Sadly, when the Rally was revived in 2015 it was not possible to run the traditional ride to York Minster for a cycling service, and to parade back through the city. The Minster was not available, and safely marshalling the Parade would have been a real challenge for our small volunteer organising team.
So we are very grateful that the Church of St Matthew, Naburn, kindly agreed to host churchgoers from the Rally on Sunday morning, for a family-themed service. The ride to Naburn is about five miles each way, almost entirely on the traffic-free Sustrans track along an old railway.
Thanks again to St Matthews at Naburn and everyone there who made us so welcome. This alternative was well received, and has been repeated every year since.
This year’s church service ride departs at 8:30 AM on Sunday from the cycle path near the car boot sale field. The route is mapped out here.
Please note that while the York Rally is delighted to host this traditional church service ride, as an organisation we do not have any religious affiliation – the only thing we evangelise for is cycling! People of any religion, or none, are most welcome at the Rally, and we’d be very happy to host rides to other places of worship too if there’s interest – suggestions welcome!
Meanwhile, please enjoy these images: click to enlarge.