A CYCLING event in Hambleton designed to encourage more people to get out on their bikes has been hailed a success.

British Cycling, Sky, and North Yorkshire Sport have teamed up with Hambleton District Council’s community leisure team to organise the area’s first Sky Ride Local, which saw 17 riders taking part.

Sky Ride leaders took the first group for a nine-mile ride around Northallerton countryside last week, passing through the market town as well as Danby Wiske and Yafforth.

Rides following the same route will take place on June 8 and July 13

Another slightly longer route is also planned –called Ride around the Rountons – a steady 25-mile ride suitable for riders aged over 11, taking in West Rounton and the surrounding areas, on June 29 and August 3

Councillor Bridget Fortune said: “We are delighted with the response to the first event and hope that we can create a great legacy from the Tour de France by having lots of people join our other sky rides.

All rides start from the Civic Centre in Northallerton at 10am and are free.

The rides are an integral part of the Get Hambleton Cycling campaign - the aim being to help to build a cycling legacy following the visit of the Tour de France.

To book a place or for more information visit goskyride.com or contact David Earl, community leisure officer, on 01609-767202.