Saddle up for another York cycling spectacular

With the Skyride and festival of cycling, York’s year of pedal power continues

It may be a while since the Tour de France riders scooted over the horizon in a sea of Lycra and fug of Deep Heat, but York is not ending its cycling spectacular there.

With the York Festival Of Cycling rolling into Rowntree Park this weekend (September 13 and 14) and the Sky Ride on the Sunday (September 14) the city will once again be saddling up for something special.

So here’s your lowdown to what’s going on when and where…

York Festival of Cycling

Things to do

Have a go sessions on all manner of crazy bikes, including penny farthings, tandems and bikes that look like they’re from outer space

A KMX track where you can take on all comers round this narrow, twisting circuit

The Viking try-out zone for under six year olds to show off their pedalling prowess

The air bag where BMX stunt riders can try out their tricks and come back to earth safely without a bump.

Things to see

The Clan The stunt crew will demonstrate their breathtaking cycle control on a specially built trick stage

North Yorkshire Police’s Cycle Response Team Want advice on cycle safety and security? The police can help – and mark bikes so they can be easily identified if lost or stolen.

There’ll be food, drink and of course ice cream available too.

York Sky Ride

Sky Ride will see York’s streets closed to traffic as thousands of cyclists are given the freedom of the city.

Russell Downing, English road-racer and 2013 National Circuit Race Champion, will line up alongside amateur riders of all ages along the route which starts at Cliffords Tower.

Cyclists will follow the riverside cycle path, cross Millennium Bridge, along Terry Avenue and Skeldergate then turn left and cross over Lendal Bridge.

They will then ride past York Minster and weave through the city centre before returning to the hub at Clifford’s Tower – see the route map, below.

You have to sign up at the website to take part. But if you don’t fancy pedalling, there’s loads more to see and do.

There’ll be music and entertainment, a “Tricks and Tunes” area, a bike café and a festival atmosphere.