York will be one of several venues across the country for the national  ‘5 Miles to Fabulous’ cycling event on Sunday 8 June.

The five-mile bike ride will start at 10am at the Millennium Bridge and there will be no charge for taking part. The route will follow the TransPennine Trail and Sustrans cycling routes to Naburn, and return the same way.

The event is aimed primarily at women, but will be an ideal ride for all the family too.  There will be various information stands at the start of the ride, with cycling experts on hand to answer questions.  The café at Naburn will be open all day to offer refreshments and everyone taking part will receive a certificate. The cycle ride will be all about having fun whilst getting fit, and will be a great opportunity to make new friends.

The event has been organised by CTC (the national cyclists’ organisation) in conjunction with City of York Council's sport and active leisure department.  The ride will be led by Sustrans' volunteer rangers, and City of York Council’s cycle trainers will also be on hand.

‘Five Miles to Fabulous’ will see more than 100 free bike rides for women taking place across the UK on 7 and 8 June. The rides aim to encourage women to take up cycling again and have the confidence to cycle for five miles. 

It’s recommended that all women should do at least 30 minutes of physical activity five times a week. Many adults who used to cycle as children will now always take the car less than five miles to the shops. It is hoped that women who take part will be encouraged to use their bicycles more and therefore maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle. It will take a beginner cyclist just 30 minutes to travel five miles, so it’s the perfect way to fit exercise into your daily routine.

Jo Gilliland, head of sport and active leisure at City of York Council, will be taking part in the event.  She said: “You can burn at least five calories a minute whilst cycling, so its a great reason to get on your bike!  It can be very daunting to start riding a bicycle again. If it has been a while since you last used a bike, don’t worry because lots of other people will be in the same boat. All you need to bring along is a bike that works.”
 
Anyone wanting to enter should register their attendance with Martyn Bolt by calling 01423 545576 or emailing martyn.bolt@CTC.ORG.UK