Charnwood Borough Council - Leading in Leicestershire

Charnwood Borough Council is excited to announce the return of the successful Rural Rides cycling programme, which is in its second year, with a special launch ride called “Steam Train and Pedalling Picnic” on Sunday 23rd April.
Charnwood and North West Leicestershire Rural Rides 2006 is a programme of led cycle rides across Charnwood and North West Leicestershire. The rides follows quiet lanes and off road routes at a leisurely pace. There are frequent stops to take in points of interest or just to admire the view. Designed for the casual rider, all shapes and sizes of cycle and cyclist are welcome!
Cyclists are to meet at the Great Central Railway Station in Quorn at 11am, to put bikes on the 11.23 steam train. This special event incorporates a round steam train trip to Rothley with specially reduced rates of £5 per adult and £3 per child. Tickets must be purchased in advance from Recreational Services, please call 01509 634836. After a short cycle ride to Swithland, where cyclists can enjoy their picnic lunch, whilst at Swithland village hall, the Mayor of Charnwood will present the lucky winner of the Rural Rides competition with their prize of £250 worth of cycle equipment, kindly donated by Halfords. After lunch, cyclists will enjoy an easy paced ride to Stonehurst Farm for an afternoon tea stop, after which, it is homeward bound back to Quorn through Charnwood Forest.
Francesca Gibson, Community Leisure Development Officer for Charnwood Borough Council said, “ There are some great additions to the ride programme this year, cyclists have the opportunity to ride through the National Forest and also around Swithland and Cropston Reservoirs. We hope that Charnwood residents will join us on the Rural Rides and start enjoying the health benefits that cycling can provide, whilst also enjoying the picturesque countryside that Charnwood has to offer.”
The Rural Rides brochure is available now with full details of all cycling events happening over the year from April through to September. There really is a ride for everyone, ranging from short family cycle rides through to the more advanced 30-mile treks. To get your copy or to purchase tickets, please contact Recreational Services on 01509 643836.