Nationwide ride series kicks off

The Evans Cycles Ride It! events are a series of organised road and off-road rides that are designed to take the hassle out of your weekend riding. The rides are non-competitive with an emphasis on riding with other riders, riding in new areas and sampling some of the best off-road riding the UK has to offer.

“It’s all about getting people to use their bikes more often” says Event Manager Dean Stacey. “What we do is take the hassle out of getting out on your bike – we research the routes, mark out the courses, plot it on a map and provide support throughout the day. All you need to do is turn up and ride!”

The series makes its debut at Evans Cycles head office at Gatwick over the weekend 29th and 30th March (MTB on Saturday and road on Sunday) and then twice a month at different venues throughout the UK. Every road ride has 4 pre marked routes designed for all standards of riders from family groups to experienced cyclists.

The family road ride is a 15 mile route which is a good introduction to road riding designed for the whole family to enjoy with minimal climbing and takes place on quieter roads. The short ride is around 30 miles and is ideal for casual riders or the commuter who wants to spend some leisure time on their bike. The medium ride is about 60 miles and is the perfect distance to integrate the ride into your training schedule and work your way up to the 90 mile plus long distance route – a ride that will really test your fitness and stamina.

“Although we cater for the experienced road rider, the rides have been designed for novices and families as well” explains Dean. “At every event there’s a shorter 15 mile loop and all kids under 16 ride free. The free entry for kids is something that is unique and designed to encourage more youngsters into riding their bikes.”

Adult entry is £10 per rider. Entries can be purchased on the Evans Cycles website at www.evanscycles.com/rideit and are also taken on the day (subject to a £2.50 surcharge)

- Every ride includes:
- Pre-marked routes for all abilities
- FREE Memory Map OS map for each rider
- FREE SIS energy food & drink
- FREE kids entry
- Mechanical service

Dates and Venues
- Gatwick March 29th & 30th Evans Cycles HQ, RH10 9TZ
- Brighton April 12th & 13th Plumpton College. BN7 3AE
- Woking April 26th & 27th Parish Pavilion, Chobam, GU24 8AZ
- Gateshead May 17th & 18th Evans Cycles Gateshead, NE11 9YS
- Albury, Surrey Hills May 31st & June 1st Albury Cricket Club, GU5 9DB
- Milton Keynes June 7th & 8th The Pavilion, Bow Brickhill, MK17 9JB
- Dorking, Surrey Hills June 28th & 29th The Priory School, Dorking, RH4 3DG
- Thirsk, North York Moors July 12th & 13th Sutton Bank Visitor Centre, Thirsk, YO7 2EH
- Stokenchurch, Chilterns July 26th & 27th Stokenchurch Primary School, HP14 3RN
- Hayfield Manchester August 9th & 10th Venue TBC
- Oxted, North Downs August 30th & 31st Hazelwood School, Oxted, RH8 0QU
- North London September 13th & 14th Chancellor's School, Hatfield, AL9 7BN
- Bristol September 20th & 21st Venue TBC
- Nottingham October 4th & 5th Oaklands Centre, Warsop, NG20 0JE
- West London October 18th & 19th Venue TBC
 
Demo bikes
Ride It is not just about getting out on your bike, it’s also about sampling the latest bikes from Evans Cycles extensive range of mountain bikes. Visit the Evans Cycles website for details on demo bike availability.

Mountain Bike Rides
Why not make a weekend of it and bring your mountain bike for Saturday’s mountain bike ride? There will be three distances available for all abilities starting with a short 12 - 15 mile family route which is a gentle introduction to off road riding. The medium route is a more testing 25 – 30 mile suitable for those with off-road experience and a reasonable level of fitness and normally takes between 3 to 5 hours. The long route takes in the medium route and adds an additional 5 or so miles of self-navigated trails to push your endurance and map reading skills that little bit further.

Website - www.evanscycles.com/rideit