[T]he weekend of July 1st and 2nd July sees the Sedbergh Cycling Festival return to Lupton Field in Sedbergh and the wheels have been turning to create a great event for all the family… admission is FREE.
Stuart Wetherell, from Sedbergh Cycling Festival, said: “The festival will be the biggest family event of the year in Sedbergh and we hope to help improve health and well-being by getting more people active and riding their bikes. We have been able to make this a free event due to generous donations from Sedbergh based organisations and The Roger Stott Community Grant from YDMT, which has been essential in ensuring that this year’s Festival will take place.”
This year, the festival team is delighted to be working with the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority Access and Recreation team in supporting Wheels for All. Wheels for All is a nationally recognised programme to bring an awareness of cycling opportunities for people of all ages with disabilities and differing needs. On Saturday 1st July, there will be inclusive cycling activities for all the family, regardless of ability and an opportunity to try a range of adapted bicycles. Together with YDNPA they will be showcasing ways that everyone can enjoy the open countryside.
Working with British Cycling there are a wide range of cycling themed events and activities. A 100k Audax organised by Kent Valley Road Club starts from Lupton Field at 9:00am on Saturday 1st and for those who prefer their entertainment fast and furious there are Watt Bike challenges, Go-Ride field events and a bicycle drag race. Mountain bikers are not forgotten and over the weekend there will be a guided mountain bike trail led by Stage 1 Cycles and a mountain bike skills circuit.
Electric bikes continue to develop and Eden-e-Motion, the electric bike specialists from Kirkby Stephen, are providing the opportunity to test the capabilities of electric bikes at one of their experience sessions.
There is also plenty for younger visitors to enjoy, including a Decorated Bike Competition, a 20-foot Bouncy Castle and giant garden games.
For those with a technical leaning or an interest in history there is a vintage bicycle display, containing a private collection of some very old and seldom seen bicycles. Whether old or new, our Bicycle Maintenance Workshops will show you how to take care of your bike and keep it in first class condition and you can show off your newly acquired skills in our ‘Puncture Repair’ or ‘Have a go at assembling a Brompton bike’ Competitions – with prizes for the fastest competitor!
And what would a festival be without local food, drinks and live bands on both days.
For more details, check out www.sedbergh.org.uk/events.
