BIKE riding opportunities abound in mid Cheshire as the 2013 Summer of Cycling gains momentum.

The Guardian’s Pedal Power campaign is all about encouraging more people to jump into the saddle and rediscover a long-lost hobby or perhaps try something completely new.

We aim to do this by covering the different types of cycling available, bike riding opportunities and initiatives in the area and including articles about people whose stories can inspire our readers.

This week we take a look at different levels of bike rides being organised in the area and a Northwich man testing himself to the limit in the name of charity.

GUIDED bike rides taking in the best of the Cheshire countryside are planned for all ages and abilities of cyclist this summer.

British Cycling’s Sky Ride Local programme is coming to west Cheshire, with rides starting in Whitegate and Rudheath.

The rides are led by friendly British Cycling ride leaders along well-planned scenic routes and are open to men, women and children.

British Cycling and Sky are working with Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC) to bring the rides to the area.

Clr Lynn Riley, CWAC’s executive member for localities, said: “Cycling has never been more popular, and whatever your age or fitness level, it is easy to get involved.

“We are delighted to be working with British Cycling to make it even easier for local people to cycle and have some fun this summer.”

Rides include Ride the Salty Rails on Sunday, July 28, which starts from Whitegate Way Station, off Clay Lane, in Winsford, at 2pm.

Cyclists will follow an 11-mile route from Whitegate to Delamere Forest, then to Winsford Rock Salt Mine before heading back.

A six-mile ride called Scream For Ice Cream is leaving from Marbury Country Park on Sunday, August 4, at 2pm.

This route heads out on the country lanes, where there will be some traffic, to Great Budworth Ice Cream Farm.

A more challenging 27-mile ride from Brio Leisure Centre, in Shipbrook Road, Rudheath, is taking place on Sunday, August 18.

This Rudheath to Jodrell Bank loop leaves at 10am and is for anyone aged 11 and above.

For more information and to book a free place on the rides visit goskyride.com and enter your postcode.

Sky Ride Local is just one of many ways British Cycling is encouraging people to get out on their bikes this summer.

If you are looking for other people to cycle with visit goskyride.com/social for a free social network for cyclists.

In addition breezebikerides.com are bike rides arranged by British Cycling for women only.

 

A PART time firefighter and part time estate agent is preparing to tackle extreme climbs and difficult descents in a mountain bike challenge this September.

Gary Williamson will cover 40 tough miles in the Peak District National Park in aid of the British Heart Foundation and Diabetes UK.

He said: “This is one of the hardest events in the British Heart Foundations Events calendar.

“It starts at Hope Collage set in the heart of the Peak District and covers over 40 miles of extreme climbs and highly technical descents, training is definitely recommended.

“My training starts now – regular rides from Leftwich around Delamere and back taking in as many hills as possible, Llandegla and Cannock Chase.”

Gary retired from full time firefighting two years ago after 31 years of service.

He is still a part time firefighter at Northwich Fire Staion and also works part-time at Macmillans Estate Agent as a viewing representative.

He was prompted to take on the challenge after his 15-year-old son was diagnosed with type one diabetes a year ago.

“We are very protective of our son and love him dearly, he has to check his blood sugars regularly, watch what he eats and give insulin by injection and as you can imagine for a teenager this is very hard to come to terms with,” Gary said.

“He has support from his nurse and the team at his diabetic clinic and he is doing incredibly well, I’m not sure I could have coped with this at his age, we are very proud of him.

“Until something like this strikes your family you don’t realise how many other families are going through the same thing and it’s on the increase.”

To sponsor Gary pop into Macmillans Estate Agent, in Market Way.