Into the Woods

Sky Ride Local in Leicester

Get out and explore the countryside with the brand new rural off-road routes from Sky Ride Local.  Off-road Ride Steady is mostly traffic free rural bike riding for the family and novice cyclist.  There is barely a metre of tarmac in sight on these rides so come and enjoy the scrunch of gravel and the squelch of mud under your tyres with us!

Not far from the heart of Leicester is this gem of an off-road route.  Come and join us on this 4 and a half mile ride that explores the tracks in the ancient Martinshaw Woods and part of the National Cycle Network Route 63.  The tracks are nice and wide making for the perfect off-road ride for you and your family to get out in the fresh air!

Additional Information

Helmets must be worn by all under 18's regardless of ride level.
The minimum age for these rides is 8, there must be no child trailers or child seats, the child capable of riding within the demands of the off-road specification.
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.

Location and Route

Meet the Ride Leaders

• David Kirkland I have cycled since I was a child mainly as a means of getting around rather than competition cycling. I then moved on to driving but returned to cycling for leisure, firstly mountain biking then roads in order to cycle longer distances.
  
  I have cycled some of the longer Sustrans routes such as the C2C, NCN6 and the Taff Trail. I have also cycled on holidays in the Alps, the Loire Valley, Belgium, The Netherland and in Paris.
  
  I will be leading rides in the Leicester and Birmingham areas this summer and look forward to meeting you on some of the Sky Rides.
  
• 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.
  
  
• 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