We believe cycling should be welcoming, accessible, and fun for everyone. This summer, Otley Cycle Club are organising beginner-friendly Saturday rides from the shop and children’s cycle coaching sessions at Prince Henry’s Grammar School
Photos by Bernard Marsden
Looking to get back into cycling? Curious about joining a club ride but not sure where to start?
Otley Cycle Club’s beginner rides are designed exactly for that.
Starting Saturday 23rd May 2026, the club will be running a series of free fortnightly beginner rides from Chevin Cycles, following quiet back roads through Askwith, Ilkley, Nesfield and Beamsley before stopping at the popular Abbey Tea Rooms near Bolton Abbey.
The rides are aimed at newcomers wanting a relaxed introduction to group riding, as well as riders looking to rebuild confidence or fitness in a friendly, no-pressure environment.
No specialist bike is required – road bikes, hybrids, mountain bikes, folders and e-bikes are all welcome, provided they are roadworthy. Helmets are required on all rides.
One of the things we love most about these rides is the atmosphere. Nobody gets left behind, and the focus is firmly on enjoying the ride, meeting people, and building confidence on the bike.
Otley Cycle Club also operates a “try before you buy” approach, meaning riders are welcome to attend a couple of rides before deciding whether club membership is for them
Cycling is something that should start with confidence, fun, and good habits from the very beginning.
Otley Cycle Club’s annual Children’s Cycle Coaching sessions return this summer at Prince Henry’s Grammar School playing fields on Wharfe Meadows, offering children a safe introduction to cycling skills and bike handling away from traffic.
The coaching sessions are aimed at children in Years 1–6 and combine practical riding skills with games, confidence-building, and plenty of fun along the way.
The six-week course includes five weeks of coaching, followed by a fun race evening with prizes to round things off.
Sessions focus on the fundamentals of safe cycling while keeping things engaging and adventurous for younger riders, with activities taking place on the playing fields, woodland areas, and local cycle paths around Wharfe Meadows Park.
Safe, Supportive & Family Friendly
The sessions are led by qualified coaches who hold first aid, safeguarding, and DBS certification. Parents and carers are encouraged to stay during the sessions and are welcome to get involved and support the coaching team.
The cost is £19 per family for all six sessions, including one year of family membership to Otley Cycle Club, covering up to two siblings.
Children simply need: A bike in good working order, a helmet and a drink bottle
