Cycling gets its biggest-ever boost in Dewsbury this weekend.
The Dewsbury Cycle Fest, which is part of the Outdoor Dewsbury Festival, will run from 11am to 3pm on Sunday and hundreds of cyclists are expected.
They include veteran Mirfield cyclist Brian Robinson, a Tour de France stage winner.
The event will be based at the Sands Lane playing fields but many cyclists will be taking part in rides to reach the venue.
At the playing fields themselves families can take part in a host of cycle-related activities including a cycle treasure hunt, riding a raised wooden track, riding laps of the Sands Cycle Loop, practising bike handling skills and finding out if their bike is healthy with Dr Bike.
The first 100 cyclists to arrive will get a free flapjack supplied by ‘The Bakery’ of Brewery Lane, Thornhill Lees.
Cyclists can find out more about cycling in the Dewsbury area and children can try out a Balance Bike to give them the skills and confidence a standard bike with pedals.
A spokesman said: “It is one of the biggest ever festivals for cyclists.
“People can decorate their bike or scooter in the ‘Bling Your Wheels’ competition and join the parade from Savile Town Recreation Ground to Savile Town Wharf. There will be prizes for the best decorated bike.
“And people can make a day of it by joining one of the four free led rides leading to Cycle Fest.”
THE RIDES
Meet at 11am at Dewsbury Sports centre for an easy led ride, by cycling club the CTC, along a mainly traffic-free route along the Dewsbury to Ossett Greenway. Please book a place by contacting Lynnette. Tel: 01484 234087 or lynnette.evans@kirklees.gov.uk
Meet at 10am at Princess Mary Playing Fields, Bradford Rd, Liversedge, for a Sky Ride local ride along parts of the Spen Valley Greenway and Calder Valley Greenway and the Calder and Hebble Canal. This ride is about 12 miles at a steady pace with an estimated cycle time of 1hr 40mins. Book online at www.goskyride.com/kirklees
Meet at 10am for a Breeze ride for women and children – the Spen Valley Greenway to Dewsbury Cycling Festival. Start point Princess Mary Playing Fields. Find out more and book your place at: www.goskyride.com/Breeze
Meet at 10am at Ossett Cricket and Athletics Club, Dimple Wells Road for an amazing 14-mile steady ride down the valley to Dewsbury and Heckmondwike. Book online at / www.goskyride.com/wakefield
