CTC and FC to offer guided rides across the UK

Word from the CTC on a new initiative taking place in a wood near you…

CTC – The UK’s National Cyclists’ Organisation is helping to support a forthcoming attempt by the Forestry Commission to beat the world record for the largest tree-hug due to take place at Delamere Forest on Sunday 11 September. The event is part of the Forestry Discovery Day which takes place at 28 forestry sites.

CTC cycling instructors will offer guided cycle rides, free bike safety checks and cycle training at seven sites: Kielder, Dalby, Sherwood, Moors valley, Haldon, Forest of Dean and Delamere. The day will mark the launch of CTC’s Forestry Cycle Challenge which is a free, fun competition to encourage people to rediscover cycling in the picturesque surroundings of England’s woodlands over the next three weeks. Anyone can head to their local Forestry Commission site for a bike ride during this period and log their trip at www.cyclextra.org.uk to be entered into a prize draw.

The Forestry Cycle Challenge is one of the first outcomes of a new partnership between CTC and Forestry Commission England designed to increase the role that cycling plays in woodlands, to enhance the health and wellbeing of the nation and to support local tourism.

Paddy Harrop, Recreation and Public Affairs Manager of the Forestry Commission England, said: “The Forestry Commission is excited about this new partnership with the CTC and I am looking forward to see more activities like CTC’s Forestry Cycle Challenge over the next months which will get people cycling in some of the most beautiful parts of England. The Forestry Commission’s quiet woodland trails are great places to improve your cycling skills away from busy roads and traffic.”

To find out where their nearest forestry location is, members of the public register at www.cyclextra.org.uk. They can then set themselves targets for cycle mileage, carbon saved or calories burned as well as logging the cycle trips they’ve made.

Ian Richardson, CTC’s Business Development Manager, said: “We know from over 20 cycle challenges we have run over the last couple of years that this tool is effective in getting hundreds more people cycling, and the Forestry Cycle Challenge is only the latest addition to this successful scheme.”