National Bike Week has rolled into action.
And joining a cycling club is a great way to discover the benefits of the sport in a friendly and supportive atmosphere.
The excitement of the Tour de France and subsequent Tour de Yorkshire races inspired many to have a go in the saddle, while for others it's a cheap, active way to commute to work.
But what could be more fun than setting off in the fresh air to enjoy a leisurely ride with like-minded people?
You don't have to be a star athlete — there are clubs for all abilities. Check out our guide to local clubs and find the one that's best for you.
Huddersfield Star Wheelers
Members go out several times a week for guided group routes for those of different speeds.
Weekly club road rides take place from Earnshaws on Manchester Road on Tuesdays (suitable for speeds from 14 to 18mph), from Station Road in Honley on Thursdays (from 18mph) and Sundays (13 to 18mph) and 14 to 22 mile mountain bike rides from various locations on Saturday mornings.
Go Ride cycling for six to 18-year-olds runs on Saturday from 3.30 to 4.30pm at Leeds Road Sports Complex.
Saturday morning rides are currently taking place from Huddersfield Railway Station for those who can maintain a pace between 14 and 15 to 16mph.
A ladies only group goes out once a month and includes a cafe stop.
Website: huddersfieldstarwheelers.com
Email: garylodgehsw@btinternet.com
StreetBikes
Never ridden a bike before? No fear, Street Bikes offers beginners sessions and cycles to practice on for £4 a time on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10.30am to 2.30pm and on Saturdays from 12.30 to 3pm.
All other abilities are catered for, with wheelchair bikes, trikes, tandems and a child’s bike also available.
A women’s only group (with children during school holidays) meets at Savile Town Wharf every Tuesday at 9.15am with an 11.30am finish.
Bikes donated by the local community and refurbished are given to those who cannot afford one .
Website: www.streetbikes.org.uk
Telephone: 07873 773417
Tandem Trekkers
The brainchild of Kirklees Visual Impairment Network, this club was set to help those with sight problems experience the joys of cycling.
They use tandem bicycles, which allows a sighted volunteer rider to sit on the front saddle and steer.
Sessions take place every Saturday throughout the summer starting from near Leeds Road Sports Complex. They include a variety of track meetings and rides along local routes, including the Spen Valley Greenway.
Website: kvin.org.uk
Email: martin.eatherley@ntlworld.com or Rachel McHale: rachel.mchale@kvin.org.uk
Experience Community CIC
A fantastic organisation set up by Craig Grimes to help wheelchair users make the most of our great outdoors.
Have a go on a hand bike and mountain trike at drop-in sessions and when confident join the group for its rambles around places such as Langsett Reservoir, Dove stones and along the Huddersfield Narrow Canal.
Website: www.experiencecommunity.co.uk
Email: info@experiencecommunity.co.uk
Telephone: 07958 591 841
Stadium Riders
The sister group to the Stadium Runners. If mountain biking and mud is your thing, this could be the group for you.
They meet every Tuesday evening. Contact by searching for Stadium Riders on Facebook and joining the group.
Ravensthorpe
One of the oldest groups in the area, established in 1891.
They have four planned rides a week, all suited to different fitness levels, as well as other rides arranged by club members. Longer and shorter Saturday rides leave from the bridge on wood lane before Battyeford Sporting Club at around 8.45am.
Sunday rides begin at Mirfield Library at 9am and consist of rides of 50 to 60 miles in winter and 80 to 90 miles in summer, with an average pace in between 15 to 18mph.
Ladies nights are every Thursday from Mirfield Community Centre at 6.15pm ready to leave at 6.30pm for 10 to 20 mile routes with an average pace of 12 to 14mph.
Wednesday day meets are more relaxed.
Website: www.ravensthorpecc.co.uk
Email: info@ravensthorpecc.co.uk
Holmfirth Cycling Club
A fairly new group, they offer half a dozen different regular rides.
These include Monday training nights from 6pm, fast and medium paced and ladies runs at various times each Wednesday, mixed abilities on Thursday evenings and training sessions for adults and youngsters on Saturdays.
It also organises turbo training, cyclo cros and velodrome sessions and hosts races throughout the year.
Website: www.holmfirthcc.com
Holme Valley Wheelers
Offering Sunday club pub runs, where members tend to make their own way to a specific location for a quick drink before riding home.
The club has two British Cycling qualified coaches who are available to provide guidance to members of all ages and encourage participation in local events.
Website: www.holmevalleywheelers.org.uk/
Email: jacquelinehaigh@yahoo.co.uk
Marsden Racers
Road and mountain bike cycling start every Wednesday at 6.30pm from the Football Club in Marsden for all Levels.
Website: www.marsdenracers.co.uk
Huddersfield and District CTC
Their Saturday cycle rides of around 10 to 15 miles on flatter routes are targeted at beginners. From April to September the club goes out every Tuesday for up to 20 miles at 7pm from various locations in the town.
Sunday rides of 30 to 80 miles start at Somerset Bridge opposite Aspley Marina at 9am and Wednesday morning rides at 10am. Members can also go on club holidays during spring and summer.
Website: www.huddersfieldctc.org.uk
Kirklees Cycling Academy
Open to anyone under 18 with an interest in road, mountain bike, track and cyclocross. Local training sessions currently in Liversedge and on Brooksbank Track in Elland.
Website: www.k-ca.org
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West Yorkshire Rough Riders
Another one for mountain bike fans. They meet several times a week in various locations around Kirklees.
Website: wyrrmbc.wordpress.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/westyorkshireroughriders
Email: westyorkshireroughriders@groups.facebook.com
Huddersfield Road Club
A small club, with mainly regular, older membership for rides.
Telephone: Call M J Cole on 01484 659238
