Tour de Frack Cycle Ride 27-28 Apr

Hello! On Thursday 27th April, two Ryedale cyclists, Stuart & David will set off on a 120 mile ride from Lancashire to Yorkshire, climbing over 6,500 feet. 

Stuart's interest in cycling has been revivied by the staging of the Tour de France in Yorkshire in 2014 and he has cycled regularly since.

David is a recreational cyclist with a love of the countryside. 

 Stuart and David are both concerned that the pleasure derived from cycling will be negatively impacted by the government’s policy of developing a shale gas (fracking) industry mainly in the North of England. This industry is a major threat to the environment, tourism and the enjoyment of cycling. All will be badly affected by the associated increase in HGV traffic which will have to use country roads to take water, chemicals and equipment to fracking sites and then remove toxic waste water.

 Fracking involves a massive construction task affecting the tranquility of the areas licensed for fracking. Yorkshire hosted the Grand Depart of 2014 Tour de France and the highly successful and internationally renowned annual three day Tour de Yorkshire. Yorkshire is now a major destination for cyclists who enjoy outstanding scenery, quiet rural roads and some challenging climbs. Who will want to bring the Tour de Yorkshire, or Tour de France through such areas once the construction begins.  Let alone cycle once the air quality and environment becomes affected?

The cycle ride will take 2 days and start at Preston New Road in Lancashire and end at the Kirby Misperton Protection Camp in Yorkshire on Friday 28th April, just hours before the Tour de Yorkshire passes through. The first 16 miles in Lancashire and the final 26 miles in Yorkshire pass through areas licenced for fracking. If this industry is allowed to develop, these regions will contain 100’s of wells.  

But it’s not too late. You can help to halt this industry before it gets established so preserving the wonderful Yorkshire and Lancashire countryside for future generations of cyclists to enjoy.

We very much appreciate and thank you your support. All donations raised will be shared equally between the Preston New Road Action Group and the Kirby Misperton Protection Camp.

Thank you from the saddles of Stuart Leach & 
David Davis