Summer 2014 and exciting time for Cycling in Yorkshire

Sun 27th April
Project Hollywood “On Yer Bike” Photoshoot, Oxenhope
Many will have seen the “2014” Hollywood-style logo in the fields near Oxenhope and be aware of the various themes that have been highlighted by it “Eat Pies”, “Knit Wool”, etc.  Now’s a chance to be part of an “On Yer Bike” aspect – just re-route your Sunday ride to arrive in Oxenhope at 11am and become part of Tour de France history!!  Contact Russell Brown (mrruss@btinternet.com) for details.  All welcome!

Wed 7th May
Truck and Cycle Safety Day, University Academy Keighley, Greenhead Rd, Keighley
Schoolkids from 11am till 5pm (slots still available), after which it’s open season for anyone to come along, sit in a big truck, play with police sirens and blue flashing lights and do a “Top Gear” style lap of the running track on your bike.  Followed at 7pm by “Le Grand Debate:  Truckers v Cyclists” with an expert panel including the police, Road Haulage Association, WYMetro, Highways, Cyclists.  Should be a really good opportunity to hear all sorts of views and put your own forward.  All welcome.

Sun 25th May
Pace the Train, Oxenhope
A “Race the Train” event between Keighley and Oxenhope has been running for many years.  This year, there is an hour-or-so road closure on the section of the route along Hebden Road  between Haworth Brow and Oxenhope (Manorlands) in order that riders of all standards can have a go at the Sue Ryder Pace the Train Challenge.  Starting in the late afternoon and timed with the departure of a K&WVR steam train from Keighley, riders can do 1, 2, 3 or even 4 “laps” of the closed road route and try to beat the train’s arrival at Oxenhope Station.  Bradford University’s Cycling4All programme will ensure that this is also possibly the first ever closed road ride for riders with disabilities.  See

Thu 5th June
Fields of Vision, Active Bike Art Opportunity
Those who have seen the Yorkshire Festival 2014 brochure, the 100 Days of Art and Culture leading up to Le Grand Depart, will have noted the “Fields of Vision” project on pg 31 which has its genesis in the Worth Valley and the Worth the Tour Partnership.  As part of this project, a field has been identified above Oxenhope on the Calder-Aire Link Route to the Pennine Bridleway, onto which an artist has designed a figure of a dancing woman, designed to represent the emancipation of women as a result of the development of the bicycle (leading apparently to greater freedom in terms of dress, independence from men in terms of travel and the opportunity to meet partners from a wider radius under what were at the time very restricted geographical constraints for women!).  The shape will be marked out on the ground, and riders on mountain or cross bikes will be asked to ride round the continuous loop, so carving the figure upon the ground via their knobbly tyres!  All of the Fields of Vision artworks are designed at such a scale as to be seen by the helicopter on 6th July; in the meantime BBC Countryfile have expressed a strong interest in filming the proceedings!  Contact Andrew Wood at Andrew.Wood@suerydercare.org for details.

Sat 28th June
Cycling for Life Exhibition, Central Hall, Alice Street, Keighley, BD21 3JD
To be officially opened by Chris Young, former British Champion and British Cycling representative at 10am.  Caters for beginners to experienced cyclists – all sorts of stuff going on and…..free admission!!
Again part of the 100 Day Yorkshire Festival.  Contact 07931 312599 for details.

Wed 2nd July
Keighley & Craven Charity Hill Climb, East Morton – Le Tour Special!
The 10th version of this popular and informal event, where riders and runners guess their times before departing, at 30-second intervals, to run or cycle up to Keighley Gate (top of Rombalds Moor).  No watches or computers allowed – the winner is the one nearest the estimated time!!  There is a special challenge to bikies to freewheel from the final corner at the top of the moor back down to the pub without pedalling – it is possible with a following wind, good bearings and a few cojones!  All in aid of Haematology and Oncology Day Unit at Airedale Hospital.  Based at the excellent Busfeild Arms, who do a mean hot supper and serve excellent beer.  Starts 6.30pm (arrive 6ish to register your estimate)£3/person – all proceeds to HODU.  Contact John Dennis on sportjohn@blueyonder.co.uk.  No entries, just turn up on the night.

Fri 4th July
Keighley Tour de France Gala Performance, Victoria Hall, Keighley

Sun 6th July
TdF Stage 2:  York to Sheffield via Keighley and Haworth!

Sun 21st July
Bronte Sportive, Leeds City College, Keighley
Appetites whetted by watching the Grand Depart and having been glued to British Eurosport for the rest of the tour, it’s time to have a go on a specially re-routed Sue Ryder Care Bronte Sportive that takes in part of the Stage 2 route between Keighley and Elland, before finding some more hills to come back over to Keighley.  Still 88 miles and 21 classic climbs (including Cragg Vale) at its most extreme, but 20-odd, 40-odd and 60-odd mile versions also available.  Show the pros how it’s done!  See http://www.sueryder.org/Get-involved/Events/All-events/2014/July/Bronte-Sportive-2014   for details and entries.

Sun 21st September
Bronte MTB Challenge, Oxenhope
Three great off-road routes: Charlotte (longest), Emily (medium) and Ann (family) from the park in Oxenhope.
Details at http://www.sueryder.org/

Sun 28th September
Bradford SkyRide and “Ride Le Route”
New date for Bradford SkyRide and 40-mile “Ride Le Route” sportive over part of the 2014 stage routes.  More details to follow!

And finally, for those with enough energy left to run!!

Bradford City Runs, Sunday 26th October
5K/10K/Half Marathon plus Kids Run.  From 9.15am, City Park.  See www.bradfordcityruns.co.uk.
Loads of water guaranteed!!!!!