Female focus for Dales bike riding initiative

Following the launch in June at Carsington Water of the first in a series of women-only bike rides on safe trails led by a trained leader, the initiative has moved up a gear with new rides on the Monsal and Tissington Trails.

Suitable for beginners, the scheme is being organised by Derbyshire Dales District Council with partners British Cycling, Carsington Sports & Leisure, Monsal Trail Cycle Hire and the Peak District National Park Authority.

Local women can select their location every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 to 11am. On Mondays, riders meet at Hassop Station; on Tuesdays it’s Carsington Water and on Wednesdays, the starting point for the Tissington Trail is Ashbourne Cycle Hire.

Small children are welcome and it’s just £6 to hire an adult bike and free to use your own. Trailers and child seats are also available to hire and booking is essential on 01629 540478 or email [email protected] for Carsington, and by calling the District Council’s Youth Sports Development Officer Marie Widerman for the Monsal and Tissington Trails on 01629 761380 or email [email protected]

Chairman of Derbyshire Dales District Council’s Communities Committee, Cllr Jennifer Bower said: “I’ve already tried the Carsington ride myself and had a great time. The district council works hard to promote safe and healthy communities and these rides are a terrific way of getting more people active – and meeting new people – in a really enjoyable way.”

More information is available online at www.derbyshiredales.gov.uk/cycling.