As reported in last week’s Driffield Times & Post, Stage Two of the Tour de Yorkshire will pass through Bainton, Tibthorpe and Wetwang on Saturday, May 2, much to the delight of local Breeze Cycling Ride Leader Julie Turner.
Julie regularly takes rides from Driffield around the countryside, including through the villages which will be used by the Tour, while Stage One will head off from Bridlington on Friday, May 1.
Julie said: “We’ve always had a steady flow of cyclists through our county, whether it be a family on a day out, or a group on a social or club ride.
“The solitary rider always makes an appearance, as well as the eclectic mix of people challenging themselves on routes such as the Way of the Roses or Trans Pennine. I suspect things will change now and we could be in for a torrent.”
Over the Friday and Saturday you can watch two different stages within a 15-minute drive of Driffield. “How lucky is that?,” Julie added “ What an opportunity to show off the Eastern Shire to a global audience.
“As a regular rider, I have often been in awe of the Yorkshire Wolds, their rolling and sometimes, uncompromising elevations, our wealth of tranquil back lanes and the big skies that are the backdrop of many a ride. We have panoramic coastal views and, in recent years, Hockney has given the world a glimpse of the changing nature of the landscape in our area.”
The Tour is an opportunity for everyone to witness a major sporting event on their doorstep. Julie continued: “The knock-on effect will not only benefit our economy, but the next generation too and I am sure it will only be a matter of time before a world cycle champion emerges from this part of the country.
“We must congratulate the East Riding of Yorkshire Council for their support and contribution to this event and also the promotion and delivery of cycle training throughout our schools.
“As a local rider involved in lead rides run through British Cycling, I have seen the popularity of cycling increase over recent years.
“The Breeze Initiative to get more women out on their bikes has grown from strength to strength and we are fortunate to have a number of Breeze Champion Ride Leaders in this area.
“One of the most popular Coast to Coast Routes crosses our county and Cycle Sportives take place on a regular basis.
“You cannot read the local paper without coming across individuals setting out on charity rides or personal challenges. All this only goes to add to the myriad of sport on offer locally, from Archery to Zumba.
“Yes, we are the lucky ones, but the Yorkshire Tour doesn’t realise how fortunate it is to have access to our wonderful county.”