The inaugural RideforEric took place on Sunday 21st September 2014 with nearly four hundred riders taking part. RideforEric was organised by his friends, family and colleagues to mark the life of an amazing man, and to highlight road safety awareness in Sheffield and beyond.

Sadly Eric was killed by a drunk and reckless driver whilst out on his Sunday ride on November 3rd 2013.

RideforEric 2015 will follow exactly the same format. The three courses that we have put together aim to attract all people who enjoy cycling or who simply want to be part of a great event. 

Family Fun ‘Five K’ – 5km. Starting at 11.00am. Red Route

The “Five K” is an opportunity to enjoy a safe, marshalled ride at a leisurely pace, so bring the children and grandparents along. There will be prizes for best fancy dress and bike combination, as well as a prize for the person who raises the most sponsorship in this category.

The ride leaves Abbeydale Sports Club, travels along Abbeydale Road South, turns left into Dobcroft Avenue, and left into Whirlowdale Road where refreshments will be provided at the stopping area in the woods. The ride then continues along Whirlowdale Road and down Abbey Lane before turning back onto Abbeydale Road South to return to Abbeydale Sports Club.

Occasional Rider Challenge – 15km. Staggered starts from 10.15am. Gold Route.

The 15k is great for the occasional rider who wants a challenge, or the frequent rider who simply wants to take in some of the lovely scenery around Sheffield. Following the course of the 5k as far as Ecclesall Woods, the ride then turns right into Abbey Lane, going on to Park Head, Bents Green, and Ringinglow, before turning down Long Line and dropping into Dore. From here the ride follows Old Hay Lane, to join Baslow Road. The rest of the ride down Abbeydale Road South, is, as they say, (thankfully), all downhill!

Enthusiast Challenge – 50km. Staggered starts from 9.30am. Green Route.

If you cycle regularly – perhaps as part of a club or you just want to challenge yourself – then this route through Sheffield and Derbyshire is for you. The route map says it all.

With over ten thousand pounds raised by riders and well wishers in the inaugural RideforEric, the money raised has been used to create a bereavement counseling service run by Cavendish Cancer Care. Ongoing, the RideforEric Trust will provide funds to maintain and develop this valuable service.

The RideforEric Trust has been established to further the positive contribution that cycling enthusists are able to make, the entrance fees and sponsorship monies raised through the RideforEric bike ride and other activities are used  to support the Bereavement Counselling Service run by Cavendish Cancer Care and also to provide funding for cycling safety and inclusion initiative.

If you’re a cyclist and you want to help us raise awareness of road safety, celebrate life, and raise some funds to help others, then one of the routes is right for you, your family and your friends. 

If you don’t want to join the cycle ride, but think you could help by manning feed stations or marshalling on the day, then please also get in touch.