Press releases – The York Cycle Rally & Festival: 21-23 June 2024

Our latest press release (09 June 2016):

PRESS RELEASE for immediate release

Free fun for cycle-crazy kids at Knavesmire cycle rally

Under 16s with a passion for pedalling are invited to the Knavesmire next weekend (18-19^th June) for free activities and events at the York Cycle Rally. It’s an all-volunteer organised York fixture which has been running since 1945. This year the emphasis is on keeping younger riders active!

Free skills training and mini races come from British Cycling’s Go-Ride programme. Kim Meadows, Yorkshire Region Go-Ride Coach, says “We’ll be there from 11AM to 5PM on Saturday, and 1PM to 4PM on Sunday. Kids can just come along with a bike. We can lend out helmets if needed but please do bring yours if you have one. Also remember to bring along a parent to sign the consent form!” Assisting with the Go-ride sessions will be coaches from local cycling clubs Clifton CC and Bronte Tykes.

Youngsters can also follow in the wheeltracks of Olympic stars like Victoria Pendleton, who started out racing on grass. On Saturday afternoon the Rally’s grasstrack arena on the Knavesmire hosts a free ‘come and try it’ cycle speedway session followed by British Cycling National Series grasstrack racing, with junior and youth categories available for younger rides alongside the top-level adult races.

The Rally’s grasstrack organiser, Dave Bishop, is a highly respected figure in the Yorkshire cycling circles. In his long coaching career he has helped countless youngsters develop their talent and progress to the very highest levels of the sport.

On Sunday the spotlight moves to the Yorkshire Cyclo-Cross Association. Andy Johnson from the York Cycleworks race team, the volunteer organiser of the racing at the Rally, said “Cyclo-cross is a great friendly, family activity – we have categories for riders as young as under 8s, and everyone can have a go! Just come along on Sunday morning and we can get you started!”

For families with children who prefer more gentle bike riding there are free organised rides on offer too, with local volunteers from Sustrans running several rides from 5 miles and upwards, mostly along the safe, traffic-free “Solar System Greenway” converted railway line which runs from alongside the Knavesmire to refreshment stops at Naburn and Riccall.

York’s cycling community for women, Bike Belles, is also running a ride from the Rally, which they describe as “A leisurely jaunt down the Greenway to explore the cafes of Naburn.” New or potential members are especially welcome, says Bike Belles ride leader Sheridan Piggott.

The Rally organisers are hoping for a good turnout, saying “To find out more please visit www.yorkrally.org, or just come along to the Knavesmire on Saturday or Sunday, 18-19^th June. Entry, parking and almost all activities on site are free. As well as the riding there’s music, a trade show, a cycle jumble and much more to keep everyone entertained!”

British Cycling Go-Ride: www.britishcycling.org/go-ride

Yorkshire Cyclo-Cross Association www.yorkshirecyclocross.com

York Bike Belles www.fb.com/yorkbikebelles

York Rally www.yorkrally.org

ENDS

NOTES FOR EDITORS (NOT FOR PUBLICATION):

Images:

You are warmly invited to send a photographer to the Rally!

In advance of the event, masses of pictures are available at: www.yorkrally.org/2015-york-rally-reports-and-images/ and many more of young riders at: www.yorkrally.org/cyclo-cross

We have permission for all of these images to be used free of charge across all media in connection with the York Rally. Please credit photographers. Higher resolution versions are usually available – please just ask.

A few samples images, mostly from the 2015 event, are also below: