PERSONAL PERSPECTIVES

Meet our... BIKE PROVIDERS

Liam Benson talks to the suppliers behind our fleet of hire bikes, and discovers how hiring a bike in the National Park could just hook you into cycling and that pedalling the hills can be a breeze!

Behind every one of our four bike hire centres are a team of dedicated cycle partners. Full of expertise, they help our centre staff with selecting the very best, carefully chosen array of bikes suitable for all sizes, abilities and terrains. Pippa Wibberley, managing director of Raleigh and Gary Conway, senior product and marketing manager at Tandem Group Cycles, talk us through their love of the Peak District National Park, the joys of riding an electric bike and the importance of being outdoors. Pippa Gary

What do you enjoy most about the Peak District National Park? Pippa: It has to be the combination of unspoilt beauty and accessibility. I grew up in Derbyshire, so within moments, you can be out of the city and into the most amazing natural landscapes. Gary: After a hectic week at work, the Peak District National Park offers the perfect escape. There’s a variety of trails for all levels of ability on and off the bike, most of which are signposted so you can just get out and enjoy the ride rather than worrying about planning routes or getting lost! What’s your favourite place to cycle to in the National Park? Pippa: My husband and I like to camp at Hurdlow where we can then quickly hop on to the High Peak Trail at Parsley Hay. A former railway line that first opened in 1831 (one of the oldest in the world!), it’s now a traffic-free trail with plenty to see, especially during the summer, including cowslips, orchids and wild herbs.

Gary: The Manifold Trail takes some beating. It’s great for all the family to use as it’s really easy going. There’s no major twists and turns to get lost and generally a very relaxing ride... it’s also really nice to stop half-way with a packed lunch and coffee before getting back on the bike.

Fact! • Raleigh are one of the world’s

oldest and well-known bike brands. Established in 1887 in Nottingham, they are still based there to this day. • Tandem Group Cycles are a

Birmingham-based bike distributor responsible for some of the best-loved bike brands in the UK including Squish and Claud Butler.

The lowdown

There are over 34 miles of accessible traffic-free trails to explore – perfect for all the family.

Why did you want to be involved with the National Park? Gary: Our brands have the perfect synergy with the Peak District National Park. Around 99% of our bikes are designed for everyday cyclists – not top-end elitist type bikes – just high quality fun to use bikes suitable for the whole family.

What bikes are you providing our hire centres and why should people give them a go? Pippa: The bikes we are providing offer something for everybody. Our ‘Strada’ range will get you across the National Park in complete comfort whilst the ‘Motus’ range will give riders a premium electric bike experience, allowing you to travel further, explore more and truly take on the adventure ahead – wherever it may lead you.

Gary: We already supply our hugely popular ‘Squish’ lightweight children’s bikes and this year we’ll also be supplying ‘Claud Butler’ mountain bikes. Squish are lightweight, easy to use and perfectly proportioned for children – making learning to ride a doddle. For mum and dad the Claud Butler, a rugged, real all-rounder, will be available. The Claud Butler brand name has been synonymous in the world of mountain biking for decades, and being a UK based brand we’re excited for more people to give them a go on the National Park’s trails. Our National Park hire centres have a range of bikes to suit all size, age and abilities.

What would you say to someone who hasn’t much cycling experience, to encourage them to hire a bike from one of our four hire centres? Pippa: Go for it! Most people’s biggest fear of cycling is safety and getting lost. The National Park hire centres are located on well maintained, signposted traffic-free trails, which enables you to enjoy cycling without worries. The second concern is fitness – will I manage the hills? So hire an e-bike and take that stress away too. There is so much beauty to enjoy and I encourage everyone to get out there whenever they can.

Gary: Hiring a bike is the very best way to find out for yourself if cycling is for you. Instead of going to the expense of buying a new bike without knowing exactly what size or style of bike suits you best... or even if you enjoy cycling, why not hire a bike for a few hours to take a real test ride.

What are the advantages to hiring an e-bike? Pippa: The hills of the Peak District are so beautiful, but, dependent upon how challenging a route you take, sometimes not for the faint hearted. Hiring an e-bike means you can really enjoy the beauty of the area without the fear of pushing a bike some of the way. And don’t worry – it still keeps you fit!

All of our hire bikes are available for purchase, often up to 50% off the RRP – so if you find the perfect bike for you, you are in luck! We will even deduct the hire fee. Enquire in one of our hire centres for further details.

Jonathon Parrish, PDNPA

Did you know? We welcome your used bike inner tubes. Last year we saved almost 600 from the tyres of our hire fleet reaching landfill by sending them for recycling to be turned into new products.

Exclusive offers Summer is made for cycling. Whether you’re interested in group rates, or for yourself and the family, we’d like you to be the first to hear about exclusive offers, special sales and all the latest news from our bike hire centres.

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