Get On Yer Bike!

It's part of Pendle's annual Cycle Fest which sees an exhilarating line-up of cycle events throughout July and August.

The events have been organised by Pendle Council, in association with Pennine Events and Cycling Development Northwest.

The Freedom Guided rides, which are suitable for beginners and families, take place between 18th July and 30th August at various locations in Pendle.

They will be led by trained guides Wayne Bowman from Pendle Leisure Trust and Imran Aslam from Wheels within Wheels (Nelson's voluntary organisation for young people).

Imran can't wait for the rides. He said:

"I'm really keen to show people that they can enjoy on- and off-road cycling on trails around Pendle and they don't need to be a professional to do it.

"Leading the rides is a personal achievement for me as five years ago I had never cycled and was seriously overweight.

"I hope I'm an inspiration to other people to get out and ride."

Wayne, one of Pendle Leisure Trust's Community Walking Officers, said:

"This is a chance for local people to cycle for their health, enjoy some of the local countryside and meet new people.

"I'm really pleased to be a part of it.

"Bikes are available to borrow free of charge on the routes I am leading. Just call me on 01282 661315 to book one."

The routes range from seven to fourteen miles and are pitched at different levels, so there's something for everyone.

Anyone can go along, just phone your ride leader before the day to let them know you're taking part and then turn up ten minutes before the start of the ride at the meeting point with a bike, sandwiches and money for a brew.

Councillor Anne Kerrigan, who is the Council's cycling champion, said: "The Freedom Guided rides are a fantastic way to get fit, enjoy fresh air and see some of Pendle's fantastic scenery!

"There's something for everyone so I'd recommend you all get on your bikes over the next few weeks.

"You never know you may even want to start riding to work."

The details are as follows:

Saturday 18th July, 11.00am - 12.30pm
Victoria Park, Nelson to Pendle Heritage Centre, Barrowford (includes some canal towpath)
Approx. 7.4 miles.
Level: Beginners
Please bring a bike lock.
Call Wayne Bowman on 01282 661315 to book your place. Bikes available to borrow on this route - please pre-book with Wayne.

Sunday 19th July, 10.00am to 1.00pm
Pendle Heritage Centre, Barrowford to Clarion House, Newchurch and return.
Approx. 16 miles
Level: Beginners/intermediate
Call Imran Aslam on 01282 692898 to book your place.

Sunday 26th July 10.00 - 12.30 pm
Pendle Heritage Centre, Barrowford to Wyecoller Country Park
Approx. 13 miles
Level: Beginners/intermediate
Call Imran Aslam on 01282 692898 to book your place.

Monday 10th August 18.00 to 20.30
Pendle Heritage Centre, Barrowford to Sabden and return.
Approx. 14 miles
Level: Intermediate
Mountain bikes essential for this route.
Call Imran Aslam on 01282 692898 to book your place.

Saturday 15th August 13.00 to 15.30 pm
Seedhill Athletics Club, Nelson to Greenberfield Locks and return.
Approx 13 miles
Level: Beginners/Intermediate
You have the option to leave the ride at Foulridge on the way back.
Call Wayne Bowman on 01282 661315 to book your place. Bikes available to borrow on this route - please pre-book with Wayne.

Monday 24th August 18:00 to 20.30
Wheels within Wheels (Norfolk Street, Nelson - off Carr Road) to Barnoldswick and return (along the canal towpath)
Approx: 14 miles
Level: Beginners
Includes a half hour session on how to maintain your bike.

If you can't make these times, Burnley & Pendle Cyclists' Touring Club also run many free guided rides in Pendle and further afield. The Pendle rides are as follows:

Sunday 19th July, 9.30 am
Greenberfield Locks to Gargrave.

Sunday 30th August, 10.00 am
Greenberfield Locks to Otterburn

Sunday 13th September, 10.30am
Gisburn Cattle Market to Paythorne Moor

• For more information on the Guided rides, call Fred Higson on (01282) 692117