Post by Dave on Jun 14, 2015 18:06:56 GMT
Paignton Velopark Skyride Sunday 14th June 2015
Motivation really has been my big problem so far this year, but as I will soon be riding from Bridgwater to Taunton and back along the canal path soon, ( a distance of 30 miles) I knew I had to get back out their on my bike.
I was aware that there was a Skyride taking place at the Paignton Velopark starting at 2pm today, but I had not booked my place to be on it. At 9.30am this morning I went onto the Skyride site and saw that 59 of the 60 places on offer were already booked. So I booked place number 60 and gave my bike the once over before heading down to Clennon Valley.
At long last things have been improving in the Bay as far as sports go, we now have a wonderful 3g football pitch along with a great sports hall. We also have the new 1.5 km closed road circuit at Clennon Valley that is open seven days a week and gets plenty of good use.
The Skyrides at the Velopark are very much a family affair, mums dad and children of all ages take part. The opening few laps tend to be very congested and you have to ride with plenty of care, if you do not want to knock a small child of their bicycle. But soon riders start dropping out and the track opens up so you can start getting up to a better and faster riding pace.
I completed 15 laps which works out around 15 miles and I was surprised how good I was still feeling and knew I still had plenty left in my legs. But time was against me and anyway I felt there was no need to overdo things before my next big ride.
Its so good to see families out enjoying what has been a very pleasant afternoon in the Bay, the number of people now cycling has increased in recent years. I made a short video of the opening lap for anyone who does not know the Velopark and what it is like riding around it. It can be a bit windy at the park on some days, but today that was not the case.
If you have never been to the Velopark it’s not very expensive and well worth the effort it might take you to get there. There are a number of other Skyrides at the park during the year that are free and all you have to do is become a member which is also free. There are also other Skyrides that take place on Sundays such as a ride to Berryhead. All good fun and very well organised.
Sadly UTube has removed the audio I put on this