and women who make our other Breeze rides so much fun, all year round. Building upon this success and encouraging our Breeze family to attend the Challenge Events will allow for a fantastic day of riding while pushing riders to the next level. Furthermore, bringing together likeminded women riders from across the UK is set to make this event a truly memorable occasion.

Warwickshire - Sunday 5 October 2014, from 9am

Both 50km and 100km routes encompass miles of leafy suburbs, winding country roads and peaceful cycle routes. Starting at the Cryfield Pavilion at The University of Warwick Campus, the ride sets off towards Kenilworth Castle, before moving towards Hatton. Riders on the 50km route head towards Rowington, before swinging past Knowle and back to the Warwick University campus, while those taking in the 100km route will head towards Henley-in-Arden, via Snitterfield, before returning to campus.

Councillor Rachel Lancaster, Cabinet Member for Public Services at Coventry City Council, said:

‘We are delighted to be working in partnership with British Cycling to bring the first ever Breeze Challenge Events to Coventry. Encouraging cycling is a key priority for the Council, and we recognise and fully support the need to encourage more women to get on bicycles through Cycle Coventry and Coventry On The Move.

‘We already have an active Breeze programme in the city and hope that hosting this event will help to boost numbers of local participation on these rides.’

Lancashire - Sunday 12 October 2014, from 9am

The ride commences a stone’s throw from Preston city centre, with the route taking in the scenic Lancashire views. Heading towards Kirkham, riders can stretch their legs in pristine Lancashire surroundings before moving north towards Cockerham. Riders on the 50km route will cut across by Bilsborrow, before heading back to base near Preston, while the hardy riders on the 100km route head deeper into the Lancashire countryside, before heading home past Barnacre and Whittingham.

Preston City Council Cabinet member for culture and leisure, Councillor Veronica Afrin, said:

‘I am very proud that Preston has been chosen to host this new event, giving women even more new and exciting opportunities to get involved in cycling. Thanks to the continued partnership work between the council and British Cycling, Preston can sustain its cycling offer at the heart of Lancashire.’

With so few areas of natural beauty to rival the postcard perfect Lancashire countryside; this challenge ride may be hard on the legs, but definitely not on the eyes.

Natalie Justice, Breeze Project Manager, said:

‘Whether you’re an experienced endurance rider, or looking to push yourself to the next level, both Breeze Challenge Events will not only provide great riding, but even greater fun. Embraced by our network of Breeze champions, riders and supporters, these events offer the whole women’s cycling community a fantastic opportunity to come together, share some memories and make some new ones too. We look forward to seeing you there!’

Look out for more information to be released over the coming weeks!

Click here to register for the Warwickshire Breeze Challenge Event.

Click here to register for the Lancashire Breeze Challenge Event.