Join us for a week of cycling fun in Pendle

People of all ages are being urged to get on their bikes for a week of cycling fun in Pendle from Saturday 17^th August to Sunday 25^th August.

Pendle Council has teamed up with cycling organisations including Cycle Sport Pendle, Go Velo, Pendle Leisure Trust’s Up & Active Team and Cyclists’ Touring Club for A Summer of Cycling Fun.

Tricia Wilson, who co-ordinates cycling initiatives for Pendle Council said:

“There’ll be a chance to try BMX biking at the state of the art BMX pump track and even a family treasure hunt – by bike of course!”

“Events include learn to ride sessions with Go Velo for children from the age of 3 to 11 with separate sessions for  adults, ” she explained.

Leader of the Council, Councillor Mohammed Iqbal said:

“Pendle is a capital of cycling in Lancashire and we have a fantastic team of people working together
to help people enjoy the freedom of cycling.

“It’s a great activity for health, well-being and fitness,” he added.

“I urge people to come and meet the friendly team which is on a mission to get people into cycling.

They could make a big difference to your life,” he said.

The full week’s programme of 17 events can be downloaded from www.visitpendle.com/fun

And copies are available from Pendle libraries,  Pendle Leisure Trust centres in Barnoldswick,  Colne and  Nelson,  Pendle Heritage Centre in Barrowford and The Ace Centre in Nelson and Contact Pendle centre at Number One Market Street Nelson.

Cycle Sport Pendle’s BMX Pendle Panthers group is running a Summer Jam at the BMX Pump Track on Saturday 17^th August.

Manny Bashah, one of the coaches, said:

“A pump track appeals to young people because it’s fun and exhilarating to ride.

“But we want people of all ages from six or seven up to adult to give it a go – the grown-ups can find out what they’re missing!”

“We’ll be running taster sessions from 10am until 12 noon at the BMX track on Saturday 17^th August.

“Bring a bike and helmet and if you haven’t got them, we have a number of bikes and helmets on site you can borrow,” he said.

Be inspired by some of the experienced BMX riders at the Summer Jam from 12 noon to 4pm with the chance to bring a bike and helmet and get on the track.

“To keep everyone fuelled up there’ll be a free barbeque next to the BMX track and people can even pedal power their own smoothie on Go Velo’s specially adapted bike,” said Tricia.

Also on Saturday 17^th August, Pendle Leisure Trust will be at the Steven Burke track encouraging people to try a bike and have a go on an electric bike.

The Pendle Leisure Trust team will be flagging up their Bike Revival Scheme which includes bike maintenance sessions.

The Steven Burke sports hub where many of the events are taking place is located between Nelson,  Barrowford  and Colne and can be found off Cravendale Avenue, Nelson and via Wilton Street,  Barrowford BB9 8PU. 

On Sunday 18^th August there’ll be a Cyclists’ Touring Club ride to Cromwell Bridge in the Ribble Valley and an evening ride on Tuesday 20 August too, with more details on all their rides and where to meet on www.burnleyandpendlectc.co.uk

On Wednesday 21 August there’s a chance to try out Pendle Leisure Trust’s specially adapted bikes which can be used by people with disabilities.

And also on Wednesday from 6.30 – 8pm Go Velo will be launching Ride Active Pendle Sofa to Saddle – a nine week course to get people from being inactive to riding a bike confidently.

Places for Sofa to Saddle and all other Go Velo activities need to be booked in advance via their website www.govelo.co.uk

Tricia Wilson added:

“If you are already a keen cyclist but have never tried the Steven Burke Sports Hub cycle circuit why not join Cycle Development Pendle Partnership on Thursday 22nd August at 5pm at the hub?

“Try a timed lap and then stay and watch the racing which starts at 6.30pm,” said Tricia.

Councillor Iqbal added:

“I’m proud that Pendle Council has worked in partnership with Cycle Sport Pendle to provide some of the best facilities in the UK.

“We have the Steven Burke cycle track and BMX pump track plus lots of options for off road cycling along the Leeds and Liverpool canal towpath and other more challenging rides too.

“If you can’t make the summer of cycling, don’t worry, you can enjoy cycling in Pendle at any time,” he said.

Download routes from the easy to the challenging on our tourism website www.visitpendle.com and you can enjoy the free facilities at the Steven Burke cycle track and BMX pump.