On Saturday 23rd July over 100 riders took up the challenge of the Steel Valley Ride for the first time in three years. The riders and the organisers were happy to be gathering at the event HQ in Fox Valley again, with nervous excitement buzzing in the air.
Heavy rain had battered the course 24 hours earlier, but the conditions on the day were good, making for fast times out on the 31 mile course. All but a handful of riders made it successfully to the finish, though everyone had a smile on their face whether they made it back on two wheels or four.
The Steel Valley Ride is organised by local conservation charity the Steel Valley Project as an annual fundraising event in partnership with Trek Bicycle Sheffield Fox Valley. As event partner the Trek store became the ride HQ for the day and Trek also provided a £150 voucher for a prize draw on the day.
Tom Newman, General Manager at the Steel Valley Project said “It was such a buzz to finally be running the event again, and to see the smiles on the riders faces at the finish line is such a great feeling. Huge thanks go to our volunteer marshals and event partner Trek without whom the event simply wouldn’t happen. Thanks also to Liberty Steel for the use of their car park for the riders.”
First time rider on the event Richard Pearson said “…great event, and a great route that was very well planned and signed. Many thanks to the organisers and the event volunteers!”.
Andy Cook, manager of Trek Sheffield said “It was great to see so many riders of all ages and abilities taking part in the ride. Trek Sheffield are always keen to support this event due to the excellent work carried out in the local area by the Steel Valley Project, we are already looking forward to next year.”
For more information on the countryside management work carried out by the Steel Valley Project, please visit www.steelvalleyproject.org
Steel Valley Ride 