Cycling takes off in Chorley

Following on from the popularity of the Chorley Grand Prix, local families are being urged to get on their bike this year and join in one of the many free community bike rides organised by Chorley Council and British Cycling.

Whether you have a family of novice cyclists or expert riders, the Sky Ride Local programme has free scenic bike rides across the Chorley borough for all ages and abilities with the first one taking place in and around Astley Park on the day of the Chorley Grand Prix on Saturday 26 March.

This will be the first of 12 rides planned in and around the Chorley borough this year and anyone interested in taking part should visit goskyride.com/chorley

British Cycling is also on the hunt for new Breeze champions in Chorley who can help inspire more women in the area to get on their bikes and enjoy the fun, fresh air and freedom offered by cycling.

Led by women for women, Breeze rides are becoming increasingly popular and so much so, British Cycling is holding a free one day Breeze champion training course at Parklands High School on Southport Road, Chorley, on Saturday 9 April for any local women who would like to lead their own Breeze cycle rides.

Councillor Bev Murray, who is responsible for community development and health and wellbeing at Chorley Council, said: “The appetite for cycling in Chorley is growing every year and we are delighted to be working with British Cycling again to be able to offer our residents all of these fantastic opportunities to get out and about on their bikes.

“No matter what your ability or age is, there is a bike ride for everyone in this year’s programme and I would definitely recommend you visit goskyride.com/chorley to find out more about the different routes.

“The Breeze rides, which are women only rides, are also great fun and a great way of getting together with other local women to enjoy the fantastic scenery our borough offers.
 
“These are volunteer-led rides and we are looking for more women to lead them.  If you would be interested in becoming a Breeze champion, the offer of a free one day training course at Parklands High School is a great opportunity.”

If you would like to register for the free course to become a Breeze champion or you would like more information about Breeze rides, please visit breezebikerides.com

For more information on the Chorley Grand Prix, which will see over 100 of the country’s top cyclists compete in a five lap 116 mile race around the Chorley borough, visit chorley.gov.uk