Saddle up for weekly cycle ride out from Barnard Castle

LAPSED cyclists are being urged to get back in the saddle to prevent a free service being lost.
Mountain bikes locked up at Teesdale Leisure Centre will be available for six weeks every Wednesday from April 26 for an hour long ride out.
Volunteer Sue Bainbridge wants Barnard Castle folk to make use of the free resource. 
She said: “People haven’t a clue this facility is here – they are free bikes and you get a free helmet provided.
“We get lots of support from Durham County Council and we’ve got people back on bikes who haven’t ridden for years.
“We ride around by Whorlton usually so we’re not in heavy traffic for very long at all.”
The “Bike for Life” cycling sessions have been going ahead for more than 12 months and are open to all aged 16 and over.
Ms Bainbridge said people were free to bring their own bikes along if they wished and sought to put those worried about tough inclines at ease. She added: “If people aren’t used to riding a bike, haven’t ridden in a long time or feel a bit nervous they can come out with us.
“To be perfectly honest I dislike hills immensely and I often walk up them.
“If you have to get off to get up a hill you’re very welcome to join me.”
Helmets are compulsory on the cycle rides and all routes are shepherded by trained bike leaders at the front and back of the groups.
Other routes include journeys up to Lartington and down to Startforth with regular stops along the way.
An hour long Barnard Castle “Health Walk” is also being organised for Tuesday, April 25.
For more information on both events, contact Victoria Lee on 03000 260856.