The Canal & Railway Ride

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.

This 15 mile ride utilises the superb National Cycle Network and canalside routes that abound in Leicester. The ride starts at the Bike Park in Town Hall Square, but very shortly into the ride we will be on the towpath of the Grand Union Canal south heading out of the city as the canal intertwines with the River Soar. Admire the old packhorse bridge at Aylestone before quitting the towpath trail at South Wigston and following the traffic-free former railway path back into Leicester. There are plenty of stopping-off points along the route, notably the King's Lock Tearooms for that well-earned cuppa and cake!

Additional Information

Helmets must be worn by all under 18's regardless of ride level.
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. 

Children under the age of 5 must be in a BSA approved child seat, trailer or tag-a-long.

Meet the Ride Leaders

• Dean Holland Hi everyone, I dusted off my mountain bike early last year and registered and took part in many Sky Ride local rides. I had always been a confident rider but life kind of got in the way so didn't cycle as much as I would have liked. I was soon completing 30 miles on the mountain bike and have now purchased a road bike. I cycle for fun and fitness and have lost 3.5 stone since last summer. Sky Ride is a great way to get back into cycling. I loved it that much I became a Sky Ride Leader.
• Linda Goddard Hello,
  I am passionate about encouraging people to get on their bikes. I see Breeze rides and Local Skyrides as a way to do this and to provide fun at the same time. I particularly want to encourage more women to get in the saddle!
  Cycling is not only a way to get fit, but is also good for the environment. Think of the petrol saved!
  It is also a social activity, where you can make new friends and be encouraged along by other riders.
  My aim is to support both new and returning cyclists to gain the confidence to cycle more often.
  I look forward to meeting you on the rides.
  Linda
• Kevin Cooper Always difficult to describe yourself as others may see you, so I will copy what was written about me for a Leicestershire & Rutland sports volunteering award.
  ..........................................................................
  
  'When it comes to being active, Kevin Cooper is passionate about cycling, bikes and walking and is a very fun and friendly volunteer, who has encouraged many more people across the district of Harborough to lead more physically active lives and enjoy their rural surroundings.
  
  Kevin has a wealth of local knowledge about people and places of interest and is keen to share this information to enhance the enjoyment of people joining the walking and cycling groups he leads.
  
  Kevin undertook and sucessfully completed British Cyclings Ride Leadership award and has taken the initiative in assessing and planning potential cycle routes and with a colleague has established the Harborough Rural Rides Group, which is run as part of The Active Together Harbrough Activity Programme.
  
  Kevin has a can-do attitude towards encouraging more people to lead physically active lives and is a very valued member of the Active Together Volunteering Team.'..................
  
  I must confess when I read this I thought they were mixing me up with someone else as I thought I was just someone who is passionate about riding his bike and is keen to share this with others, regardless of their ability........
  
  I look forward to meeting you on one of our rides
  
  Kevin