2 Valleys to Gibside

Sky Ride Local in Newcastle

Not cycled for a while and looking for an easy way to get back in the saddle? Fancy a fun way to get your friends or kids riding? Our Easygoing rides are great for building confidence for all abilities and ages along relaxed, mostly traffic-free routes. They’re up to six miles long, with a gentle pace of around six miles an hour.

This is a family friendly 'out and back' route along a popular cycle path with great views along the Derwent Valley. Red kites are often seen along the valley, and the gradual climb up to Gibside is rewarded with a visit to one of the finest National Trust properties in the Country.

The National Trust has invested in a major project to offer Gibside's visitors purpose-built, all-weather parking facilities and an improved arrival experience for pedestrians, cyclists and buses too. The local staff and volunteers want to show you that Gibside is a great local destination for people arriving by bicycle.  http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/gibside/

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

• Bronwen Banner It wasn't long ago that I gave up my car for the bike. Now I commute to work most days, ride with family and friends, and look for any excuse to get out and enjoy the stunning and varied countryside we have locally.
  
  This summer I took a cycling holiday in Arran to warm up the legs for a 70 mile charity ride with my daughter - it took us 8 hours to do the course, so slow they were tidying up the signs behind us! So I promise you I'm always happy to stop and take in a view on the way up a hill ;) There's nothing wrong with taking it slow sometimes - in fact my favourite rides include a good natter and a stop for a photo or two.
  
  I love getting my hands dirty and tackling repairs myself, I even dream of building my own bike, maybe from bamboo or saving a vintage bike.
  
  I'd be very happy to answer any questions you may have and welcome any feedback on the rides. I very much look forward to meeting you and hope you'll enjoy the rides that the team have planned. I've done a couple now and have had a fantastic time :)
• Max Hall I'm a 45 year old property surveyor that enjoys cycling for the health benefits, the scenery and to map out routes taking in the vast quantity of waggonways and byeways that this past industrial area have left us with. I have been cycling most of my life and cover around 250 miles a month during the spring, summer and autumn months of the year with the odd run out in the winter when there is no snow or ice on the ground. I like nothing more than helping people find the tracks near them that can get them away from busy and noisy roads. I am the route creator of the north tyneside waggonway riders putting together a route almost every weekend.
  
  
• Lee Woolston Rider of 7 year's experience. Mainly ride for commuting, pleasure, social and challenge rides. Completed John O' Groats to Land's End in 2011. Member of Sunderland Clarion Cycling Club.