The first of Richardsons CC’s guided mountain bike rides for beginners and family cyclists takes place this Sunday, 27th March. It starts and finishes at Sawdon Village Hall. You don’t need to be a club cyclist or regular off-road rider to attend.

The easy-paced ride will last between two and three hours, including stops, and will take place on lanes, forest tracks, and singletrack trails in and around Wykeham Forest. It’s suitable for confident children on their own bikes as well as parents and children with tag-along cycles. It is too narrow in places for two-wheeled cycle trailers and will be rather bumpy for toddlers in childseats. It is a blue/green graded off-road ride.

You will be guided by a CTC-qualified trail leader with good cycle maintenance skills and a qualification in outdoor first aid. The ride costs £3.00 per person, payable on the day, which includes tea, coffee or juice and biscuits at Sawdon Village Hall afterwards. Arrive from 10-10.15am on Sunday morning, so you’re ready to ride by 10.30. We’ll have a bike check session and some ride tips on the field next to the hall, and then get going.

You will need:

- A mountain bike. It doesn’t need to be fancy but it must be in working order. We don’t want to turn anyone away but if your bike is unsafe, in the opinion of the ride leader, you will not be allowed to ride. (Note that we will deal with any mechanical problems that develop along the way.)

- A cycle helme

- Sensible outdoor clothing that you don’t mind getting a bit muddy, including a windproof, showerproof jacke

- A drink to take on the ride.

- Snacks to take on the ride.

You are recommended to bring:

- A packed lunch. You can either carry this with you or leave it at Sawdon Village Hall for afterwards.

- Cycle mitts or gloves.

- Sunglasses or other eyewear (to keep trail debris out of your eye

To reserve a place or enquire further, email Dan Joyce (danjoyce@btconnect.com) or visit Richardsons Cycles on Castle Road, Scarborough.

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Don't forget that the clocks go forward on Saturday night, anyone planning to come. Otherwise we'll have left before you get there!

Thanks for organising the ride today Day. We both enjoyed it, and went over an area we were not familiar with.