Plymouth’s Olympians to open Sky Ride event

With less than two weeks to go before the big event, Plymouth’s very own Special Olympians will open Sky Ride, taking place on Sunday 25 May.

Gold and bronze medallists, Elizabeth Haywood and Steven Dodd, will officially open the 2014 cycling event at 11am on the Hoe.

The event, organised by Plymouth City Council in partnership with Sky and British Cycling, is in its third year and will see thousands of people enjoying a bike ride around the city on traffic-free roads.

Roads will be closed to motorists, allowing for cyclists of all ages and abilities to take their time and enjoy the ride at their own pace. This year the route is 6.5km and will go from the Hoe Promenade, around the Citadel towards West Hoe where cyclists will then go through an inflatable tunnel.

Once bikes have been cycled through the lights and bubbles, the route will take them through Millbay, down Durnford Street and a quick view of Royal William Yard before heading back.

Although the main event, activities and entertainment will be based on the Hoe people can start or finish anywhere along the route. The full 6.5km can be done is one fell swoop, or cycled in smaller chunks for those that stop for refreshments or to watch the entertainment along the route.

There will be lots to see and do with activities taking place every 30 minutes. These include unicycle workshops and displayed, BMX stunt shows, Go-Ride sprint sessions and bike basic workshops.

As well as lots of free activities and things to see, there’s also chance to pick up some great prizes and rewards – just by registering your free place online.

Everyone who registers for Sky Ride Plymouth will receive a special event lanyard on the day, packed with event information and features, including an interactive pass to unlock additional benefits.

In addition, the first 1,000 registrants to sign up at www.goskyride.com/plymouthskyride will also receive a limited edition British Cycling and Sky water bottle – perfect for keeping you hydrated as you explore Plymouth on two wheels!

What’s more, register and you can get your wheels checked out for free beforehand. Everyone who signs up can make the most of a free expert bike check (worth £14.99) at Halfords.

To view the full programme and route map visit www.plymouth.gov.uk/skyride. Go to www.goskyride.com/plymouthskyride to register your place.