This Sunday saw the third annual Big Cycle Day Out. This year’s festival of cycling in Derby went beyond all expectations with some 4000 people enjoying an incredible day of biking.
We had some amazing activities and displays with people coming from far and wide to Markeaton Park.

Sam and Amy from Heart FM’s Breakfast Show got the day off to a swinging start with some bike themed games to get everyone in the mood including a round of musical statues bike style. Together with Rammie, they launched the 5 Parks Ride to the sound of ringing of bike bells. The Heart Angels were there throughout the day with the Heart Alfresco zone giving people a chance to relax before or after all that pedalling!

This year’s festival was brought to life by the music of Derbyshire’s most captivating bands. It was a great line up put together by the Fleet Arts Project and Fuse.

Get Out There MTB brought a taste of the mountains to Markeaton Park with their exciting Northshore course. The troop travelled all the way from Essex to bring a wooden track often seen 'out on the trail', with corners, narrow sections and 'whoops' (swift ups and downs) as a training tool and taster of the real thing!

Another long distance visitor were The Clan, Scotland’s cycle stunt team performed 3 high impact, exhilarating shows during the day to show off their amazing tricks. The Mountain Bike, BMX and Trials cycling display team also brought along a have-a-go activity which proved popular with inspired youngsters.

The day saw 100 people take part in the firth annual Five Parks sponsored ride, raising an estimated £1,500 for Macmillan Cancer Support. The six-mile ride, organised by Amanda Salt from the CTC Cycle Champions Programme, began in Markeaton Park and took in Cathedral Green, Darley Abbey Park, the River Gardens and Bass' Recreation Ground.

Over 400 children took part in the Shift and Sprocket 'Give It A Go' cycle challenge. Cycle Derby's cycling superheroes encouraged children to complete 5 or more of the activities on the day. Those who managed it were entered into a prize drawn to win some amazing cycling goodies donated by cycle distributor Moore & Large. The under 8 winner was Anna Butcher and the under 12 winner was Reuben Parker.

There were also prizes on offer on the day.  Oliver Brooks aged 6 was the winner of the 'Win a Scooter' competition run by the School Travel Plan team. The guys from Mini Pods also had a girls and boys bike to give away.

This year the event formed the culmination of ‘Inspiring Derby’ week. Organised by Derby City Partnership, the week has included more than 90 events aimed at showcasing what the city has to offer. Hopefully, all those who cam along will have been inspired to get out on their bikes and discover Derby by bike!