It’s Chesterfield Cycle Festival this month, from July 4-13, and I look at some of the highlights, writes Barrie Farnsworth.
On Saturday, July 5, there are two rides and Dr Bike, the repair man, is in action from 9.30am-1pm in Queen’s Park car park. The rides, both starting from the Queen’s Park cafe, are the Avenue Works Loop, which runs from 10am-12.30pm; with 2-6.30pm a scenic ride to Holymoorside with an optional stop at the Lamb Inn.
On Sunday, July 6, there’s a fascinating Chesterfield History Ride, with Cycle Chesterfield, starting from Queen’s Park cafe at 10am, lasting about 2.5 hours.
There’s a ride to Pleasley Vale, using the Avenue Trail and the 5 Pits Trail, with the Spire Cycling Club, on Tuesday, July 8, starting at the Queen’s Park Leisure Centre at 9.15am and a return by 1.30pm.
On July 9, there’s a cycle ride called ‘Road & Gravel to Albert Inn at Woodthorpe’, with Dronfield Clarion Cycling Club, starting from Chesterfield Railway Station at 6.30pm and returning by 9pm.
On Thursday, July 10, there’s a Tansley & Ogston road ride, with Spire Cycling Club, starting from Queen’s Park Leisure Centre at 9.15am and with a coffee stop at Tansley Barn and returning by 1.30pm.
On Friday, July 11, Inclusive Pedals will be demonstrating their fleet of adapted bikes at the Queen’s Park Cricket Pavilion between 1pm and 3pm.
On Saturday, July 12, Women Cycle Too will be leading a ride from Hollingwood to Creswell Crags, about 24 miles in total, starting at 10am at the Hollingwood Hub on the Chesterfield Canal. Please take a drink and snacks, and you will be back at the Hub by 3pm.
On Sunday, July 13, it’s the 2.5-hour Ben Vernon Charity Ride, celebrating Ben Vernon’s life and raising money for Cancer Research UK – donate before or on the day. There are two routes (4 miles and 13 miles), but both start from Vicar Lane, Chesterfield, at 10am.
Chesterfield Cycle Festival is on the website cyclechesterfield.org There is no charge for any of the routes, but you need to reserve your free space.
Chance to enjoy paddle sports this summer…
GET active on the Chesterfield Canal as paddle sports return at the Hollywood Hub for the summer (weather permitting), with a chance to try out kayaking, canoeing or paddle boarding on the historic canal.
All Saturdays and Sundays during the summer and until October 26, you can hire a paddle board for up to three hours (£14 for one hour and £32 for three hours), or hire a single kayak or a double kayak for up to three hours, or even hire a Canadian canoe for up to three hours. An introductory 90-minute session with an instructor costs £35.
If you want to explore the whole canal between Chesterfield and Staveley, it is possible to book a six-hour session on any of the craft on any day between May and September when the weekend sessions are not taking place. The prices are £50 for a paddleboard or single kayak and £60 for a double kayak or Canadian canoe. Please email chris@cjbtrainingandadventure.co.uk.