The Evans Cycles Ride It! events comprise a series of organised road and off-road rides that are designed to take the hassle out of your weekend riding. The rides are non-competitive with an emphasis on riding with other riders, riding in new areas and sampling some of the best cycling the UK has to offer.

“It’s all about getting people to use their bikes more often” says Event Manager Dean Stacey. “What we do is take the hassle out of getting out on your bike – we research the routes, mark out the courses, plot them on a map and provide support throughout the day. All you need to do is turn up and ride!”

The series made its debut at Evans Cycles head office at Gatwick, and the second chance to take part in these organised rides is on 18 May at the company’s Gateshead store in the Metro Centre.

Every ride has three or four pre marked routes designed for all standards of riders from family groups to experienced cyclists. The route will make use of twisting and undulating quiet lanes nestled in beautiful countryside, with architectural delights such as Belsay Castle and Hadrians wall. The routes are fully way-marked and riders are given a free Memory Map OS map to help with navigation.

You can choose from 15, 30, 60 or 90 mile routes. Entry cost is £10 per rider. Entry on the day or online at www.evanscycles.com/rideit

Gore Bike Wear will be at the event with their try before you buy service – offering riders their choice of hundreds of Windstopper and GoreTex garments to use for the ride. This service is free of charge to all Ride It! riders – just present your rider card, use any of the garments for the ride and drop them back at the end of the ride and the Gore team will take care of the washing.