IN NOTTS WE LOVE TO HAVE A ‘WHEELY’ GOOD TIME

MEDIA RELEASE: 20 May 2014

Cycling in Nottinghamshire is a ‘wheely’ great experience for visitors and locals alike. With numerous trails which take in some truly magnificent views, the cream of British elite cyclists competing in the Milk Race and Cycle Live, and the chance to win ‘his and hers Raleigh mountain bikes’ in Experience Nottinghamshire’s competition, open until 1 June – cycling in Nottinghamshire is big business.

Keith Laird, Head of Business Development, Experience Nottinghamshire, said:  “Nottingham and cycling go hand in hand as our bicycle heritage includes the world famous Raleigh brand which was founded here in 1887. We have some major cycling events taking place in Nottinghamshire this year, including the legendary Milk Race on 24th and 25th May, which attracts thousands of cyclists, including many of the UK’s elite cyclists, and thousands of spectators, as well as Cycle Live, which is held over the weekend of 21th and 22nd June and incorporates three great cycling events for beginners and professionals alike. We are currently working on creating new cycling route maps and itineraries on the Experience Nottinghamshire website, which encompass some truly magnificent views, with the aim of ensuring Nottinghamshire is well and truly on the map as a destination of choice for leisure cycling breaks.”

Here is a round-up of top cycling events and activities taking place across Nottinghamshire. For more information, visit www.experiencenottinghamshire.com/cycling.  

The Milk Race 2014 (24 & 25 May 2014) – Nottingham city centre

After a 20-year hiatus and then a triumphant return last year, the legendary cycling event will once again return to Nottingham. Enjoy a festival of music and entertainment on Saturday 24 May and cheer on the cyclists on Sunday 25 May. During the weekend, it is the perfect chance to visit Nottingham’s Tourist Information Centre, in Smithy Row, and browse the selection of new Raleigh merchandise on sale including a water bottle, lunch box, journal and mugs, all with Raleigh’s noticeable branding. www.themilkrace.com

Sky Ride (15 June – 12 October 2014) – Rides across Nottingham

The popular programme of rides, guided by trained British Cycling ride leaders, is set to kick off in June, with rides taking place all over Nottingham. Organised by British Cycling and Sky, in partnership with Nottingham City Council, the rides give locals the chance to join organised, guided rides of varying distances and difficulties. Enjoy an easygoing spin around picturesque areas or join one of the more challenging rides. www.goskyride.com/Nottingham

Cycle Live (21 & 22 June 2014) – Victoria Embankment

Celebrate all that’s great about cycling with Cycle Live in Nottinghamshire. In one weekend, there will be three great events covering fantastic sites of Nottingham streets to the best countryside scenery Nottinghamshire has to offer. Enthusiastic cyclists of all abilities can choose to participate in the Nottingham Grand Prix, Nottingham City Ride or Greats Notts Bike Ride.  It’s a fun day out for all the family and a great way to keep active, and cheer on the contestants. www.cyclelivenottingham.co.uk

Nottingham Life Cycle 4 (31 August 2014) – Lakeside Arts Centre

The University of Nottingham’s Life Cycle team is back in the saddle for Nottingham Life Cycle 4, raising money for Children's Brain Tumour Research. With cycle rides for cycling enthusiasts and less-experienced riders plus live music, BBQ and celebrations, there will be something for everyone. www.nottingham.ac.uk/supportus/currentfundingpriorities/theuniversityofnottinghamslifecycle/getinvolved/getinvolved.aspx

A summer of triathlons and more – venues across Nottinghamshire

Whether it's your first triathlon or you're trying to qualify for the national squad, there are plenty of opportunities to partake in one of the many triathlons taking place across Nottinghamshire.

• Nottingham Triathlon 2014 (31 May 2014) – Holme Pierrepont Country Park, home of the National Water Sports Centre www.onestepbeyond.org.uk/nottingham-triathlon.php
• [SOLD OUT] The Outlaw Half Triathlon 2014 (1 June 2014) – Holme Pierrepont Country Park, home of the National Water Sports Centre www.onestepbeyond.org.uk/outlaw-half-triathlon.php
• [SOLD OUT] The Outlaw Triathlon 2014 (27 July 2014) – Holme Pierrepont Country Park, home of the National Water Sports Centre www.onestepbeyond.org.uk/the-outlaw-triathlon.php
• Last Minute Triathlon 2014 (14 September 2014) – Southwell www.onestepbeyond.org.uk/last-minute-triathlon.php

Cycle Hire in Nottinghamshire

With the weather set to warm up, exploring Nottinghamshire on two wheels is a great experience, with a wide range of routes across the county. However, sometimes it’s not always practical to take your own bike away with you – so why not take advantage of the many cycle hire locations dotted across Nottinghamshire? www.experiencenottinghamshire.com/cycling/cycle-hire-in-notts

Explore rural Nottinghamshire – A cycling trip through Sherwood Forest, Sherwood Pines and Clumber Park comes highly recommended with many cycling trails on offer depending on your level of cycling experience.

Explore Nottingham city – For city stays, cycle hire is available from the Nottingham Tourism Centre, in Smithy Row, ensuring that you'll be able explore outdoors and access some of the nearby country parks including Wollaton Hall, Holme Pierrepont Country Park, home of the National Water Sports Centre, and Attenborough National Nature Reserve.

Win Raleigh mountain bikes

If you want to be in the running to win one of four exclusive Nottinghamshire prizes, be sure to enter Experience Nottinghamshire’s FREE online competition – open until 1 June 2014. Nottingham is home to Britain’s most iconic cycle brand and Experience Nottinghamshire have teamed up with our friends at Raleigh to offer a pair of his and hers Raleigh mountain bikes.