Lichfield Cycle Rides

by Tony Collins (subscribe)

I am a freelance writer specialising mainly in health and education and living in Staffordshire. Find me on Linked In

Event: 25/03/2018 - 30/09/2018

Dust off the bike after the winter and saddle up for rides

It is time to get back in the saddle as the monthly Sunday cycle rides programme, Cycle Rides for All, returns to Lichfield for 2018. Each month the group cycles will take place in a new destination around the Lichfield area of Staffordshire, including the historic city of Lichfield itself, Burntwood, and around picturesque Fisherwick Lakes and Chasewater, together with the National Memorial Arboretum and Fradley Junction. The rides are graded from level 1, which are suitable for beginners, to level 4, which are aimed at more experienced cyclists.

Cyclists line up for one of last year's rides

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The 2018 Cycle Rides for All programme gets underway on Sunday 25 March with a three and a half mile Lichfield taster ride setting off from the city's Beacon Park. This event signals the start of a series of seven free monthly cycle rides that will take place towards the end of the month, from March through to the end of September. Councillor Iain Eadie, Lichfield District Council's Cabinet Member for Leisure, said: "Cycling is a great way to get some exercise and to visit some fantastic places across the district. So it's great to see the new season on cycle rides start up again. We hope plenty of people will join in and enjoy the first ride around Lichfield. All the bikes receive a quick safety check by Freedom Cycles before setting off, to make sure they are roadworthy. We also recommend that safety helmets are worn and that you bring a packed lunch and drink, although there is a café stop on most rides."

The first cycle ride takes place in Beacon Park on March 25

Anyone who wants to join the Lichfield taster ride should turn up with their bikes at Beacon Park in Lichfield on Sunday 25 March at 11am. This ride is graded level 1, which means it is suitable for all including beginners. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. Cycle Rides for All is run in partnership by Lichfield District Council, Freedom Cycles and Lichfield ReCycle. To see the full Cycle Rides for All programme, please visit www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/cyclerides. To find out more, or to check whether a ride is taking place if the weather is uncertain, please call Lichfield District Council's parks team on 01543 308846 or Freedom Cycles on 01543 411633.

Cycle Rides For All 2018 programme:

Lichfield Taster Ride on Sunday 25 March - meet at Beacon Park at 11am – 3.5 miles, Level 1

Fisherwick Lakes on Sunday 29 April - meet at Freedom Cycles at 10am – 8.5 miles, Level 2

Tour de Lichfield on Sunday 20 May - meet at Curborough Community Centre at 10am – 11 miles, level 3

Chasewater on Sunday 24 June - meet at Beacon Park at 10am – 20 miles, level 4, or Burntwood Leisure Centre 11am – 6 miles, level 1

Burntwood Taster Ride on Sunday 29 July - meet at Burntwood Leisure Centre at 11am – 6 miles, level 1

National Memorial Arboretum on Sunday 19 August - meet at Freedom Cycles at 10am – 15 miles, level 3

Fradley Junction on Sunday 30 September - meet at Freedom Cycles at 10am -12 miles, level 2

The final bike ride takes place at Fradley Junction

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Please be aware that the routes may change depending on leader availability. An alternative route may be offered if there are not enough ride leaders. Please double check www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/cyclerides before each ride.

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