THE Tour de Yorkshire’s rolled out of town – but there’s still plenty happening for local cyclists – and something for everyone else too.
Following the runaway success of the weekend’s flagship event, Hemlington is holding its very own version with a feast of fun and games for whole family.
The inaugural Tour de Hemlington on Sunday, May 8, is the culmination of a week of activities including bike rides, a 5km fun run, a community stroll, baking competition, a ‘bike doctor’ surgery and youth disco.
The event – organised by local Ward Councillors Nicky Walker and Jeanette Walker, Hemlington Linx, Taylor Wimpey, Swift-Tees and Hemlington Recreation Centre staff – is open to all, from cyclists, runners and walkers to dog walkers and those pushing buggies.
Based around the Hemlington Recreation Centre, the Tour follows the Hemlington Lake Infinity Route with the ‘Get on yer Bike’ Cycle Ride officially started by Mayor of Middlesbrough Dave Budd at 11am.
This will be followed by the 5k Fun Run at 12.30 and Community Stroll at 2pm, with other free activities on the day including face painting, balloon modelling and glitter tattoos.
The local Swift-tees running group will be marshalling the course, with member and Boro fanzine editor Rob Nicholls starting the Community Stroll and judging the baking competition.
Hemlington Ward Councillor Nicky Walker said: “We first had the idea of Tour de Hemlington when Tour de Yorkshire was being discussed within the Council, and are delighted that thanks to us all joining our efforts together it has now blossomed into a week of exciting events.
“Having been inspired by the fantastic Tour de Yorkshire, we wanted to create our own version for the local community. Taylor Wimpey was keen to get involved and has helped at every stage of the process.
“Hemlington is a wonderful community, who take great pride in our lake and we hope local people will come out in force to support the events as well as welcoming many others from outside the area.
“The activities are open to all ages and we’re hoping to see the whole of our great community get involved, as well as welcome others to the area.”
Debbie Whittingham, sales and marketing director at Taylor Wimpey North Yorkshire who have contributed more than £1,000 towards the event, said: “At Taylor Wimpey, we pride ourselves on investing in the local community and when we heard what the local Councillors had planned, we were really excited to help.”
Leaflets on the Tour de Hemlington are available from Hemlington Library Hub or Hemlington Recreation Centre.
For more information, contact, Cllr Nicky Walker on 01642 591473/07876 137605, Cllr Jeanette Walker on 01642 276732 or Kirsty at Hemlington Linx on 01642 591955