Our first National Park is hosting a summer long promotion of cycling events, entertainment and a couple of festivals too, and oh yes it will act as the backdrop to the cycling’s premier event of the year, can you guess which one? This Summer of Cycling has events until October all over the area for you to join in with and enjoy.

There is a range of cycling routes for all ages and abilities, so if you haven’t been in the saddle for a while then there are several that are fun and easy going. However, if you are ready for something more of a challenge and are looking to head down a steep muddy track at a fair old rate of knots then you too will be accommodated. Here are some of the highlights over the next couple of weeks.

18th June. A Bring ya Bike event is being held at Penistone, where you can get advice on the best way of keeping your bike ready for action and how to fix it when it goes wrong.

19th June. Get to Shipley Country Park Visitor Centre, and ‘Cycle for Supper’. Starting at 7.00pm in the evening join a leisurely evening bike ride, with stop for refreshments at a local hostelry along the way (don’t forget to bring your pocket money if you fancy a shandy) and finishing at 9.00pm there will be soup and a roll as a reward for your efforts.

20th – 22nd June. Taking place at the Bakewell Showground is the L’Eroica Britannis. Described as the most handsome bike race in the world, where only bikes built before 1987 can enter, alongside this is a three day event all about bikes and style.

22nd June. Up and Down Dale to Glossop Trek. A led bike ride to Glossop starting out at Penistone.

Why not check out your cycling clothing and get involved, and enjoy some of the best countryside in the UK, who knows you could be spotted and fine yourself rubbing shoulder with Wiggins, Frome and the rest of the British stars.