National park offers events to encourage more cyclists

FREE cycling events are being run in the Peak District this month to boost the number of people biking in the national park.

The sessions are being organised by the Peak District National Park Authority through its Pedal Peak District project, which aims to encourage more new or occasional cyclists.

Once people have experienced cycling in the national park, they will be supported to make it a regular part of their lives by signing up to a website.

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The website, at www.pedalpeakdistrict.co.uk, gives cycling tips, provides information and maps of routes, encourages people to set small, manageable goals and shows cyclists how many calories they have burned.

John Fern, head of communications for the Peak District National Park Authority, said all the four sessions would be run by qualified staff and take place on and around some of the 58 miles of off-road cycling trails in the national park countryside."

The first event is from 10am to 12.30pm on Saturday, May 15 at Ashbourne Cycle Hire Centre and will focus on basic bike maintenance. To book call 01629 816297.

From 10am to 2pm on Wednesday, May 19, a guided mountain bike ride for beginners will run from Fairholmes ranger centre in the Upper Derwent Valley, near Bamford. Call 01433 651908 to book.

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On Monday, May 24 a Women on Wheels class will run from 11am to 1pm at Parsley Hay cycle hire centre, involving a 15-mile ride. To book call 01629 816297.

The final event will also run from Parsley Hay cycle hire centre and takes place at 10am on Wednesday, May 26. It will involve a 15 to 20-mile ride through the White Peak. To book, call 01629 816297.