Keep your resolutions on track in Plymouth

If you made it your resolution to get fit this year it’s easy to keep on track with so many cycle rides and clubs to choose from in Plymouth.

Last year was a huge success for cycling with the Olympics, the Tour De France and even the successful Sky Ride Plymouth event. This has inspired many to get back in the saddle and start peddling.

Cycling can suit people of all ages and abilities, from complete beginners to elite riders, perhaps you want to take a guided leisurely family ride or meet other like-minded individuals with social cycling groups.

Plymouth City Council in partnership with Sky and British Cycling are creating their 2013 bike ride programme which includes Breeze rides (women only rides) and Sky Ride Local rides. These free group bike rides across the city will take in lovely off-road routes in parks and on tracks and trails.

The programme normally runs from May to September but if you can’t wait until then why not join the Woodland Wheelers for a guided two hour easy ride from Plymbridge woods to Saltram. They meet in the National Trust car park every Sunday at 10am and can offer a limited number of bikes to hire for free. All you need to do is turn up.

They also hold women only Breeze rides on the first Sunday of every month, also from the National Trust car park at Plymbridge. To ensure the correct number of ride leaders accompany you on these rides it is advisable you book a space at www.goskyride.com/plymouth using the activity finder.

If joining or creating your own social cycling group is more your thing you can search for rides or post your own ride for people to join at www.goskyride.com/plymouth and clicking on the activity finder. Social rides are a new initiative created by cyclists of all abilities, taking part at a place and time to suit the individual.

You can also gain more confidence handling and riding a bike on the road with the Council’s on road training for adults. Perhaps you would like to ride your bike to work but are not sure if you’re ready. We can also help keep your bike on the road with a free bike health check. For more information email cycling@plymouth.gov.uk or call 307704.

Children can also get active with the Bike It Plus project, a new scheme which aims to increase the number of children (parents and staff too) cycling, walking and scooting to school. If you think your child's school would benefit from taking part, just ask their teacher to contact Ryan Evans by emailing ryan.evans@plymouth.gov.uk or call 307758 for more information.

To keep up to date with bike rides in and around Plymouth visit www.goskyride.com/plymouth. Alternatively visit www.plymouth.gov.uk/cycling for all you need to know about cycling in Plymouth. Here you will be able to find the Plymouth cycle map, details of cycle routes in the city and guides on finding the right bike for you and basic bike maintenance. There are also details of bike clubs in and around the city.