What a day with a fantastic turnout of cyclists on the streets of Manchester for the Skyride, it all started in Albert Square and journeyed through Manchester to the National Cycling Centre (Velodrome). It was a day to get on your bike and enjoy a traffic free ride, and also ride with some of the biggest names in track cycling. This was a partnership between Sky and the British Cyling Team that aims to get as many people on bikes, whether its just for fun, fitness or to aim to become good enough to join the newly formed Team Sky which will take on the best riders in the world at the Tour De France next year. Following the successes of the British Cyling Team at the Beijing Olympics and British riders like Mark Cavendish and Bradley Wiggins in the Tour De France, aspirations will be high that we can lay down a foundation for future success by getting more people to take up cycling or improve the skills they already have, who knows you could be the next Chris Hoy, Victoria Pendleton, Mark Cavendish or Nicole Cook.

The day was not just about riding your bike, help was on hand to improve bike handling skills, keeping fit, what to wear to be seen and stay safe. For many though it was about having fun and participating in Manchesters first Skyride, meeting new friends or riding in family groups. Professional BMX riders and Mountain bike tricksters were showing off their skills, there was also sprint challenges, areas where younger riders could improve their skills and lots of help and information.

The event was extremely well organized, more are planned in places up and the down the country, there will also be Skyride local, which are made up of smaller groups of cylists, going over different distances and routes, so even if you cannot get to the bigger events there may still be a Skyride Local near you.

On a negative note, while the Skyride was a success it did have an impact on other events in the area, at Philips Park there was the Urbanathlon ending with Party in the Park including Seeds of the East. I did notice crowds seemed down on last year, and perhaps holding the Skyride as a seperate event may benefit these other events. Anyone coming in a car would have difficulty getting to these other events, the knock-on effect of the event also impacted on taxis and buses, roads in and around Manchester were blocked and this meant extra distance travelling which meant higher costs.

Skyride at National Cycling centre (Manchester Velodrome)

Free Hi-Viz Skyride Vests handed out at Skyride, Manchester 2009

Visit the gallery for a few more photos of the event.