Cyclists across Darlington and beyond are limbering up for the first in a series of annual cycle rides.
Darlington Borough Council’s Healthy Darlington team has organised the four tourist trials, designed to challenge serious and experienced cyclists.
The first of the rides, The Round 50 will take place on Sunday 4 June. It takes in 50 miles of County Durham and North Yorkshire countryside and is a great opportunity to begin preparation for the longer rides.
The 70 on Sunday 2 July follows the route created by members of Darlington Cycling Club, through some of County Durham’s most scenic areas. Check in point is at Barnard Castle.
The Castles Ride on Sunday 6 August is great preparation for anyone thinking of tackling The Hell of the North in September. It is an extremely challenging route in its own right, stretching 85 miles with some tough climbing over Redmire and Harkerside Moors. The ride, as its name suggests, is linked by local castles along the route, including Richmond, Middleham, Bolton, and Walworth castles. Check in point is Leyburn.
The final, most gruelling ride, of the series is The Hell of The North on Sunday 3 September. It continues to be the most popular of the rides and is a tough test recommended for experienced cyclists only. This extremely challenging route covers more than 100 miles of spectacular scenery. Participants check in at Kirby Stephen and then make their way back through Brough towards Middleton-in-Teesdale and on to Darlington.
Advance entry fees for the first three rides are £8 with T-shirt or £6 for standard entry; or you can pay on the day, £10 with T-shirt or £7 standard entry. Advance entry for the Hell of the North is £10 with T-shirt or £7 standard entry, with on the day fees of £12 with T-shirt or £8 for standard entry.
You can register online at www.eventbrite.co.uk/darlingtoncyclerides or you can email eventsteam@darlington.gov.uk and for more information, including routes and an entry form, visit www.healthydarlington.co.uk/events and search cycle rides.