The Ride Of Your Life
With cycling continuing to grow in popularity, an established charity ride centred around the Ribble Valley is the perfect opportunity to enjoy wonderful countryside and help raise funds. Kate Bowyer visits the team at Ribble Cycles, whose bikes, expertise and partnership are gearing up for the event
Founded in Preston in 1897, Ribble Cycles is one of the oldest cycling brands in the world. The combination of the very latest technology, paired with years’ of experience, enthusiasm and exemplary service, sets this company (like its bikes) firmly ahead of the pack.
Entering their flagship Clitheroe showroom, I’m met by Europe’s largest indoor 4K video display, showcasing Ribble’s road, gravel, hybrid and electric bikes being put through their paces.
As customers try out the newest models, Ribble’s commercial director, David Stacey, reveals their involvement with the Ribble Valley Ride.
“Organised by Accrington and Clitheroe Rotary Clubs, it’s a fantastic event for all abilities, which takes in some sensational scenery through the heart of the Ribble Valley. Now in its ninth year, the funds raised will go to Rosemere Cancer Foundation, which we are thrilled to be able to support.
“We’ve advised and supported many of our participating customers over the years, and I had a wonderful time taking part last year with my family. Seeing how much the organisers and volunteers put into the event, the joy that riders get from participating, and the real difference the funds raised can make, we decided to get involved to help publicise and scale up the event.”
Not only are Ribble Cycles major partners of this year’s ride, which takes place on Sunday 9th June, all entrants will automatically qualify for a chance to win a prestige Ribble bike worth £3,000. Signing up at ribblevalleyride.org, riders choose from the easy 25-mile ‘Enthusiast’ ride through idyllic Ribble Valley scenery, the tough, hilly 50-mile ‘Expert’ route through the upper Ribble Valley into the Dales, or the 75-mile ‘Elite’ challenge winding through the undulating Bowland Fells.
Seeing me, a fair-weather pedaller pale a little at the prospect, David is quick to reassure: “Such a well-organised event will be enjoyable and inclusive for everyone, with a really fun, family friendly atmosphere. While no route will be completely flat, e-bikes are very welcome, all routes will be well signed and marshalled, with regular feed-stops and aid stations along the way.
“Chip timings and full classified results will be available to all – good news for competitive challengers.
“It really is great value for an event, charging from just £20 entry for the family-friendly ‘Enthusiast’ route, and there’s discounted ‘family’ tickets too.”
Ribble Cycles will be providing expert technical support along the routes, with riders enjoying superior refuelling at the regular food and hydration stops (included in the entry fees), thanks to homemade treats baked and served by Rotary Club volunteers.
Event founder Bill Honeywell, from Clitheroe Rotary Club said: “We are absolutely delighted to be working with Ribble to increase the profile of this year’s ride and attract cyclists from further afield to experience the delights of this beautiful corner of rural Lancashire.”
With entries open until Thursday 6th June, Jamie Burrow, Ribble’s head of design and development, shares some expert tips on preparation over the next two months: “Now the weather’s better, getting out on the road two or three times a week would be ideal, especially if you’re considering the Expert or Elite routes. Ensure your bike’s in good shape, with a professional service – if that’s not your area of expertise, come and chat to us especially if it’s time for a new road, hybrid or e-bike.”
And on the day? “You can get hot very quickly going uphill, and cold just as quickly in the wind or while stopped, so carry a few layers including a waterproof and suncream. Carrying a multi-tool and puncture repair kit or spare inner tube can get you back on the road quicker than waiting for assistance.
“Bring some food and drink in case you need it, but, unless you’re an experienced cyclist comfortable with refuelling on the go, take advantage of the feed stations for proper food en route and a chance to stretch out. It’ll be a really fun day, so enjoy it!”
Having spent the day watching customers being expertly measured for their bike, given good advice, test riding bikes, or selecting a custom colour and finish from Ribble’s exclusive colour wheel, I’m seriously considering giving this a go, starting my cycling journey with a Ribble bike.
“The Ribble Valley Ride takes in much of the countryside where we research, design and test our bikes and we are so blessed to have some of the best and most beautiful cycling landscapes in the country,” concludes David. “We just want to encourage people to come out in support of a great cause, and enjoy a fantastic and memorable day out.”
Ribble Cycles
Barrow Brook Trade Park
North Road, Barrow
Clitheroe BB7 9BQ
01200 411581
ribblecycles.co.uk
ribblevalleyride.org
