Birmingham set for inaugural Sky Ride

Birmingham is gearing up for its first Sky Ride on September 12 when up to 15,000 cyclists are expected to hit the streets of the second city.

The route for Sky Ride Birmingham opens at 10am and takes riders on an 8.3km course from Cannon Hill Park up past the County Cricket Ground to Pershore Road continuing onto Sherlock Street and then looping down past iconic city centre buildings. The route then turns back up Pershore Street taking a turn into and through Calthorpe Park and back to Cannon Hill Park.
 

Locally born and bred top model and Sky Ride ambassador Erin O’Connor is just one of the celebrities who will be riding the event. “When I was first approached about taking part in the first ever Sky Ride in Birmingham I was really excited,” she said. “The event is a great opportunity for thousands of people to get cycling in the city and also be able to enjoy the streets traffic free! I urge everyone, of all ages and abilities to come and join me in experiencing the city of Birmingham as you’ve never seen it before.”
 

Participants are being encouraged to get creative with their cycling outfits and bike accessories. A fancy dress competition will take place at the event and the winner will receive a trophy with the runner’s up receiving Sky Ride Wacky Riders medals.
 

In the weeks after the event, trained cycle leaders from British Cycling will guide small groups of cyclists on routes in and around Birmingham every Sunday until the end of October. The local rides will offer a selection of routes at different levels of difficulty ranging from Ride Easy and Ride Steady for any age or ability, to Ride Well and Ride Strong for adults and teenager who want a slightly harder challenge.
 

For more information on the Birmingham Sky Ride click here.