The Great Barr Express

Sky Ride Local in Birmingham

You don’t have to be the next Bradley Wiggins, but you’ll need to know your way around a bike and be fairly fit to take part in our Challenging rides. If you’re comfortable riding with other people and fancy a fresh challenge, these rides are perfect for you. They start at around twenty miles long, and are paced at between 11 and 12 miles an hour.

A scenic, rolling ride from Great Barr along country lanes, returning through Sutton Park to stop at the beautiful Bracebridge Pool. At nearly 24 miles, this ride will delight the bike-riding enthusiast whilst the stunning views across the city and surrounding countryside will provide plenty of excuses for a quick stop, as will the numerous refreshment opportunities along the way, with the Boathouse Restaurant in Sutton Park a highlight. The route largely follows country lanes, with shale paths through Sutton Park, so is very road bike friendly.

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. 

Meet the Ride Leaders

• Keith Worrall Hi my name is Keith. I really enjoyed the sky ride programme last year and I am looking forward to the new season. Seeing the established riders and hoping to meet some new ones.I have been a ride leader for many years under various schemes. I know the Black country/Birmingham areas well. I look forward to seeing you on a ride soon.
• Hannes Kerr-Gold Hi,
  
  I live in Telford, am a road riding enthusiast. I commute to work about 30 miles a day. When possible I try and ride a few longer rides each year.
  
• Colin Reed I used to ride my bike a lot as a young boy and really enjoyed it. Much later I taught my own children how to ride. And occasionally I used to cycle commute in London. In 2011 I decided to get fit and began riding my bike 5 miles to work. The fresh air every morning was fantastic. Yes it was a little hard at first, but after a few weeks it became easy. After a few months I went out one day and cycled more than 10 miles! That gave me enough courage to try some easy bike rides with a cycling club and I rode further than I ever imagined! I loved cycling through the quiet countryside soaking up the beautiful scenery. So I finally caught the cycling bug!! Since then I've done many club rides, a few sportives, and two charity bike rides including 450 miles from Paris to Birmingham. In the last 2 years I've come a long way - it seems unbelievable - but if I can do it, anyone can!! I look forward to seeing you on a ride soon!