Cheeky selfie before the ride ;)
In my spare time, I cycle regularly and follow cycling as well. Although I have been to a few cycle races (including a Track World Cup in Manchester and the Tour De France). I have never done a Sky Ride. This post today outlines my Sky Ride experience in Leicester.
Through the stadium
What is Sky Ride?
Sky Ride is an event where you cycle 5 miles (8K) on traffic free roads at your own pace with people at all ages. Sometimes professional cyclists make an appearance ( I had Emily Kay Olympic Academy rider and Ian Stannard Team Sky rider at mine). There are others things to do after the event such as getting your bike checked out for free (which I highly recommend as you have to pay in the shops for that) and other professional riders doing tricks on their bikes.
At the beginning
How did the day work out?
The ride started at ten however you could turn up whatever time you wanted. I turned up at the beginning because I wanted to be at the start line with everyone else and also I wanted to go to the athlete question and answer session which was at 12.00. Luckily we didn't have any problem parking (before you ask I don't live anywhere near Leicester so had to drive to get there!). I got signed in pretty quickly and given the yellow bib. I like the bibs because they are reusable, but I felt like part of a team. My partner and I got lined up and I had to say I did feel like I taking part in a race. I said to James it will probably be the only time I am ever in a peloton ;) The presenter counted us down and we were off!
The ride the first time round was good fun. Although I ride a lot I have never ridden in the city centre particularly one I haven't been in before and I really enjoyed it. The ride had a sprint section where I raced with my partner (he won, boo!) a 'party' section with loud music and bubbles and it went through Leicester City football stadium which was quite cool! There were various points with things going on such as the bike checks and local cycle clubs advertising themselves which you could drop in and out of. The second time round I got my bike checked for free ( I was pretty impressed that my bike was in good condition having done well over 1000 miles) and I met Emily Kay and asked her some questions (she was lovely). When we got back we had a look at some bikes that were on display (Bradley Wiggins 2012 time trial bike and Victoria Pendleton's sprint bike) and attended the athlete Q &A session.
Bradley Wiggins Time Trial bike
This was Victoria Pendleton's sprint bike
The athlete Q&A
Tips: - I recommend signing up online so you spend less time in the queue.
- Watch out for people who are not as bike savvy and children. I got cut up numerous times by kids who swerved all over the place.
- Get your bike checked, it's free so there is no reason not to take it up. There were a few kids bikes I saw that were in bad condition (rusty chains etc) that I hope got checked.
Find out more or join up at goskyride.com
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