With the Tour de France coming to York on 6 July, City of York Council in partnership with British Cycling and Sky is inviting residents who have been inspired by the great race to sign up to a series of free guided bike rides around the city.

The Council says, “Ahead of Stage 2 of the 2014 Tour de France starting in York Sky Ride Local offers people the chance to join organised, guided rides of varying distances and difficulties. These range from easy-going spins around picturesque parts of York through to ‘steady’ and ‘challenging’ rides, for those seeking a little more adventure.”

The next rides coming up are:

Date: 12 July

Time: 1pm

Location: York Cycle Circuit. Meet at York Sports Village, Lakeside Way

Date: 13 July

Time: 10am

Location: Solar System ride: To the planet Pluto and back. Meet at Rowntree Park

Date: 23 July

Time: 1pm

Location: Solar System ride: To the planet Pluto and back. Meet at Rwontree Park

What’s more, residents who take part in two or more Sky Ride Local rides in July can grab themselves some great British Cycling gifts, including water bottles, neck Buffs and the chance to win a VIP cycling experience to the Tour of Britain this September.

To register for one of these rides and for more information about Sky Ride Local and other bike riding opportunities in York this summer visit www.goskyride.com/York

For more information on the Tour de France and cycling in York visit www.york.gov.uk/tourdefrance